I grew up on a small organic farm and some of my fondest memories took place in our grape vineyard.  We spent a lot of time weeding, tying the vines, lugging pruned vines to the wienie-roast pile (a very special annual event!) and of course...picking those luscious, organic clusters from the vines and popping fresh Concord and Fredonia grapes out of their skins onto our hungry tongues.  And of course, spitting the seeds in our continual seed spitting contests!  Siblings do things like that!

But, today I discovered I don't have to wait for a plot of land to revisit my childhood fantasy to have a grape arbor... I can grow grapes in containers!

Usually, grapes grown in containers are grown only for the beauty of their foliage and the enjoyment of watching them climb a trellis; they won't bear fruit. Although some varieties of grapes self-pollinate, blossoms need the help of wind or bees to produce fruit.

Still, a trellised grapevine can be a lovely focal point for your container garden. Whether planted or potted, growing a grapevine in full sun is probably the most important requirement for growing grapes. Gardening- Guides.com

Well...maybe there won't be any seed spitting contests...but the beauty of the grape leaves can  grace my veranda high in the sky!

Simply speaking, a green roof is a living roof. While green roof design has its roots in ancient civilizations (think hanging gardens of Babylon), as American cities have become more concerned about managing quantities of stormwater runoff, air quality, and building heat transfer, large modern green roofs have been appearing on commercial properties across the country. Now, FLOWER ot the PEOPLE, Inc. has green roof solutions specifically designed for Southern California private residences. Here the Beverly Hills green roof at Greystone Manor Estate is still growing strong more than two years after its installation. Succulent-covered roofs, like the one at Greystone and the green roofs pictured here, even provide a fire-retarding alternative to traditional shake or stone roofs.

A living roof provides superior energy efficiency for any building (saving on energy costs), extends the life of the roof membrane, is beautiful to look at, provides the local environment with beneficial air-cleaning, cooling and storm water reduction, and promotes greater biodiversity.

Green Roof Section View

1 roof flashing

2 EPDM waterproof membrane

3 root barrier

4 drainage mat

5 "L" sheet metal edge

6 1/2" pea gravel

7 nonwoven separation fabric

8 planting media

9 plants

10 gutter (optional)

It's delightful to discover a thriving treasure-- whether it is a garden or a business!  Flower to the People is such a treasure right in my own community!  Visit their website for a delightful array of garden designs that bring nature and sustainable gardening solutions to the urban landscape.  Their "Exterior Design Portfolio" in particular is expansive and a bloomin' delight!

Flower to the People is located in West Los Angeles, CA at:

11409 Charnock Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90066

FLOWER to the PEOPLE is a sustainable exterior design and outdoor lifestyle firm. Their residential and commercial clients rely on them to create unique environmentally-friendly exterior spaces that suit their contemporary lifestyles.