It began over 2 years ago. When the addition to the Golden House was planned, foundational support for a weighty living roof was factored in. Then, when the Waldorf School’s Fund grant was secured to purchase sedum plants, the nursery was contacted, and trays of seedlings began to grow, earmarked for our school. That was how Eileen and Kevin Kelly serendipitously discovered us. Parents of a 3rd grader at River Valley Waldorf School, they offered to oversee our installation pro bono in order to get their LiveRoof certification.
On Friday the work was ready to begin and on that afternoon, the environmentally-sensitive semi-truck arrived with 360 trays of fully grown sedum plants. Fortunately, one dad brought his forklift to unload the truck. Thanks to the coordinating efforts of Doug Jackson, over 30 dads and one mom lifted and carried 22,000 pounds of plants. They worked together seamlessly, like a fireman’s brigade passing water, and sensed when each other needed to change jobs. Even though it was heavy work, the dads enjoyed the experience so much that many returned on Sunday to help.
Onlookers could see the roof come alive. But more than that, they could see a deepening community of primarily dads. They developed a real sense of accomplishment with a very tangible product. Even their children proudly announced that their dad helped with the roof. The barbeque provided by the staff was full of celebration and camaraderie.
As they worked, the men learned all about the roof – how it lasts 40% longer than a traditional roof, that the plants help the ozone layer and reduce storm water runoff, that the pleasing colors of the plants decrease aggressiveness and improve one’s mood, and that it makes the rooms below cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Maintenance? The plants need an inch of rain per month, or else it needs to be watered. The plants will become dormant in the winter, but still have lovely color.
So, when you walk onto campus and see the plants on the roof, if you look closely, you’ll be sure to see the whole community that stands behind them.
