Green roofs grow up: Creating native prairies in city skylines

Pop quiz: What kind of natural habitat is increasing in urban areas? This is not a trick question. Rather, the answer offers a slice of good news on a planet that has been increasingly turning from green to gray. Green roofs are on the rise in cities, according to Kelly Ksiazek-Mikenas, Ph.D., who has a … Continue reading Green roofs grow up: Creating native prairies in city skylines

Planting Fall Bulbs on the Green Roof

Walking around the Garden, you may see lots of holes being dug and bulbs being planted for a colorful display in the spring. But one place you may not expect to see this is the Green Roof Garden at the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. Green roofs are known for having … Continue reading Planting Fall Bulbs on the Green Roof

60-Second Science: Green Roof Plants are Tough

Gardeners and farmers know that healthy plants need good soil and the right amounts of both water and sunlight. But green roofs are intentionally built with an engineered soil-like substance that more closely resembles a pile of rocks than rich, moist potting soil. To make matters worse, the tops of buildings are often blindingly sunny … Continue reading 60-Second Science: Green Roof Plants are Tough

Three Years of the Green Roof Garden…and Counting

It’s hard to believe that the Green Roof Garden has been in place for three full growing seasons already. Our horticultural and research staff is pleased to see how the green roof is growing and evolving as plants settle in and move around by rhizomes and reseeding. Despite the challenging weather of 2011 and 2012, … Continue reading Three Years of the Green Roof Garden…and Counting