Robb’s Roost

Home is where the science is. That’s the saying, right? You might get that impression after visiting Robb’s Roost, a seating and observation area featuring a green roof planted with Habiturf® native grass mix and SkySystem™ growing medium — both developed by Wildflower Center researchers.

Robb’s Roost also displays two plant assemblages commonly used by Center environmental designers on green roofs. One side is a planted with Habiturf, an herbaceous blend of three native grasses: Bouteloua dactyloides (buffalograss), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) and Hilaria belangeri (curly mesquite). The other side features succulents and wildflowers such as red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) and mountain pink (Centaurium beyrichii), respectively.

This green roof is decidedly more accessible than most: Visitors can easily reach it via the Observation Tower stairs, and a 4-foot grated metal walkway takes them right over the roof garden to lime green tables and chairs under a steel-and-wood pergola. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view!

The space was developed in the 1990s with funds provided by Lynda Johnson Robb, eldest daughter of Lady Bird and Lyndon Baines Johnson; the green roof adaptation was made possible with additional support from The University of Texas at Austin’s Green Fee Committee.