P5 / Native Plant Mixtures for Atlantic Canada Green Roofs, Jeremy Lundholm, Saint Mary's University / Grant: $6,500
Rooftop experiments have demonstrated the suitability of native plants in green roof applications in Atlantic Canada, yet there has been little incorporation of natives into green roof designs. This project will evaluate a native plant mixture chosen from top performing species in previous studies, and quantify the costs and benefits of different propagation techniques and horticultural treatments. We will produce a concise set of protocols for the propagation of native species for use on shallow growing media green roofs in the region, including comparison of different propagation and horticultural options (use of Sedum species, lichens and mosses and a locally-sourced growing medium). Given the recent adoption of a green roof by-law that will encourage green roof development in Halifax and Dartmouth, the results of this project are expected to increase the use of native plants in green roofs in the region and diversify the plant palette available for landscape design.