We specialise in green roofs that are designed to last. You can plant almost anything on one of our green roofs. You just need to make sure that the plants have what they need to thrive: enough material to grow in, access to water, and a plant-appropriate care regime.
Shingle roofs
We think the extended weather patterns caused by climate breakdown are rendering the national GRO guidelines for green roofs somewhat insufficient. Wet mild winters are increasingly followed by drier Springs, which are causing longer periods of stress to sedum and meadow roofs alike. This is making robust design and mindful installation more important that ever. Our respone to climage change is to encourage clients where possible to move away from thinking about ‘systems’ – our Shingle roof eschews full coverage and evenly laid growing medium in favour of deeper mounds (to the load limit of the structure) and more generous shingle channels. These are not standard green roofs but they are more resilient and the naturalist stone channels provide a) an aesthetically-pleasing counterpoint to the planted areas b) visual interest and form during the times of year when the plants are not in flower and c) functional habitat for invertbrates like solitary bees and butterflies.
Pros: more climate resilient without significant extra cost, although where possible its preferable to increase the structural load limits
Cons: heavier; its undulating appearance makes this unsuitable where even coverage is a design requirement; shingle can require care to keep free of invasives (all green roofs should have be cared for however)
Sedum roofs
Succulents which grow in around 60mm of substrate (growing medium). Usually supplied in pre-grown rolls but also available in plugs, cuttings. Sedum roofs are good nectar sources during their flowering season but this tends to be quite short. Can be augmented with wildflowers.
Pros: great for clients who want low-growing plants with year-round colour
Cons: needs feeding annually, which can create ideal conditions for weeds
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