Modern Roof Garden Design

Green Roofing is the method of covering ones roof with vegetation. This is achieved by adding growing media and plants over the top of the normal roof covering, along with drainage and a waterproof layer. Green Roofing is now used extensively throughout the globe and has been adopted by many, including some very big corporations such as Nintendo and Rolls Royce, for the individual advantages they boast. In this article we will have a look at three different types of Roof Garden and their advantages to see which would best suit your needs.

Sedum Roofs

Sedum is a group of around 400 different plants that usually reside on rocks, ledges and other truly hostile conditions. This tolerance and versatility is why Sedum succeeds so well in a Green Roof Garden setting.

Advantages of a Sedum Roof:

The plant contains water storing leaves meaning that water runoff is minimal. This is especially good if your house is prone to storms.

Throughout the year the roof will change colour from green, to purple and then on to red. This, coupled with the beautiful array of flowers that pop up over spring and summer, adds a big selling point for Sedum Roofs.

Both thermal and sound insulation are greatly increased over a standard roof. Not only does this add warmth but it can greatly reduce heating bills as well as keeping the building cool during the summer months.
Wildflower Meadow Roofs

Wildflower meadows used to be a large part of our country however due to urbanism and large construction projects their popularity has diminished over time. They make for a very aesthetically pleasing Roof Garden as they provide a multitude of colours all year round.

Advantages of Wildflower and Meadow Roofs:

A great number of wildlife creatures are attracted to these types of Green Roof Gardens. Ladybirds, bees and butterflys are commonly spotted enjoying the habitat.

Since the 1930's the United Kingdom has lost over 97% of Wildflower Meadows, having a Green Roof Garden of this type is an excellent way to reverse this process whilst at the same time reintroducing rare and endangered species into the environment.

This sort of Green Roof Garden grows much quicker than other types giving you a great looking Garden without having to wait 2-3 Years.
Biodiverse Roofs

A Biodiverse Roof is one made up of as much recycled materials as possible that also reflects the plant life in the area..

Advantages of a Biodiverse Roof:

This is the most cost effective type of Green Roof Garden

As Biodiverse Roofs use local plant life it means that local wildlife can thrive where modern developments may have hindered its growth.

Like all green roofs, this type is very helpful for the environment however it is set apart from fellow Green Roofs due to the fact that the majority of the materials used are recycled, therefore reducing on raw materials.
As you can see all three types of Green Roof Garden have some formidable advantages to both the user and the environment. The type that suits the user is mainly down to the users situation and financial position.

Hundreds of years ago, simple huts were made with grasses and plants built into the thatched roofs, which grew to keep the house insulated and guarded from outside forces. At the present time, this antiquated idea of a roof garden has changed into the modern practice of installing and growing numerous kinds of plant life in many different forms on top of homes, cottages, sheds and other adjoining buildings. From elaborate, decorative gardens to simple, practical mats, these new structures (and the know-how that makes them possible) are spreading rapidly across the country.

Roof gardens that are more lavish can be soothing getaways that offer solitude to homeowners who want to install a private garden entirely under their care. These functional varieties of roof garden, harboring mostly grasses and herbs, act as an extra layer of protection, keeping your residence warm during the winter and cool during the summer.