ISHS Acta Horticulturae 391: Horticulture in Human life, Culture and Environment
URBAN HORTICULTURE: AN EXPERIENCE OF OPENING A RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTRE TO PEOPLE |
| Authors: | P. Verga, V. Pironi, L. Marzotto |
| Keywords: | Urban horticulture, Research and education centre |
| Abstract:
Minoprio Foundation, a Horticultural Centre for research and education located in the northern part of Italy near Milan, decided to open part of its facilities to the public: a 60 ha area, including an 18th century villa with a park, greenhouses for research, teaching and training, nurseries and orchards. Starting from 1991, five flower exhibitions (spring and autumn), each lasting 5–6 weeks, have been organized and opened to the public on the weekends. The main goals of such an initiative were: 1) to enhance the visibility of the Centre; 2) to promote familiarity with plants and their use in gardening and urban horticulture; 3) to offer recreation opportunities and to "experience nature." The exhibitions developed along flowerbeds and collections of trees and shrubs; expositions on tree care and plant health were also organized. The total number of visitors was 121,182. On average, spring and autumn exhibitions contributed respectively to about 71% and 29% of the total visitors. The typical visitor is employed, 31–45 years old, male or female and comes from the nearest Provinces, within a radius of 15–40 km. | |
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