Limited Space? Three Reasons to Start a Rooftop Garden
Those living in multiple unit complexes, including high rises and metropolitan areas, may find insufficient space to plant a garden. Or so they think!
Those who find refuge and therapy from gardening and those who enjoy the fruits of their labor opt to participate in community gardens when feeling the restrictions of space. Although not everyone thinks of it, creating a rooftop garden is possible. It offers three clear benefits for both those planting and nurturing it and the environment.
Rooftop Gardens Naturally Create Better Air Quality
Plants remove the bad stuff, like carbon dioxide, from the air and put the good stuff back in, like oxygen. The process of photosynthesis is fascinating and is evidence of the purposeful design of the earth to regenerate and how equipped it is to reverse the harmful effects of pollution. Not only do plants create a healthier air space and encourage people to spend time outdoors, but these special nature projects are also not as limited as most think. Plants can be incredibly accommodating and thrive in environments where most do not even consider it when it comes to needing space. Many rooftop gardens not only survive but also thrive.
Rooftop Gardens Defy Space Limitations and Increase Space for Agriculture
If living in an area that is limited in space and gardening has seemed out of reach, it is time to rethink rooftop gardening to brighten up the space and provide some delicious herbs and other resilient produce. The roof is otherwise unused space on commercial and residential buildings. If the building will allow the area to be used for gardens, it is most common to start with raised beds and hedges for privacy. Planning how to get supplies and water to the rooftop garden is wise to do ahead of time. It would be a shame to make an investment and not consider the different elements required to start and maintain a successful garden attempt. However, all it takes is some vision, time, and motivation to make it happen. It is guaranteed to yield positive results on multiple levels. One of the incredible benefits of rooftop gardens is the absence of invaders, like bunnies and deer, so plants have a protected place to grow.
Rooftop gardens have become a sanctuary for relaxation and a private space to be outdoors and enjoy the beauty and fresh air above!
Rooftops Beautify Buildings and Cities
Think about flying over a central metropolitan area and seeing nothing but antennae and helicopter landing area markings. Now, imagine green gardens sprouting color spontaneously on the otherwise gray canvas. Observing this natural art exhibit organically brings a smile to anyone’s face.
It is terrific when the building itself is interested in creating a fully covered rooftop garden. If this is the case, a structural engineer will need to get involved in the planning and execution to ensure the roof can hold the weight of soil, grass, and other garden elements. It would be impossible for only one person to maintain a rooftop garden of a large building, so if the commercial or residential building is creating this space for people to enjoy, it would be best to ask for volunteers or hire a rooftop gardener.
However, small and personal rooftop gardens are an excellent option! A small investment with a significant return, there is no downside to starting a rooftop garden. Creating small rooftop gardens requires finding wind and high sun exposure tolerant plants. These options provide immediate beautification to any sprouting garden. Spending lots of time, energy, and money planting can be discouraging, only to find everything wilted within days. Start with things likely to survive in the environment, offering a lasting effort by filling your garden with the best plants for rooftop gardens from the nursery.
Beekeepers and enthusiasts want everyone to know that the critical contributors are resourceful and find these rooftop gardens. Bees, considered one of the most essential pollinators, can reach these rooftop areas, and if they find yummy food there, they will undoubtedly come back and help keep the garden healthy. It is wise to plant some bee-friendly plants to ensure plants get the pollination they need, and bees can get the job done. Providing some water sources for bees is also something that encourages activity, and happy bees equal happy plants.
Whether you live on a property with a house, or an apartment in a high-rise building, consider planting a rooftop garden. These sky-high gardens organically improve the air quality, offer a sanctuary space for people to be outdoors, and provide natural beauty, which is well-known to improve mental health and mood!