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Horticulture

Horticulture in South Tyrol has a very small structure and is widely dispersed. This ranges from public green spaces, private gardens, growers of seedlings, horticulture for cemeteries and vegetable growing, herbs and landscape gardening. There is also an area for suppliers, producers of fertilizers and substrates, suppliers of young plants and seeds, suppliers of machinery and suppliers of tools to farming consortia.

This new research area, which was set up in 2019, is tasked with creating networks, consultancy, and applying the results of research in the field of horticulture and landscaping in South Tyrol. The ecological, social, aesthetic, urban planning and cultural values of green spaces need to be improved and safeguarded sustainably.

The research area Horticulture advises municipalities on public green spaces and engages in networking activities in the area.


Natural Garden

 

The "Natural Garden" is an initiative to promote design and eco-friendly maintenance of gardens and green spaces. The essential criteria to obtain the “Natural Garden” certification require gardens and green spaces to be designed and maintained without using synthetic fertilizers or phytosanitary products, with no use of peat in substrates. It is also necessary to create versatile habitats for people, animals, and plants.This campaign, which started in Austria and then extended to Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and now South Tyrol, is aimed at private individuals and town councils.

Since the start of 2022, the Horticulture Area from Laimburg Research Centre has been the official certifying body for “Natural Garden” plaques.

For private gardens: Nature-orientated gardens and green spaces that meet the requirements are given a plaque in situ as part of a customised, free consultancy.

For municipalities: The experts from the research area Horticulture offer a free consultancy service on the different subjects linked to public greenery. The service also includes courses and continuous training opportunities for employees, as well as conferences and information evenings for the public and for interested groups.

For more information about "Natur Garden" in South Tyrol, please visit the website (only in Italian or German): Natur im Garten - Giardino naturale

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The group Ornamental Horticulture is dedicated to annual plants, including house plants, tropical species, pot plants and annual horticultural plants. In particular, it deals with the production, use and care of these plants, as well as the study of the use of fertilizers, additives, substrates and peat substitutes.

In cooperation with the South Tyrolean Gardeners' Association, annual applications are made for balcony plants and peat-free substrates.  

In a tropical greenhouse, more than 200 species of tropical plants are housed and observed, including cocoa, coffee, mango and avocado. 
The experimental garden focuses also on the quality of non-hybrid vegetable varieties. 

 

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In the area of climate change mitigation and adaptation, the sector contributes through the study of greening of roofs and facades, street greenery, hedges and perennials in urban areas.

The aim is to optimise green maintenance, increase biodiversity and promote sustainable practices such as reducing sealing, the use of native plants, urban cooling and organic fertilisation for healthy soil. The group also studies the use and maintenance of perennials such as trees, shrubs, climbers and plants for public and private green spaces.

 

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Subjects for guided visits

 

Display garden

Herbs, salad plants, aromatic plants, soil varieties, citrus fruit collection, useful tropical plants.

Duration: 30 minutes | Maximum number of participants: 15


Balcony varieties (display changes every year)

Duration: 30 minutes | Maximum number of participants: 15


Green roofs

Extensive and intensive structures: green roofs with a focus on biodiversity

Duration: 40 minutes | Maximum number of participants: 15


Green fronts

Greening masonry fronts using climbing plants: options, benefits, and disadvantages

Duration: 30 minutes | Maximum number of participants: 15


Natural Garden

Display garden and vegetable garden with native plant species in raised beds, permaculture, all cultivated without the use of peat, plastic, and mineral fertilisers.

Duration: 30 minutes | Maximum number of participants: 15


Green spaces at Laimburg and in the surrounding area

Asian garden, shade garden, rock garden, street greenery, natural ponds, rose gardens, perennial area, hedges, and biodiversity.

Duration: 60 minutes | Maximum number of participants: 15