Vegetation
The aim of extensive planting is to achieve natural, low-maintenance vegetation. The plants must be frost- and drought-resistant and capable of survival when only limited nutrients are available. Various species of sedum have proved especially suitable. They can be combined with herbs to create sedum/herb plant communities. Intensive plantings allow considerably greater scope in terms of plant selection. As long as the vegetation layer is deep enough, and sufficient water and nutrients are provided, conditions for plant growth on the roof can be virtually as good as at ground level.Worth knowing ...
Who invented it ...?The idea of planting roofs is not new, nor is it traditionally German. Nonetheless, German researchers and designers have undisputably been at the forefront of developments in the field of roof planting over the past fifty years.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, dating from the 6th century, are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and often cited as a predecessor of the green roof. In ancient Athens and Rome, too, roof gardens were laid out and intensively used on the traditional flat roofs.
In Iceland and Norway, green roofs have existed for centuries - in these countries it is the insulating effect of turf and peat that people turn to their advantage.
(Source: Goethe Institute)