Page 27 - LandscapeIssue-143
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RoofToP
                 RoofToP


                EdIblE
                 EdIblE

                gaRdEns
                 gaRdEns







        n today’s urban setting, dominated by townhouses, flats, and apartments,   •  Roof Slope and Pitch: The slope of your roof is vital for both plant
        the urge to cultivate fresh, organic, and healthy food might frequently   stability and water management. a steep slope can cause plants to
      Iappear out of reach due to restricted space. The concept of “green roofs”   slide off, while a flat roof may lead to water pooling. designing with
       or edible rooftop gardens is rapidly gaining popularity as urban residents   the right pitch ensures a safe and efficient garden setup.
       look for new ways to include gardening into their daily life. Effective rooftop   •  Plant Placement: Consider the orientation of your roof, local
       gardens combine food production with environmental sustainability,   climate, and exposure to wind and shade. Position plants
       which includes reduced rainfall runoff, heating and cooling requirements,   strategically to maximize sunlight and protect them from harsh
       biodiversity, aesthetic value, and air quality.  as urbanisation intensifies,   conditions. opt for hardy, drought-tolerant species that thrive in
       the availability of space per person decreases, driving the need for creative   rooftop environments.
       solutions like edible rooftop gardens. These gardens provide a sustainable,   •  Wind Mitigation: In areas prone to strong winds, consider
       cost-effective source of fresh produce, offering health benefits.  incorporating aesthetically pleasing windbreaks such as trellises
                                                              or shade cloths. These not only protect your plants but also add a
                                                              unique architectural element to your rooftop.























       While the concept of rooftop gardening is appealing, several critical
       factors must be considered to ensure success:
       •  Structural Integrity: Ensure that your roof can support the   Rooftop gardens inherently align with  Water  Wise principles,
        additional weight of soil, plants, and water. Consulting a structural   particularly in their use of rainwater and prevention of stormwater
        engineer before starting your project is essential to prevent any   runoff.  by capturing and utilizing rainwater, these gardens reduce
        structural damage.                                   the need for supplementary irrigation, conserving precious water
       •  Waterproofing and Protection: To safeguard your existing roof,   resources.  additionally, the vegetation on green roofs slows down
        an additional protective layer is necessary unless you’re using trays   water runoff, minimising the impact on urban drainage systems and
        or containers. This layer will prevent water damage and ensure the   reducing the risk of flooding.
        longevity of both your garden and your roof.
       •  Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to avoid water accumulation,   Always be #WaterWise
        which can lead to roof damage and plant root rot. Incorporating
        Water Wise principles like using permeable materials can enhance
        drainage and prevent excessive runoff.
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