Not only does rooftop gardening improve air quality and reduce the heat on the roof in the summer, it also provides additional real estate for community gardens.
In our community, we welcome many immigrants and refugees who are accustomed to growing the food of their native lands. The have managed to find patches of land for gardens, but as Northland becomes more densely developed, they have been pushed off their garden plots. We welcome community gardening and think it's rightful place is everywhere it can fit - including the capstone location of any new building we construct.
Between vertical garden technology and hydroponics, new methods of raising produce are proliferating in cities. We want to be part of the trend, and to involve all of the community in growing food and flowers. Rooftop gardens are never in the shade (at least not in Northland, which is devoid of skyscrapers) and adds a community asset and a meeting point for residents. Area schools have partnered with the community to include gardens on their property to great success, and we will, too.
