My first exposure to a green roof was a few years ago, when I attended a workshop given by Penn State Master Gardeners at the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary in Emmaus, PA. As I walked up to the conference center, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I saw plants growing on the roof! Why would a gardener put a horticultural delight on a roof? I was intrigued, so I did a little research.
Green roof sustainable technology was developed in Germany in the 1970’s. A green roof—also known as an "eco roof"-- consists of special roof material and a lightweight combination of soil, compost and drought tolerant plants such as cactus and sedum. It’s used in place of a traditional roof to reduce the cost of roof maintenance, neutralize acid rain, reduce the energy needed to heat or cool a building and reduce problems from storm water runoff.
Storm water overflow is a problem in all of the major cities in the East Coast. In our area, a green roof would retain 50 percent of rainfall and slow down the other 50 percent so it doesn’t overwhelm the storm water pipes. A green roof solution sounds good to me! And cities in Illinois, DC and Maryland think so too--they already have green roofs. And yes, we have them in Philadelphia!
By the way, did you know that Penn State University is a leader in green-roof research? Want more info? Go to PSU Green Roof Research.
If you’re interested in current information about sustainable gardens and landscape design, you won't want to miss our Fall Fest on September 29--Jeff Jabco is presenting a workshop on green roofs, rain gardens, porous paving, parking space paving alternatives, capturing and reusing storm water for irrigation, bio-swales and the use of recycled materials. Jeff is Director of Grounds and Assistant Director of Horticulture at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College.
Do you have a gardening question? Call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
August 11, 2007: Vegetable & Fruit Sculpting
Learn how to create sculpted veggies & fruit. This is a hands-on workshop.
September 8, 2007: Gourds & Birdhouses
Learn how to make birdhouses and other useful items from gourds you can grow in your garden. This is a hands-on workshop.
September 29, 2007: Master Gardeners Fall Fest & Plant Sale
Registration required for all events (except plant sale). Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website at http://delaware.extension.psu.edu/MG/MGcalendar.
