GREEN ROOF DESIGN & GREEN ROOF PLANTS

Green roofs have many benefits including insulation, adding to biodiversity, reducing urban drainage, improving amenitiy and others.

Types of plants can be selected for the aim of the roof. Biodiverse or 'brown' roofs are designed for a particluar ecosystem and habitat.

Others such as sedum and sedum varieties are more of a monoculture. Sedum can be scattered with wild seeds to grow into attractive plants, to give more of a natural effect.

The garden planted roof is similar to a biodiverse 'brown' roof, but designed more for amenity.

Three main types of plants for green roofs are

• Sedum and sedum varieties - most popular, a hardy plant with low water requirement, very tough
• Natural - using a wide range of natural plants or so-called weeds local to the area
• Garden - planted with flowers and attractive plants, may require more maintenance

Above: Sedum and sedum varieties on green roof

Above: Flowering sedum and sedum varieties with additional wild flowers on green roof

Above: Close up of sedum and sedum varieties on green roof

Above: Natural plants on green roof

Above: Close up of natural plants on green roof

Above: Garden plants on green roof

Above: Close up of garden plants on green roof

Genetic modification

GM plants will be available for urban green roofs. Plants that thrive on pollution, extreme heat ranges, support biodiversity, and help the environment.

GM has been used for crop improvements, and offer the hope of reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, as natural genetic methods can be moved from plant to plant.

This is still a controversial area as most green enthusiasts are evangelical for nature and do not understand science, or genetics.