Comments on: Green roof movement in Austin

By: Sue

Sue — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:40:30 +0000

I was on a train a couple of weeks back, and looking out of the window while we passed Lodi in Italy saw a car port with a green roof … doesn’t matter how small, it still helps.
Sue

That’s true, Sue. Every little bit adds more green to the world. —Pam

By: Cal

Cal — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:45:41 +0000

I love everything about green roofs (and walls!), but am curious if installing a green roof means one cannot also collect rain water from their roof? Collecting rain water is my first priority (as there are other ways to get the energy saving benefits of a green roof). So can green roofs and rain water collection co-exist?

Good question, Cal. I really don’t know, but I’ll forward your question to Casey Boyter, who knows all things about green roofs. —Pam

By: WillG

WillG — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:21:15 +0000

Hi! Great news for Austin! They seem to be wanting to catch up with Cincinnati, Chicago, and Washington DC. I recently read an article titled “Green Cincinnati” at http://cleanerairforcities.blogspot.com/2008/10/green-cincinnati.html where Cincinnati is going to use grants to encourage green roofs. It makes sense as green roofs reduce air pollution and storm water runoff, while increasing energy efficiency and offering habitats.

By: Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Mr. McGregor's Daughter — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:01:22 +0000

This is such encouraging news! I am a fan of green roofs, so I want this to become not just a trend, but the norm.

Me too! —Pam

By: CJ

CJ — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:47:19 +0000

I’ve been to a few lectures that discussed the benefits of green roofs and I found it fascinating. I’ve even heard that the Adirondack Museum will be switching over to a green roof soon. (Yeah!) Unfortunately, most people up north are too nervous to try a green roof because they want to ensure easy snow removal. In an area of the country that can get up to 3-4 feet of snow in just a few days snow removal is a major issue. Maybe as green roof systems improve technology will solve the problem.

Thanks for commenting, CJ. I hadn’t known about the green roof issues for those in cold climates. I can see where that would be a problem. But didn’t green roofs originate in northern Europe, where it must also snow heavily? —Pam

By: Lisa at Greenbow

Lisa at Greenbow — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:14:39 +0000

I have read about this in garden magazines. It is a great concept. I hope it catches on.

It seems to be gaining momentum. To change the subject, Lisa, I notice that you never leave your URL as a link-back to your own blog. Is there a reason for that? I’d think you’d want other readers to be able to find you from your comments. Just wondering. —Pam

By: Val at The Illustrated Garden

Val at The Illustrated Garden — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:58:02 +0000

Thanks for this info. Definitely an idea whose time has come!

Yes, it is! Val, I love your site, by the way. Your illustrations are amazing. —Pam

By: mss @ Zanthan Gardens

mss @ Zanthan Gardens — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:23:04 +0000

Thanks for the heads up. I might even go. We’re considering a green roof as one possibility for a new design for the infamously failed garden house. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity to get more info.

That would be cool, though a different aesthetic from the Asian one that informed your original design, wouldn’t you agree? If you do go to the GR0WERS happy hour, please let me know all about it. —Pam

By: Jim/ArtofGardening

Jim/ArtofGardening — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:42:15 +0000

The greening of the roofs is great. Here in Buffalo we’ve doubled the number of green rooftops in the last year. There are now two.

Ha! Well, everyone’s got to start somewhere. Thanks for commenting, Jim. —Pam