Most will think of Sedum (stonecrops) and their cousins Sempervivum (houseleeks) species when thinking of the right planting for a green roof. However, they often struggle to thrive long term in our climate and without the appropriate growing medium, or get out competed by grasses. It’s usually better to look around at surrounding natural habitat and try and replicate that with wildflowers and other  plants.

However, on green walls, gabions and other structures they can be very successful, as shown in these Brighton examples.

Tempest Inn, Brighton seafront

Tempest Inn, Brighton seafront

The Western pub and kitchen, Churchill Square

Featuring on the gabions at the Tempest Inn is Hottentot Fig, an import from South Africa that is very common on many of our coasts and forms dense mats that out-compete native plants. Fine on the gabions, not fine on the beach…