Pictured: Green Roof project manager Maggie Fennell working
on the substrate for the new green roof at Boningale nursery in
Albrighton, Shropshire
A pioneering business providing design advice and uniquely-grown
plants needed to create green roofs has just been launched in
Shropshire, following months of development with experts from the
University of Sheffield.
Boningale's Green Roof project, which is based at the wholesale
nursery site in Holyhead Road, Albrighton, began a year ago, and
has just launched its website - www.boningalegreenroofs.co.uk
A green roof is more easily built on a flat roof, providing it
is strong enough, and can contain a range of plants which not only
brightens up the space, but is ecologically sound, helping manage
the water run-off from the building and attract wildlife.
Boningale has been supplying plants to the landscaping industry
for more than 50 years, and is using its team's knowledge of plants
to bring a different approach to the design and planting of green
roofs for commercial premises.
The project has been managed by Maggie Fennell, along with
Boningale chairman, Tim Edwards, who have been working closely with
the Green Roof Centre at the University of Sheffield.
Over the last year, they have used the latest research and
world-class testing facilities to develop brand-new methods of
growing plants specifically for green roofs, to ensure they need
minimum maintenance and watering, and remain healthy and green for
30 years or more.
The project has included building a green roof on the office
buildings at the nursery in Albrighton to test out some of the
products, and project manager Miss Fennell is confident many other
businesses will see the benefits of doing this.
"We have developed a brand-new method of growing plug plants
specifically for green roofs, and know our plugs are going to be a
real hit in this industry because they will precisely match
people's needs - and most importantly, they work," explained Miss
Fennell.
"People want green roofs for a number of reasons, from creating
a pretty space within a built-up area, to reducing their footprint
and helping the environment. We can provide different plants
depending on these requirements and we know these roofs will work
well for many years to come.
"We have also been working with soil experts at the university
to develop purpose-designed substrates - the layer of soil the
plants grow in - which we also hope to offer for sale in the near
future.
"We are now working on extending the range of plant species we
can offer, and hope to start taking contracts for delivery next
spring."
The team is now working on a DIY guide for homeowners, which
will allow people to build their own green roofs on their
homes.