Green Roof Remediation Story
Not every green roof success story starts with a fresh installation. One year after a major remediation, this Cambridge rooftop is showing what’s possible when we work with the existing conditions we have rather than against them. The roof was originally designed and planted by others with sun-loving, drought-tolerant sedum. But surrounded by buildings and receiving mostly reflected light, the roof remained primarily shady and wet; given the conditions, the site called for a woodland-inspired palette with plants that could tolerate consistent moisture as well as full-to part-shade. 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 constraints. 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.