Originally we had guinea-pig families living up on our green roof. They were safe from cats and they really liked it (often they would line up on the ridge and watch the sunset together), but eventually hooded crows learned how delicious they are and now they are all gone.
So, since then, there have been no grazers and no mowers at all. An interesting and unusual situation for grassland anywhere. And eight years on, this is what it looks like. Any seeds have arrived naturally. This seems to be a good year for daisies, but other species have been dominant in other years. Trees and shrubs only last a couple of years before they die of drought, though a gorse bush lasted four years..
There’s a dimpled nylon membrane under the sod — though now we would just use pond liner. Under that there’s ply and that’s on 9×2″ rafters — the roof weighs a bit more than a conventional one and you’re supposed to allow for snow too. We designed and built the house ourselves — and everyone said you can’t put grass onto a roof that steep (45 degrees in places) – but it’s still there.
TAGS: grass-roofed, house, grass roof, ridge, sunset, nylon, membrane, sod, pond liner, steep, pitch, wildflowers, earth, soil, fertility, self-sufficiency, organic, smallholding, homesteading, permaculture, sustainability, how to, blow-in, blog, way out west, DIY, GIY, vlog, west, cork, Ireland, Irish, garden, gardening, growing,
Video Rating: / 5
What?? No hen tractor??
That's never a part of Ireland they show on TV. This is much more beautiful. Looks like the landscape I live in. In Nova Scotia Canada
I wish I lived in such a beautiful place. Your house is amazing and so are all the plants!
Lovely property and I absolutely adore the roof. I'm a recent subscriber and currently working through your wonderful videos. I hope that you continue to make more in the future. It's a nice change from the typical videos I watch. Thank you!
what fab video, it really gives a sense of your domain. I love the look of your roof! Did you build your house yourselves? and how was it constructed to give the shape? I'd love to know.
I just have to say how lucky you really are, what a wonderful home and way of life. In Chicago and the suburbs everything (well many places) look tacky and the same, people get a bit of money and buy a" mc mansion" as they are called, all one can do is roll their eyes, at the tracks of homes build to be torn down poor construction seen in many developments, ( in some places, built with no thought of the future) ….I will stop my rant now, and just say again how lucky you both are!
The roof design is gorgeous and it's living! Great work. We don't have a television in our home nor do we want one, but when the "blow ins" post a new you tube video (episode) it's very exciting times around this neck of the woods. Big fans from West Coast Canada.
Is there a video about the building of the house?
I love it! Reminds me about the house in story book :3
You've you own slice of heaven…no other words suffice. TY for sharing…am in awe of you both and your surroundings. Mrs. Tc
Beautiful. The luck o the irish….an oak tree on your roof… Funny. Need roof goats to trim the roof grass.
What a LOVELY view! If you never mentioned that was your roof it looks almost like you are just standing on a hill. What an amazing view and farm you have! Just so lovely! What a beautiful day that was for filming also! Love watching your video's! 🙂
i still think you should get some guinea pigs for that roof lol rotational grazing.
Thanks for that now I think I'll get a gun and kill myself.
What a great view! Looks like you have finally gotten some warm days! Ah, the luck of the Irish! ;)
What a wonderful view from the top of your roof. Ireland in June is splendid. Did you fix your soil?
I think my computer screen is broken ? it looked liked the sun was out. Beautiful .Thank's Terrence
That is absolutely wonderful. I just love your view from the top to the bottom.
You have a glorious lifestyle!! Beautiful area! I had an apartment with a sea view like yours; if I stood on my tip toes I could see a fingerwide area of ocean…Aaaahhh ;d