From Concrete to Canopy: Creating Green Roofs

Ever wondered what it takes to grow a garden on a rooftop? Learn how green roofs work, why they’re becoming more popular, and the many ways they make cities healthier and more sustainable. Discuss the basic building blocks that go into creating a green roof, from waterproofing to planting, and share examples of how they can look and function. Then, tour two different green roofs right here at Denver Botanic Gardens, giving you a chance to step onto these living rooftops, see the plants up close, and get inspired by what’s possible above our heads.

This class fulfills an elective requirement for the Rocky Mountain Gardening full series certificate program.

Price: $20, $17 member

Location: York Street

Instructor: Armando Villa-Ignacio

Armando is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University. His dissertation research investigates the ecological and horticultural dynamics of rooftop agrivoltaic systems, with a focus on fruit crop production in urban settings. By studying how specialty crops respond to the interplay of solar infrastructure, microclimate, and resource constraints, his work aims to advance sustainable urban agriculture while contributing to renewable energy integration. Beyond his academic research, Armando is committed to science communication and public engagement, helping connect the future of food systems to innovative approaches in plant and environmental sciences.