Horticulture Research Area

The activities of the Horticulture Research Area focus on public and private green spaces.

We seek sustainable, practical and functional solutions for green spaces that can be adapted to different contexts. Our attention is focused on healthy green spaces that can contribute to improving people’s health.

Tasks of the Horticulture Research Area:

• To develop and transmit practical, customised solutions
• To publish research results  
• To provide consulting services for private customers, institutions, nurseries, businesses and municipalities
• To carry out tests and maintain display and demonstration areas

Scope of activities:

The Horticulture Research Area works in different sectors and with various plant species:

• indoor plants
• tropical plant species
• balcony and potted plants
• perennial plants
• grasses, herbs and useful plants
• shrubs and trees

We also work in special areas such as green infrastructure on buildings (green roofs and facades), cemeteries, roadside greenery and compensation areas.

Usefulness of green areas

The Horticulture Research Area works to optimise the potential of green spaces in various fields areas:

• Cooling and shading: green spaces contribute to cooling our living environments through evaporation and shading, especially through large trees, green roofs and facades
• Rainwater management: green spaces store rainwater and reduce runoff, thereby also reducing flooding (reduced soil sealing)
• Dust filtration: green spaces filter dust from air
• Noise reduction: green spaces reduce noise propagation
• Soil protection: green spaces reduce soil erosion and protect soil microorganisms
• Habitat diversity, biodiversity and food: green spaces provide habitats for people, plants and animals
• Cultural identity: trees, green spaces and cultural landscapes are part of our history and collective (local varieties, useful plants, vegetation forms)
• Social interaction: green spaces provide meeting places and opportunities for dialogue and interaction (urban gardening)
• Aesthetics: green spaces enhance the visual quality of urban landscapes and areas