Rooftop Garden

Welcome to The Morton Arboretum's Rooftop Garden

Each element in this garden demonstrates our commitment to energy efficiency, reducing our carbon footprint, and beautifying the world.

Why plant a garden on a roof?

We planted this garden to demonstrate some of the benefits of a roof garden.  For example, did you know that rooftop gardens:
	Reduce heating and cooling needs Cut down on heat radiation Extend the life of the roof itself Reduce storm water runoff Best of all, they look neat.  Notice how the foliage blurs the boundary between the building and the surrounding landscape.

High tech. Low impact.

Beneath all this loveliness lies special engineering that makes it all work. A six-inch soil substrate supplies the needed plant growing material, while layers of mineral compounds and foam provide drainage and filtering. Roof drains and a rubber membrane prevent water from seeping into the building, and a modified weight system keeps the building structurally sound.

Survival on the Roof

Stonecrop

Stonecrops, also known by their botanical names: Sedum and Hylotephium, are perennial succulents with thick, water-storing leaves and ground-hugging growth habits. The 400 or so species of stonecrops come in diverse colors and often produce vivid flowers. Their real attraction, however, is their carefree nature and tolerance for drought.

Autumn Fire Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephim spectabile 'Autumn Fire')	Purple Emperor Stonecrop (Sedum 'Purple Emperor')	Mossy Stonecrop (Sedum acre)	Two-Row Stonecrop (Sedum spurium)

Eastern Prickly-Pear

A blooming cactus that grows in Chicago? Yes! Opuntia humifusa is a low-growing hardy perennial that can tolerate northern Illinois winters. Recognize it by its low, flattened pads and showy, satin-yellow flowers in late spring.

Lamb's Ear

The leaves on these creepers are covered with silky hairs that make the foliage appear gray. The soft woolly foliage provides appealing texture, while their preference for sunny, dry locations makes them relatively low maintenance. (Stachys byzantina)

Note: The Garden is not accessible for public viewing but is utilized for participants in education and horticulture programs.