Research and Development

Fytogreen leads Australia in roof garden research.
All of Fytogreen’s Extensive & Semi-Extensive roof garden profiles are developed from observations made with Australian trial plots.

Australian Temperate trial plots.

Fytogreen set up a series north facing sloping roofs constructed specifically for extensive roof garden development at our base in southern Victoria.

The aim of the experiment was to observe establishment rates, water requirements and performance of a range of plant species.

3 pitches of roof were used; 25 degree, 10 degree and 2 degree with a selection of native plants, sedums and succulents. All are using a 100mm Fytogreen extensive roof garden system profile.

The 2 degree pitch plot has a selection of sedums. The 10 degree plot has all native plants and the 25 degree plot has a selection of both and other drought tolerant species.

All the plots are built on standard corrugated tin with a maximum load bearing of 76kg/m2. (including plants)

Australian Sub-Tropical trial plots.

This plot is in Queensland, the area is 4m2 using a profile depth of 120mm to include a 20mm stone mulch.

The sedums and succulents trial was planted in 29th October 2009. The plot
is exposed to full all day sun.

The plants were planted at 10 plants /m2 using 100mm size stock.
This is on a <4 degree pitch.

The plot has sub soil drip irrigation at 1.6lt/hr that is on for 2 minutes
every 12 hours.

2 degrees, 12 months

10 degrees, 12 months

25 degrees, 12 months

Our Research & Development department is currently working on projects including pre-grown roof garden modules and roll-out sedum matts.
All projects are focused on water efficiency, sustainability, reduced load bearing and the ablility to last 20-25 years plus.