Appendix

D: Roof Top Garden Recommendations for the South Vancouver

Neighbourhood House

Roof top garden

Recommendations for the
South Vancouver
Neighbourhood House

By The University of British Columbia LFS 350 team

2015

1. Sensory Garden
A sensory garden is inclusive to individuals of all ages and abilities a space that
can be therapeutic, educational, and inclusive of individuals with sensory response
and cognitive disabilities (Phillips, Butler, & Howard-Brooks, 2011
Mapledown School, which has a successful sensory garden, offers a list of
suggestions for sensory gardens that that includes, but is not limited to:
Selecting plants that are of different heights, textures, smell, and
colours
Including wind chimes to listen to and activate with a light touch
Selecting plants with various smells and tastes
A water feature

Images retrieved from: http://www.mapledownschool.co.uk/page/?pid=42

A) Garden Specifics
Numerous types of plants and garden features can be used in a sensory garden. Due to
limited space on the roof, we suggest that the plants be placed in individual wood, plastic, or
metal flower pots, because they can be used outdoors, are available in bright colours, and can be
placed in various patterns in a designated area on the roof. Terracotta pots should be avoided,
as they are susceptible to cracking (Amundson et al., 2010). To avoid soil-dry out UBCs rooftop
garden will use a mulch cover like straw or woodchips to help soil evaporation, we would
recommend SVNH do the same (Amundson et al., 2010). As well, we would recommend colour-
coding signage for the different senses that the plants engage (Worden & Moore, 2004).

A) Garden Specifics (Cont.)

With regards to the plants, seasonal planting and cultivating will be required. Watering and
fertilizing of the plants will also need to be done regularly. We suggest rotating volunteers to
accomplish these tasks. It is important to note that through our literature review most of the
sensory gardens had a much bigger allotted space than what SVNH rooftop can allow. The
effectiveness of a sensory garden is heightened when community members are able to walk
around a designated path (Mapledown School, 2011). The use of a water feature at the
beginning of the path can work as a good reference point for those who are visually impaired,
as well as the use of wind chimes along the path. That being said we believe the incorporation
of a sensory garden on SVNHs rooftop would be beneficial to bringing awareness of the
garden to the community, regardless of the limited space.

B) Plant Recommendations for SVNH Sensory Garden- adapted from West

Coast Seeds How to Grow Guide (2013) with the inclusion of the senses that can be aroused
with the specific plant.

Plant

Growing Tips

Sense

Sunflower

To grow big plants with really big flowers, the soil should be
enriched with organic fertilizer when plants are 30 cm tall
dissolve 5 mL borax in 350 mL water and spread over soil.

Sight bright, bold

flowers that grow tall
quickly

Marigold

To encourage branching, pinch the growing tips.

Sight bright, orangered flowers that are

resilient

Lemon
Balm

For larger and more succulent leaves, grow the plant in partial Smell has a strong
shade.
lemon scent when leaves
are crushed

Lavender

Full sun and well drained soil are essential.

Smell comforting,
fragrant scent

Sage

Do not plant near cucumbers, because they are sensitive to

aromatic herbs.

Touch soft, wool-like

leaves

Fennel

Should be kept separate from other vegetables as it will

inhibit their growth.

Touch feathery and

delicate

Thyme

Water only when necessary damp, cold soil will harm the
plant

Taste earthy, slightly

minty flavour

2. Bean Teepee
A) Recommendations for SVNH sweet peas

-adapted from West Coast Seeds How to Grow Guide (2013).

To add a more playful element to the rooftop space, we also suggest the inclusion of a
sweet pea teepee or wigwam. Part of the grant that SVNH is applying for indicates that the
rooftop garden should include some indigenous features. A teepee was a home for Woodland
and northern first nations to complement their migratory way of life (Government of Canada,
2013) a sweet pea teepee is a way of incorporating the first nations culture to the rooftop.

Sweet peas can grow to heights of 1 2 meters (West Coast Seeds, 2013). Sweet pea
leaves twine around structures a teepee would provide support. Sweet peas grow best with
full sun exposure; the rooftop space is an ideal growing area (West Coast Seeds, 2013).

Timing

-Sow indoors in the

first half of February
or sow outdoors in
early Spring

-If winter is mild,
sweet peas can be
sowed outdoors in
the fall

Starting
- -Sow seeds 1 cm deep
-
-Seeds should
germinate in 10 20
days
Growing
- -Prepare the sweet
pea bed the previous
fall

-Provide trellis for
support
-
-Mulch around plant
to keep soil cool and
water during dry
weather

retrieved from: http://www.happinessishomemade.net/wp-

content/uploads/2013/06/green-bean-frame.jpg

3. Vertical Gardening

In an effort to create an integrative space, we propose that the bars enclosing the South
Vancouver Neighbourhood House roof top garden be utilized for vertical gardening. Some
varieties of plants, such as beans, are able to produce twice as much growing vertically
(Pleasant, 2010). Vertical gardening hosts a range of benefits including reduced mould
problems and increased ease of harvest, it is also much easier to inspect for pests (Pleasant,
2010).

A) Infrastructure Options
Step 1 Set up six 12 16 inch flower pots in a circle. Fill the bottom
of the pots with gravel to stabilize them. Then add the soil with
organic fertilizer.

Step 2 - Make the frame using six 3-4 meter high plant stakes or
bamboo poles by binding the tops together with twine.

A. Proin tristique.
B

The bars used to enclose the space have the potential to act as supports for growing vines and
other crawling plants. This would require that they initially be held in place with zip ties, wire,
string, or a variety of other materials, until they are able to curl around the bars themselves
(Pleasant, 2010). Another option is to use some sort of Lattice design, which gives the plants
additional surface area to cover.

The case for using lattice, opposed to

just utilizing the metal bars by
themselves, would be the opportunity
to incorporate some small hanging
baskets, as pictured on the left, thus
creating an integrative feature.

B) Plant Varieties

Nulla facilisi.
Mauris laoreet aliquet mi.
There are two varieties of climbing plants
that would thrive in a vertical garden these
two varieties are twining stem and curling
tendril plants.

Twining stem plants would be able to fully
utilize the bars on the fence, and do not
require additional horizontal supports,
rather they spiral around their support,
growing steadily upward until they turn
back on themselves (Pleasant, 2010)

Curling Tendril Plant

retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tendril

Twining stem plant

Retrieved f rom: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapageria

The Curling tendril variety of plant would also work

on the bars of the fence, however they would require
an additional horizontal support (Pleasant, 2010).
This horizontal support can come in the form of
C
string or wire woven through the bars creating a
type of lattice (Pleasant, 2010). Using these
horizontal supports would allow the plants to grow
A. Vestibulum
quam. and could create B.
Nulla
quis sem.
quite densely
the
appearance
of a
living wall, however this could have implications
for sun exposure for the rest of the space and would
need to be taken into consideration.

When planting either variety of climbing plant it is
important that there be at least four inches between
ase of the climbing structure
nd the esu
urface
C. Cras the
et sbem.
D. Vaivamus
turpis.
level of the planter (Pleasant, 2010). One of the
disadvantages of vertical gardening using structured
In
supports is that it limits the ability of the plants to
hac
rotate, which can adversely affect the growing
capabilities of plants such as peas, beans,
(item # XXXX) $000.00
cucumbers, etc. (Pleasant, 2010).
(item # XXXX) $000.00

5. Hydroponics

Hydroponics have been used by humans since the beginning of the twentieth century, as
recorded (Jones, 2005). They are gaining recognition as one of the most efficient ways to
grow produce since nutrient levels can be closely monitored and the irrigation of the plants
calls for much less water than traditional agriculture. Soilless agriculture requires 85% less
water than soil based agriculture (Modern Sprout, 2015). When it comes to the threat of
environmental risk, hydroponics is a more promising technique companies involved in
sustainable agriculture can partake in for a sound future in agriculture.


Professor Vikram Bhatt of McGill University in Montreal kindly responded to some
questions we had regarding rooftop gardens. McGill University incorporated the use of
hydroponically grown produce in greenhouses to reduce weight on the rooftop and
withstand harsh winter conditions (personal communication, March 11, 2015).


At the SVNH specifically, the mason jars could be hung from a wooden ceiling however it is
best if they remain invulnerable to rainfall. No regular watering of the plant is required
since the plants roots are constantly exposed to the nutrient rich water.
There are two different varieties of Bamboo that can be used in a bamboo fencing, the
clumping variety, which grows slowly and is easier to contain, and the running variety,
which is faster growing to the point that it is sometimes described as invasive and requires
more maintenance (Do it Yourself: Live Bamboo Fencing).


A South Vancouver Neighborhood House
B expressed concern
Based on the fact that the
regarding maintenance level and sustainability, I would recommend that they use a
clumping variety of bamboo. Since it will be grown on a rooftop garden, a short clumping
variety would be most suitable. The Fargesia genus is a clumping variety, which does not
typically grow higher than 15 and can tolerate low levels of sunlight and temperature

Retrieved f rom: http://modernsproutplanter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/NewPressHead.jpg

B) Instructions

The materials required for the construction of a Mason jar hydroponics kit:

1 Gallon of Water

Herb seeds

Jiffy pots

Dry Nutrient Mix (plant food)

Small mouth Mason jar- glass or plastic with just the ring band

Clean plastic yogurt containers that will fit through the mason jar ring, make sure they
do not fall through the ring (the Activa shaped yogurt containers are ideal for the
normal mason jar size).

Box Cutter

If one would like buy an already put together version of the kit I listed above, they can be found
on etsy.com.

Types of plants you could grow from a jar:

Arugula, basil, parsley, chives, cilantro,
oregano, lemon balm, thyme, lettuce
To find growing guides for each herb in a
hydroponics form please see:
http://nessgarden.com/arugula/

Retrieved from:

How to maintain your hydroponics kits:

The great news is indoor hydroponics requires

absolutely minimal maintenance. Unless there
is algal production, there is no need to alter the
nutrient w ater that is supplying growth for the
plant.

Retrieved from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lemon_Balm_Tea.jpg

Step Paint mason jar with a dark colour paint to block excess sunlight from stimulating algae growth.
1
If painted with black paint, children can even draw on their jars with chalk.
Step
2

Make slits in the yogurt container with the box cutter to m ake it look like a hydroponics net pot:









Make sure there are plenty of slits for the roots come down through the container.

Step Keep the gallon container of water separate and follow the instructions for indoor plants that
3
should be found on your fertilizer box. The likely instructions will be to add a teaspoon or less to
1 gallon of water and let thoroughly dissolve.
Step Insert the yogurt container through the ring band so it sits comfortably.
4
Step Add the nutrient water until water is of an inch above the bottom rim of the yogurt cup.
5
Step Insert the jiffy pot with the seeds which you want to grow with compact plant as shown in the
6
picture:

Retrieved from: http://www.hydroponics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/jiffy-7-plants.jpg

It is also possible to use porous styrofoam as the base of the plant if available.
Step Make sure all light from the nutrient water is excluded and watch the plant grow! Sun can be
7
shown on the plant itself, but sun exposure through the glass jar will promote algae growth.

5. Seating
Furniture is a critical component in the rooftop gardens success. C. Heinze (personal
communication, March 2, 2015) proposed the idea of having abundant and adequate seating for
community members on SVNH rooftop garden. Comfortable seating does not only provide the
community members with joy but also enhances the engagement for people to come to visit the
garden more often.

Our contact at Concordia University with Sheena Swirlz (Personal communication, March 11,
2015) claimed that there is a community lounge space in one of the greenhouse compartments,
which is used for socializing, studying, eating and eventing (personal communication, March 11,
2015). Among different types of materials of furnitures we have looked into, wood is one of the
best material suitable for a rooftop garden in SVNH (Ganea, 2012). Wood furniture is more
comfortable to the user than metal or concrete seating since wood is resistant to temperature
change and does not conduct heat or cold (Project for Public Spaces, n.d.). There are many
different factors that contribute to choose wood as the main furniture material, such as the
condition of the rooftop garden, the limited structural capacity of the roof garden and the
narrow stair access to the rooftop.

A) Condition of the roof

In Vancouver, the rooftops experience heavy rain exposure during winter and high exposure to
sunlight during summer (Turner, 1970). Therefore it is crucial to consider features with
waterproof coating to avoid the damage from rainwater. For this reason there must be
waterproofing of exceptional longevity to prevent damage and to reduce the possibility of long-
term expensive reconstruction (McCarenDesign, Inc, n.d.).

In addition, the direct glare and heat can make a rooftop garden quite uncomfortable. Aside
from the confirmed sun worshiper, few people prefer to be in the sun for more than a few
minutes on a hot day. Shade relief should be provided for people in the areas where plants
cannot adequately provide shade. As R.M. Daley suggested in his booklet Guide to Rooftop
Gardening (2011), the inclusion of awnings or parasols as an alternative artificial shade.
Providing adequate shade maybe the single most important design consideration in relation to
the use of the roof garden. If adequate shade is not provided, the garden will receive little or
very limited use during hot summer session.

B) Structure of the Roof

The structural capacity of the roof will determine the types and quality of features that can be
included in the rooftop re-design. Due to the limited space on the rooftop, SVNH must first
determine if the roof can support the additional weight of furniture and features. In order to
determine the weight baring capacity a structural analysis must be done by a licensed structural
engineer who will be able to calculate the amount of weight the roof can support (Delay, 2011).

In addition, the furniture must be as compact as possible without compromising comfort. Our
contact at Concordia University states that their rooftop garden has a variety of furniture and
that weight capacity is not a concern for their building (personal communication, March 11,
2015). Having various different types of furniture such as low, or convertible, benches, dining
tables or a patio swing may increase the community members interests in the rooftop garden.

C) Access to the Rooftop

One of the most important considerations is the access to the rooftop. In addition to access for
the people who will be constructing and enjoying the garden, workers and volunteers will need
to transport materials for construction and maintenance (McCarenDesign, Inc, n.d.). At the SVNH
rooftop garden, the only access to the rooftop is a narrow staircase. Therefore, the height of the
furniture needs to be taken into consideration in order to make installation easier. One of the
opinions is using furniture that can be dismantled into smaller pieces and assemble together at
the rooftop (Delay, 2011).

Patio
Swing

Retrieved from: http://ecx.imagesamazon.com/images/I/51ty0qFryCL.jpg

amazon.com/images/I/A1jNrj593rL._SL1500_.jpg

Retrieved from: http://ecx.images-

7 piece Rectangular Dining Set

poly-cotton fabric with steel

frame

Solid eucalyptus wood and

galvanized steel hardware

Wood

Convertible Bench

Table

Wood

Low bench

Bench

Material

Detail

Furniture

33kg
total weight
66kg .

123.2 x 21.3 x 64.8

cm
1 rectangular table
(59wx36dx29h)
6 armchairs
(22wx23dx37h)

18kg

2.2 kg

38.1x15.2 x 40.6
cm

111.8 x
177.8 x 152.4 cm

weight

Size

The
following table lists types and measurements of the furniture that is

appropriate for SVNHs rooftop garden.

simple assemble and great

place to relax.

provide space for people

having dinner and talk about
the

great waterproofing

easy to convert from bench to

table

easy to assemble and light

weight

advantages

6. Fish Pond
As suggested by our community partner, a fish pond would be an excellent addition to the
rooftop space (C. Heinze, personal communication, February 5, 2015). For convenience and easy
maintenance, our group suggests the installation of a barrel water garden pond. A barrel water
garden pond is a creative way to include an easy to maintain, sustainable water feature
(Landscape and Garden Today, 2010). Most of the material needed to create and maintain this
fish pond is available at home improvement and garden centres. If using an oak barrel as the
pond receptacle, polyvinyl chloride must be installed to line the interior to prevent chemical
leaching into the pond water. Another option would be to use floating plants to absorb the
chemical residues (Landscape and Garden Today, 2010).

A) Recommendations for SVNH fish pond construction adapted from

Better Homes and Gardens Pond in a Bucket (2013)

Material

Step Instructions

Tub- like container, e.g. oak barrel, old sink, 1

bathtub

- If using an oak barrel, line it with PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible liner in 20

mm thickness (only if using an oak barrel)
Large stone and terra-cotta pots
Dechlorinator

- Place stone and pots at the bottom of

the pond
- Fill the pond with water and treat with
de-chlorinator as per package directions

retrieved from: http://www.landscapeandgardentoday.com/How_To/BuildHalfBarrelPond.php

B) Pond Flora and Fauna

Like any pond, water must be kept fresh with the use of plants and fish (Better Homes and
Gardens, 2013). For every square foot of water surface there should be one fish and one snail
(Better Homes and Gardens, 2013). Except for true floating plants, plants should be submerged
in pots for easier management water plants can easily invade a small barrel pond. Submerged
plants provide a natural filtration system for the pond and provide hiding and spawning areas
for small fish (Landscape and Garden Today, 2010). During cold weather, plant pots should be
removed and kept sheltered until it is warm enough to return them to the pond for plants
submerged 10 to 18 inches deep, this is not necessary ( Landscape and Garden Today, 2010).

If fish are included in the pond water garden, there are a few factors to consider. The fish should
be small. Koi for example are too large and produce an excessive amount of waste for a small
pond (Landscape and Garden Today, 2010). Goldfish may grow too large it is best to choose a
species that stays relatively small. The inclusion of mosquitofish will reduce the chances of
mosquitoes breeding in the water, because mosquitofish consume their larvae.

retrieved from: http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/water-gardens/pond-in-a-bucket/