Exhibitor News:

Visitors to Stoney Bank Nurseries in Glen Mills, Pa., have noticed a beautiful new addition to the office building – a green roof.

“We decided that with the way the industry is heading, going green in so many areas, we would incorporate it into our building,” explained Joe Blandy, the lead project landscape architect at Stoney Bank.

Rain barrels have been installed as well, catching stormwater from other roofs to feed into a drip irrigation system around the other buildings.

The green roof over the office, which reduces stormwater runoff by 60 percent, is about 20 by 14 feet and consists of eight different kinds of sedums, which are succulents with water-storing leaves. Blandy chose plants with a variation in foliage and flower color; some have a pink tinge and some change color in the fall.

Stoney Bank hopes to inspire clients to consider green roofs for their garages, porches or pool houses. It requires a little exploration of the substructure of an existing roof to ensure there is load-bearing capacity, and some thought about light conditions and the right greenery.  “This technology has a good future in residential landscaping,” Blandy said. “They are beautiful to look at and serve a greater purpose.”

For the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show “Bella Italia,” Stoney Bank founder and president Jack Blandy will be celebrating his 30th year of participation. Over the course of those years, he has won five Best in Shows.

“We’re looking to create something very special for my dad’s sake this year,” Joe Blandy said.

Stoney Bank Nurseries
Glen Mills, Pa.
610-459-5100

www.stoneybanknurseries.com

Learn more about: garden displays, individual & club entries (Learn how to enter the Show!) and judging.