My WildlifeKate hub is going to have a green roof, but that obviously needs to be planted before the show. In order to do this, I am having a series of trays that can be lifted up onto the roof once at the show. Phil has made these for me and delivered them today.
There are nine trays and they have a frame and then a wire mesh base. I will line each one with weed cover mesh and then plant them all up. I am entirely new to green roofs, so have decided to experiment with different planting in each tray. As I plant them up, I will be blogging about what I am doing and how they progress.
The weather was not looking good for Phil and Donna's trip down the M6 to Lichfield. High winds and swirling snow was not really ideal for a long journey with wooden trays strapped to the top of a van, but they arrived safely and were pleased to be welcomed to my home.. wood burner roaring , cuppa and homemade cake!!
Phil and Donna have not visited me before, so it was great to be able to show them around and point out where all my cameras were! Now when they watch my live streams, they will be able to picture everything in context!
Phil unloaded all the trays into my garage port... there were a few minor adjustments to be made... a quick trip to Wickes and before long, Phil was done.
Then we carried them all up onto the patio area where the hub will be set up after the show. It had stopped snowing, but was mighty cold out there! We laid them out in position so we could visualise how big the hub is going to be. It is so exciting actually seeing the start of this building that began as a dream sketch! It looks pretty big, but luckily, I have a large patio area and it is going to look truly spectacular there.
All the wood for the WildlifeKate Hub has been delivered to the main depot and Phil will be picking that up next week. Building will start in earnest then. He is an amazing carpenter and this building is really going to be something special! Come to the show and see for yourself. Commission him to make your bespoke building... get sketching your ideas now and you can show him them at the show! If you can sketch it.... he can make it! Have your own wildlife hub in your garden!
It is so exciting when, after all the planning, you start to see it actually happening.....
Good work, Kate. You've lined them up just right for the space. How generous of Phil to bring the nine trays - may I ask how are you related to him and Donna? Anyway, there are various green roof plants that you can start over with but I suggest you include Sedum plants to your list because these plants do not require a great deal of water and can tolerate high winds. I've read in your profile that you'll be participating on this June's Gardener's World Live at NEC. Good luck, Kate! May the force be with you.
ReplyDeleteSanto Caridine
They look spectacular, indeed! Santo's right, there are a lotta green roof plants you can make use of, but the top performers are Sedum (the one Santo has mentioned), Sempervivum, Blue Grama and Delosperma - it's your choice. How's your roof garden doing now?
ReplyDeleteBrendan Gertner
I agree with Santo. Since it's a green roof, you'll be needing plants that need less water and can tolerate high winds. Green roofs prevent sound pollution because they reduce reflective sound by up to 3 dB, and improve sound insulation by up to 8 dB. They are most effective with buildings near airports or factories.
ReplyDeleteHugh Dinatale
I’m impressed with those frames. It’s for sure that it can withstand the harsh weather condition such as heavy rain and snow fall. The only thing missing is the plant that will bloom and make the roofing look beautiful as ever! What flower do you think would fit well with those frames?
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Hoffnung
They are good looking frames, Kate! Experimenting with these frames can surely bring you a lot of fun. Did you know that a green roof, just like natural vegetation, has environmental benefits? They filter water and air pollution.
ReplyDeleteAshlee Starns
You're certainly right about that, Ashlee. And one of these wonderful environmental benefits is that is that it improves the thermal resistance of the roof assembly throughout the year, especially during the summer months, helping to reduce cooling costs.
DeleteMariam Freame