They’re as old as the hanging gardens of Babylon, but in the past half century, green roofs have made a comeback, especially in countries like Germany which now boasts more than 50 square miles of green roofs.

In North America it’s a more recent phenomenon, but in the past year green roof space grew by more than 70%. Proponents tout improved air quality and building insulation, stormwater retention and aesthetics as just some of the benefits of this living architecture.

In this video, we talk to native systems specialist Josiah Raison Cane of Rana Creek about what it takes to turn your roof green.