Slice of life

February 14, 2006

This weekend, we finished up a model showing the different layers of the True Nature Foods green roof that will support growing vegetables and herbs.

From top to bottom, you see:

(1) plants - for evapotranspiration, filtration of toxins, and best of all… food!
(2) filter fabric or burlap - protects plants and growing medium from wind
(3) growing medium, here a mixture of compost, mulch, and perlite (minus some secret ingredients) - much lighter than dirt, holds in just enough moisture for plants
(4) perlite layer - filtration, water retension, and root establishment
(5) filter fabric - allows excess water to drain without letting large particles of loose growing medium to clog downspouts
(6) erosion control netting
(7) Styrofoam rigid insulation - keeps interior space cool in summer, warm in winter
(8) isolation/slip sheet (not visible) - keeps insulation separate from existing roof
(9) existing roof (represented by the wood base)