Green Roofs are gaining popularity all over the world, and the New York Times recently published an article on a new Green Roof being built (planted?) on the Silvercup Studios complex in Long Island City (photo above). Full article available on the Wired New York Forum.

Why plant a garden on a roof?  A garden, or even just grass, will absorb rainwater runoff, decreasing the need to drain water and the possibility of flooding from strong rainshowers. It will shade the roof from the sun, decreasing the need for cooling. In the winter, it prevents heat from being released from the roof, decreasing the need for heating. It provides cleaner air. Because of heat-trapping qualities of cities, a roof garden will actually cool the surrounding area. And what’s nicer to look at, a tar roof or a garden?

I knew of green roofs and of course, as a gardener, loved the idea. But once I started reading about them, I was amazed at how wide-spread this idea has become. Germany, England, numerous cities in the US like Chicago and Boston have already implemented numerous green roofs. Not to mention the new legislature to provide tax breaks for building owners. Let’s face it, natural spaces in cities are at a premium to begin with and since you need to go vertical to create more living space, why not go vertical for more natural space too?

However, you can’t just throw some dirt and grass seed on your roof. There are engineering concerns, and a science to getting this right. You have to ensure the saturated roof is not going to be a heavy burden, especially when loaded down with snow, so there is special soil involved, special plants with non-vertical root systems, heat and sun tolerant plants, etc.

Sounds interesting, right? Click on any of the below links for more info:

Greening Gotham – Basic information resource with information on how to help the Green Roof initiative in NYC

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities – News and information on Green Roofs for urban areas

Michigan State University – Research information on the Green Roof at MSU

News articles:

USA’s largest living roof being built on California Academy of Sciences.

SunTrust Bank unveils 11,800 square foot Green Roof in Richmond, Virginia

Chicago Elementary school will hold science classes on their Green Roof

Developer in England mows his roof and loves every minute of it

Barclay Bank in the UK hopes to attract endangered bird to it’s 31 story green rooftop

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Yes, that’s right, I visited the NYBG again. Well hell, I paid for a membership, I should take full advantage, right?

At the end of the summer the water lilies and lotus are in full bloom in the ponds behind the conservatory. The above beauty was one of numerous lilies in blue, pink, red, yellow, white, lavender… Not to mention the lotus flowers. You can see all the photos I took that day at the  NYBG photo gallery.

Trish

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