Would your old garden shed look better with some plants on top of it? What about an urban oasis on your garage roof? Why not have a go at installing your own green roof? It can be much simpler than you think so if this sounds like the project for you then have a look at the information available from English Nature,  LivingRoofs.org and the Green Roof Centre.

We also have step-by-step guides for different types of buildings in Manchester. Click one of the below to see how we did it!

Shed

We are currently working with Red Rose Forest to train local organisations so they can offer support and advice to budding green roof installers. If you would like details of local experts please contact

If you have installed a green roof on your own property in Manchester then please send us some pictures and details to .

We need to know your name, reasons for the green roof, type of development, size, client, green roof elements, green roof system, architect, contractor, maintenace requirements, cost, completion date and lessons learned. You may even receive a Biodiversity Hotspot Award!  

Have a look at the Manchester Green Roof Case Studies page.

Shed - Eco House, Miles Platting

This roof took two people approximately 7 hours, the most time consuming element being the timber cutting.

Step 1

Take one standard garden shed. This one was bought from B&Q in 2006.

Step 2

This is the most important and time consuming part of the process. You need to cut new pieces of timber to strengthen the existing structure. Once cut simply screw into place.

Step 3

Before you add the waterproofing (blue sheet) screw a sheet of timber over the existing roof to give it extra strength. Once this is in place fix the waterproofing on top if it. Use nails placed around the edge of the roof, NOT into the area where you will be planting.

Step 4

Screw tannalised timber around the edges of the roof. This will hold the substrate and plants in place but will also allow rainwater to drain out to avoid the substrate becoming water logged.

Step 5

Once the edge pieces of timber are in place, add smaller pieces to provide a grid structure that will help to hold the substrate and plants in place. Add your substrate directly onto the roof.

Step 6

Plant with your choice of species. At the Eco House we used a mixture of herbs such as Sage, Marjoram, Thyme, and Sedums.

Step 7

Stand back and admire your handy work!