Changes

<h3>Amenity</h3>

<h3>Amenity</h3>

Roof gardens with a high proportion of impermeable surface are popular in high rise developments. These amenity terraces are often described as green roofs, but the LID benefit applies only to the vegetated areas. The stormwater benefit of all kinds of green roofs is maximized by combined with [[Rainwater Harvesting|rainwater harvesting]] for subsequent irrigation. Sedum and native species have all been shown to thrive with daily irrigation to saturation[http://grit.daniels.utoronto.ca/green_roof_image_index/#].

Roof gardens with a high proportion of impermeable surface are popular in high rise developments. These amenity terraces are often described as green roofs, but the LID benefit applies only to the vegetated areas. The stormwater benefit of all kinds of green roofs is maximized by combined with [[rainwater harvesting]] for subsequent irrigation. Sedum and native species have all been shown to thrive with daily irrigation to saturation<ref>[http://grit.daniels.utoronto.ca/green_roof_image_index/#]</ref>.

Rooftop farming is also becoming common in some Ontario cities. Again consideration should be given to the proportion of the roof actually planted. Where large open expanses of roof are being cropped, measures may be required to reduce erosion of exposed planting medium. Any digging or furrows will reduce the stormwater benefit.

Rooftop farming is also becoming common in some Ontario cities. Again consideration should be given to the proportion of the roof actually planted. Where large open expanses of roof are being cropped, measures may be required to reduce erosion of exposed planting medium. Any digging or furrows will reduce the stormwater benefit.

<h3>Biodiversity</h3>

<h3>Biodiversity</h3>

Biodiversity opportunities are optimized by planting a variety of species. General advice on this has been prepared by the City of Toronto[https://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/City%20Planning/Zoning%20&%20Environment/Files/pdf/B/biodiversegreenroofs_2013.pdf]. In the long term, the richness of species increases owing to 'volunteer species'. The desirability of this diversity varies with the aesthetic concerns of the green roof owner.

Biodiversity opportunities are optimized by planting a variety of species. General advice on this has been prepared by the City of Toronto<ref>[https://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/City%20Planning/Zoning%20&%20Environment/Files/pdf/B/biodiversegreenroofs_2013.pdf]</ref>. In the long term, the richness of species increases owing to 'volunteer species'. The desirability of this diversity varies with the aesthetic concerns of the green roof owner.

<h3>Design for Maintenance</h3>

<h3>Design for Maintenance</h3>

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Roof Drain.jpg | Example of gravel edging around a roof, which needs weeding.

Roof Drain.jpg | Example of gravel edging around a roof, which needs weeding. <br>Photo credit: jchill

Red Drain.jpg| Example of gravel edging around a roof drain, which needs weeding.  

Red Drain.jpg| Example of gravel edging around a roof drain, which needs weeding. <br>Photo credit: jchill 

Native Child.jpg| The amenity value of this roof is enhanced by the tall and climbing plants screening the high safety fences.

Native Child.jpg| The amenity value of this roof is enhanced by the tall and climbing plants screening the high safety fences. <br>Photo credit: jchill

PondRd1.jpg

PondRd1.jpg

PondRd2.jpg| Very light maintenance has permitted a stand of Mullein to develop on this prairie style green roof, increasing the biodiversity value.

PondRd2.jpg| Very light maintenance has permitted a stand of Mullein to develop on this prairie style green roof, increasing the biodiversity value. <br>Photo credit: jchill

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