Photo: Randall Robinson

It’s been almost a month since we last mentioned PWD’s green roof bus shelter at 15th and Market, and now that the novelty has died down, you might be wondering what all the fuss was about. After all, it’s only 60 square feet of green roof—how much of a difference can it really make? The bus shelter was meant to demonstrate that it’s possible to green even small spaces, and to inspire Philadelphia residents to undertake their own green projects at home.

PWD recently received the photo above from a West Philly homeowner. Her downspout planter not only helps keep our streams and rivers clean by capturing stormwater runoff from her roof, it’s also a beautiful addition to her home, planted with daylilies, iris, oat grass, red flame grass and perennial pea.

Visit our Residents page for green project ideas for your home, including how-tos and helpful guides.