Nine stories above ground, this "living roof" attracts visitors from around the world.
Atop the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the state's most famous roof garden has thrived into a full-fledged native paradise.
"Actually, it looks beautiful," said Frank Almeda, the academy's senior curator of botany. "Everything is filled in totally, and doing amazingly well. … Springtime, of course, is a big hit, but any time of year, you can't go up there without seeing something in flower."
When this elevated garden was originally planted in May 2007, 50,000 biodegradable trays – made of coconut husks and tree sap – covered the 2 1/2-acre roof.
After experimentation, Almeda used a custom lightweight planting mix, spread 6 inches deep in the trays: 45 percent red lava rock, 20 percent fir bark, 20 percent organic matter and 15 percent sand.
Originally, only nine species were planted. Self heal (Prunella vulgaris) spread quickly and almost took over. But careful weeding restored balance.
"Now, we have more than 75 native species on the roof," said Almeda, noting that most of the additions were introduced by birds. "It's really expanded.
"In some ways, it's like any other garden," he added. "It just goes to show you, the only thing that limits you is imagination."
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