Ok, this is a DIY project for LIDers who want to try out a green roof, but may not be ready or able to tackle something full-scale. How about a green doghouse, or shed? This is a no-power-tools-required project that can be done over a weekend, or with a few hours here and there.
Step 1: Cover the roof that came on the structure with roofing felt cut to size with a utility knife. Attach it using gavanized roofing nails.Step 2: Creat two frames to hold potting soil mix (regular soil is too heavy) by attaching cedar or treated 1x4s to the front , sides and ridge of the roof using galvanized nails. Add a 1x4 board across the middle of each side, horizontally, to help reduce soil erosion when it rains.
Step 3: Fill in the frames created in Step 2 with a thin layer of gravel overlain by potting soil. Cut chicken wire with wire clippers to cover the frames, staple chiken wire to the wood to hold the soil in place. (At our house, the dog recently destroyed a bean bag chair, so we amended the soil with those tiny beads to improve its drainage and weight!)
Step 4: Plant succulents or low growing plants that are adapted to the climate in your area. Look around your garden - what already grows and spreads without being watered? Use it! Shake excess soil from the roots, snip a hole in the chicken wire, and carefully (the wire is sharp!) tuck the roots in. Finish by filling the spaces between plants with sheet moss. The plants will quickly cover the moss and hang over the edges.
Step 5: Water about twice a week intially, until plants are establisted. Feed during growing season with 20-20-20 water soluble fertiler to keep it looking its best.
Depending on how well the structure is supported, you could try this on a playhouse, shed, chicken coop or detached garage. Larger structures will likely need additional support. Have fun and get green with this great LID project.
This project was edited from Southern Living's June 2010 edition, by Joyce Butterworth.
