Even those living in apartments can share and enjoy a green space with the local pollinators and birds. Rooftop gardens are becoming more popular, as many people in cities would like to utilize their lofty square footage as a refuge to relax in. We took full advantage of this concept to reduce thermal pressures (full sun exposure at almost 9,000’), increasing evapotranspiration, and inviting native pollinators such as bees, moths, butterflies, hover flies, and humming birds among others.
Our clients came to us with a vision to create an oasis on their expansive rooftop. We evaluated the allowable load for the roof and how an irrigation system could be designed. Planters drawn to different sizes and depths were designed, fabricated and, to protect the roof flooring, powder coated in two different finishes (selected by the homeowner) for an interesting contrast. A clever drainage system was also integrated into the planter design as well as shelves within the planters to prevent overloading the roof.
The homeowners were a delight to work with on this project. Both, very astute in design themselves, contributed greatly to the successful outcome of their rooftop. They wanted to create several rooms on the rooftop; some for casual gathering, one for the spa, one for grilling, and another for dining. As a part of the overall planter design, great consideration was taken to create all of these areas.
Once the planters were fabricated, they were loaded onto a flatbed trailer and staged at our workshop. There, we prepped and filled the planters with a combination of soil that would provide structure as well as nutrients appropriate for a closed soil system. Then, the planters were trucked to the site and craned into place. We set to strategically planting each planter with the appropriate plants; a combination of dwarf evergreens, ornamental grasses, tall and mid-height pollinator species, ground covers, and just a few annuals to ensure vibrant colors all summer long, an important factor for a garden that would be used often for entertaining.
We could not have predicted the amazing result of this rooftop garden. I must say, we nailed it. This little ecosystem provides the perfect conditions for pollinators, with its consistent warm temperatures, just enough air circulation, and fresh summer evening rains. With all the different shapes, sizes, and colors, the birds and insects are in constant delight, as are we.
