My First Big Mistake

This is me redoing the trays . So the "gaiasoil" doesn't blow away

Well I thought the roof was all set. Some of the creeping yellow sedum cuttings I first got were growing lots of roots. The first part of this project was done. Then came a big rain storm with heavy winds. That's how I first saw my problem. The "Gaia soil"was blowing all over the place. I emailed Eric at the Gaia Institute and told him of my concern with this soil blowing around. He wrote back I think amazed and chagrined that I did not realize that "Gaia soil" is a sub soil. He explained the process for a 3" extensive roof: 2" of Gaia Soil" then a piece of burlap, and finally 1" of a nutrient rich soil. So I had to replanted and remake 100 trays that I had already planted. Live and learn.

Another feature I have added is a railing at the bottom of the roof. During this wind and rain storm all the trays moved about 2 or 3 inches down ward. Luckily I had about a foot before they reached the edge of the roof. The railing is 2 pieces of 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 metal stud I had down in my basement. I put a 1/2 " spacer with a piece of roofing as a washer then screwed it into the roof, sealing jit with some tar. Last night there was another violent storm with a smattering of hail. The green roof came through beautifully. The potting soil topping stayed in place as did eveything else.

My one big worry now is that some of the cutting, particularly the "chicks and hens" are getting too much water from all the rain. A few of them have died. I think once the plants get settled in they will be fine but august weather tnds to be wet. Sedum like it dry.