A living roof on my coop

Posted by Lisa Corprew on July 27, 2010 at 11:34pm
I have a nice coop, with a sloped roof and am working on the frame for a living roof.  Has anyone else done such a roof?  With success?  Any tips?  It has quite a bit of shade so I'll be working with plants that are ok with that.  I'd LOVE to find a trailing vine that does ok in the shade.  Any suggestions?

You need to be a member of AZ Herb Forum to add comments!

Join AZ Herb Forum

Email me when people reply –
Follow

Replies

  • Suze Scott July 31, 2010 at 9:35am
    I think ivy is toxic? There is a vine called chocolate vine (akebia quinata) that is supposed to do well in hot dry shade. A few years back I tried and could not find any locally. Dave's Garden lists it as possibly invasive, and in reading the comments, it looks like it is in areas where it gets a lot of moisture (back east), but not in hot, dry climates (Texas, California).
  • Lisa Corprew July 28, 2010 at 10:59am
    As soon as I get some rain to know where to best position my rain barrel, I should have some extra water on hand :-)

    Great to know that the chickens won't eat much of the ivy - they get enough treats they do like anyway!
  • Michele July 28, 2010 at 7:36am
    the 2 items that I have been unsuccessful in removing from a completely shaded area in my yard are vining English ivy and spider plants.
    • Lisa Corprew > Michele July 28, 2010 at 10:38am
      Thanks - the roof has about a 2" slope, nice and gradual :-) I plan to make it about 6" deep and use quite a bit of vermiculite to keep it lighter.

      Thank you - I think English Ivy is a great option - I assume this will be safe for the chickens if they nibble at it?
This reply was deleted.