Traditional and Rooftop Gardens1One might think of a typical garden as set in a plot of land, surrounded by plenty of sunny green space. However, the locations of modern gardens have expanded to include porches, balconies, and even rooftops. City dwellers do not allow their lack of green space to deter them from gardening. Although traditional and rooftop gardens offer similar benefits, they differ in many respects.
Traditional gardens are usually dug in the ground, but there is no soil on the tops of roofs. Rooftop gardeners have to be creative and careful when designing their gardens. One simple solution is to put plants in containers. Pots, milk crates, and wooden boxes work well, but they are also limiting. Some plants need more space to spread out than what a container allows. Over the years, people have tried putting layers of soil down on rooftops. The weight of the soil and the poor drainage led to leaky and unstable apartment ceilings. Today, gardeners know that waterproofing and supporting a roof, as well as designing a drainage system, can solve these problems
container allows. Over the years, people have tried putting layers of soil down on rooftops. The weight of the soil and the poor drainage led to leaky and unstable apartment ceilings. Today, gardeners know that waterproofing and supporting a roof, as well as designing a drainage system, can solve these problems.
Rooftop gardeners are faced with many challenges; however, they do have some advantages over traditional gardeners. In traditional gardens, gardeners have to contend with pests such as deer and rabbits. Rooftop gardens are safe from these pests. Another advantage to rooftop gardening is a longer growing season. In the spring, rooftops are drier than the ground and have warmer temperatures. This allows city gardeners to start gardening a few weeks earlier than gardeners in surrounding areas.
Individuals are not the only urban dwellers who realize the gains from going green. City planners have jumped on the bandwagon as well. In recent years, several cities have begun promoting the installation of “green roofs,” which are roofs with plants on them to help promote energy efficiency. Rooftop gardens can keep buildings cooler, save energy, extend the useful life of the roof, and add beauty and useable space.
Chicago is one of the cities taking advantage of the benefits of green roofs. In 2001, a green roof was installed on Chicago’s City Hall. The project contributed to $5,000 in annual energy cost savings. It also improved air quality and reduced stormwater runoff. Today, Chicago has over 400 green roof projects in various stages of development.
People living in cities, suburbs, and rural areas recognize their own unique struggles with maintaining healthy and productive gardens. Although problems and solutions vary depending upon where a garden is, people everywhere reap benefits and enjoyment from their gardens!
Whether it be a traditional garden in a backyard or a rooftop garden in a bustling city, the satisfaction of growing plants and the beauty of nature are universal. Both types of gardens offer opportunities for creativity, relaxation, and connection to the environment. As urban populations continue to grow, the popularity of rooftop gardens will likely increase, providing a new way for people to enjoy the benefits of gardening in limited spaces.
In conclusion, traditional and rooftop gardens may differ in their challenges and advantages, but ultimately they both serve as valuable and rewarding spaces for individuals to connect with nature and enhance their surroundings. Whether on the ground or high above the city, gardens bring beauty, tranquility, and environmental benefits to all who tend to them.
Multiple Choice Question
Which detail from the passage BEST supports the idea that green roofs can help cities decrease their power consumption?
A.
City planners all over the country are initiating the installation of green roofs.
B.
Over 400 green roof projects are being developed in Chicago.
C.
Rooftop gardens can improve air quality and reduce stormwater runoff.
D.
Energy costs at City Hall in Chicago decreased after a green roof was installed there.
D. Energy costs at City Hall in Chicago decreased after a green roof was installed there.
Multiple Choice Question
Which statement is a central idea in this text?
A.
Chicago’s City Hall has recently installed a rooftop garden.
B.
Some rooftop gardens have plants in pots, milk crates, or wooden boxes.
C.
Rooftop gardens have some advantages over traditional gardens.
D.
Some rooftop gardens cause apartment ceilings to leak.