Multnomah County Bldg Green Roof © Alice Joyce
Portland, Oregon is on top of the Green Scene. Visitors to ‘PDX’ (that’s how most Portlanders refer to their city) discover wildflowers and organic veggies cultivated on the Multnomah County Building: Covering 12,000 square feet, this landmark demonstration eco-roof features amenities such as a stone terrace and educational signage, while the produce grown here is donated.
Enjoy your own up-close look at the Multnomah Building’s eco-roof at 501 S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland: Open to the public during regular business hours – take the elevator to the 5th floor. For an overview of the project, visit Carlton Hart Architecture online.
Multnomah County Bldg Green Roof Grasses/Wildflowers/Skyline Photo © Alice Joyce
Multnomah Cty Bldg Green Roof Planter © Alice Joyce
Portland’s Central Library, the Multnomah County Library Eco-Roof is located downtown at 801 S.W. 10th Avenue. A high point of my Portland foray was touring the garden with John Cabrera, Facilities Supervisor.
Completed in September, 2008, the structure utilizes 24″ x 24″ pallets, which added to the ease of installation. The 4″ deep soil blends organic and inorganic materials, mixed with Zebra, a water-retentive product made from natural cornstarch.
Portland Central Library Roof View Photo: Alice Joyce
The benefits of the roof are numerous. Plantings help to capture the majority of stormwater runoff, cut down on the cost of electricity for heating and cooling, and absorb UV rays.
The roof features some 17,000 plants; drought-tolerant sedums and grasses that create a wildlife habitat, and reduce air pollution. An eco-roof is believed to filter the air, actually removing airborne particles, as it absorbs carbon dioxide. The roof’s aesthetic allure comprises a rich textural carpet knit of an abstract pattern that changes with the seasons. The summer scene pictured features peachy pink tones melded with brick red & mahogany hues alongside pale blue-grey & shades of green, with yellow blooms and feathery inflorescences!
Portlanders know how to enjoy life!
PDX is not only a most hospitable city, it’s a haven for foodies, wine lovers, and beer connoisseurs. Open 7 nights a week, Noble Rot is a popular wine bar with its own rooftop Culinary garden. The restaurant on East Burnside occupies the 4th floor of an LEED platinum building with an underground aquifer for pure water; the eco-roof factors into the rating.
The 3000-square-foot kitchen garden is presided over by Chef Leather Storrs. The Chef allowed me to nibble my way through the aisles, and explore the various planting methods, including 50 shallow kiddie pools, with 3 inches of soil and a layer of perlite on the bottom. Chef Leather grows peppers, horseradish, various basils, as well as lettuces, herbs & flowers for his ‘roof greens salad.’ I sampled strawberries, sweet tender cucumbers, a lemony form of cilantro, nasturtium bloom, and the delectable Tromboncino squash.
Below: NOBLE ROT Roof Garden ~ Photos: Copyright Alice Joyce
It’s a chemical free garden, with a system for composting, and raised planters. Patrons enjoy a great view of the downtown skyline from Noble Rot’s outdoor terrace, situated below the corner of the garden where the eco-roof is planted with herbs and Mediterranean low-water species. Photos Copyright: Alice Joyce
Noble Rot Wine Roof Garden © Alice Joyce
Noble Rot – Skyline © Alice Joyce
Such a great use of otherwise ‘wasted’ space. How many urban restaurants can claim to grow their own produce right in the heart of the city? I love it! I hope other larger cities, especially those in milder climates, consider following suit.
Hi CVF,
It will be interesting to see how much influence Portland and Chicago have on other cities. And businesses like Noble Rot, on other urban restaurants! I’m proud as a peahen about the green roof on Chicago’s City Hall, my home town. And these Portland roof gardens are sooo gorgeous on top of being eco-savvy. Thanks for stopping to comment.
Hi Alice, thanks for this post, I am excited by the lateral creative thinking and practices of gardeners, architects and town planners and intend to do a post on roof gardens too some time. It’s a great way to eliminate the need for air conditioners and to retain nature within urban living spaces. cheers, catmint
Roof gardens are absolutely fascinating to me. I have always wanted to visit Portland, but have only flown over it so far. I would love to visit their rose gardens someday as well.