Cambridge Remediation
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Remediation
Location
Cambridge, MA
Size
TBD sq. ft.
Project Completion
TBD
Green Roof Remediation Story
Not every green roof success story starts with a fresh installation. One year after a major renovation, this Cambridge rooftop is showing what’s possible when we work with the conditions we have rather than against them. Surrounded by buildings and receiving mostly reflected light, the roof called for a woodland-inspired palette. Wild ginger, hosta, goat’s beard, astilbe, and blueberry bushes now thrive in the low-light, moisture-rich conditions, creating a layered “forest floor” with texture, movement, and blooms throughout the season.
Before Recover took on the project, the roof experienced decline following a lapse in maintenance and budget delays. Our team developed a plan to restore the garden: Recover removed the upper system layers, salvaged nearly 20% of the existing plants, and introduced an improved growing medium (Naturcycle Blend). The remediation also involved a Saturday crane lift that helped avoid road closures, while super sacks of media were hauled in and a seven-person team installed more than 1,500 plants in a single day.
Recover’s horticulture team led the installation and developed the planting layout and design strategy that helped bring this rooftop back to life. In this case, success was about understanding what was already on the green roof, adapting to the conditions, and giving the landscape the right opportunity to thrive.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Photographer
Recover Green Roofs and Carlos Paronis
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Recover Green Roofs
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Recover Green Roofs
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Naturecycle Extensive 85/ Intensive 85/ Urban Agriculture Blend 90
