ISHS Acta Horticulturae 643: International Conference on Urban Horticulture
ORNAMENTAL HERBACEOUS VEGETATION FOR PUBLIC PLACES IN MARITIME CLIMATES - POTENTIAL AND PROBLEMS |
| Author: | N. Kingsbury |
| Keywords: | parks, maintenance, herbaceous, weed, perennial, herbicide, geranium |
| Abstract:
Maritime climates, such as are characteristic of the Atlantic coastal regions of Europe present both great opportunities and great problems. Given the high probability that global warming is occurring, this climatic zone, characterised by relatively warm winters, could substantially increase, making the experience of practioners in this zone of greater importance to the rest of Europe. Mild winters, combined with a long growing season, are favourable to a wide range of plants, including a very wide range of herbaceous perennials and many southern hemisphere species. The latter have become particularly popular in some places, arguably resulting in a planted landscape that is clichéd, repetitive and often inappropriate. However, northern hemisphere herbaceous perennials rarely present the same aesthetic problems. Given a wide availability of taxa, designers of public space now have great opportunities for adventurous design, with exciting aesthetic possibilities. However, the long growing season presents major management problems, chiefly the competitive advantage given to a small number of aggressive semi-evergreen weed species. The reasons for this are examined and the possibility of selecting herbaceous species to compete with weeds is discussed, with an emphasis on how growth habit affects competition over the growing season. It is also vital that an open mind be kept about the use of herbicides in maintenance strategies. | |
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