subject: Artificial Trees, Happy Bees And Topsy Turvy Gardens [print this page] For some people, having plants in the garden and inside the house is not enough. A new trend is spreading from building to building roof planting. This is exactly what it sounds like, growing plants on your roof. These plants are usually sedums, a member of the Crassulaceae or 'stone crop' family, because they are fleshy and draught resistant, so they can withstand rooftop conditions. They also don't require much maintenance, which is handy when they're located on top of your house!
Sedum roof planting is a great method of insulation, and can also help to keep a house cool during Summer by shading it from the sun. It is also beneficial to wildlife, as these plants are rich in nectar, and provide food for bees and butterflies, as well as other plant-loving critters.
Before you can start your Sedum roof planting, you need to be sure that your roof can support the weight, and that your current waterproofing does not leak. Then you need to nail a layer of pond or butyl lining to your roof, which will stop leaks and roots growing through. You then need a layer of fleece to act as a filter underneath a lightweight layer of soil and substrates 1-5cm deep. Once you've prepared your roof, you can get planting! You can also use pre-grown sedum blankets, so you don't even have to wait for anything to grow before you can enjoy the results of your roof.Although plants are highly beneficial, not everybody has the time to look after them. For all their environmental advantages, they take up a lot of time and require a lot of maintenance. Luckily, there is an alternative. Artificial trees and plants can provide just as much beauty and generate as much happiness as a real one might, but are much easier to look after.
Although real plants seem to be the most environmentally friendly, and perhaps satisfying option, giving you the pride of having grown something, plus the benefit of a lovely scent, artificial trees and flowers have benefits of their own. Firstly, if you or a family member suffers from pollen allergies, there is no need to worry about giving them discomfort. Secondly, because these plants do not attract wildlife, there is no risk of children coming across a dangerous insect when playing around plants.
Artificial plants save time because they don't need watering, and unlike real plants, they do not shed leaves or die, so they don't leave a mess and they look beautiful all year round and will last for many years to come. Whether they're real or artificial, indoors or outdoors, on the ground or even on the roof, having plants around can bring an extra dose of beauty and happiness to your home, garden or office, and can help to make your day that little bit brighter.
