DIE GARTEN TULLN “Nature in the Garden City” Award Process · Case study of the “Nature in the Garden City” award process, using Tulln an der Donau as an example DIE GARTEN

DIE GARTEN TULLN

“Nature in the Garden

City” Award Process

Case study, using Tulln an der Donau as an example

Thomas Uibel 01.10.2012

Case study of the “Nature in the Garden City” award process, using Tulln an der Donau as an example

DIE GARTEN TULLN – Thomas Uibel, December 2012 1

Table of contents

Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 2

History ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

Garden expertise region...................................................................................................................... 2

Selecting the region................................................................................................................................. 3

Collecting data......................................................................................................................................... 4

Results ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Wording of the support scheme ........................................................................................................... 10

Green space criteria .......................................................................................................................... 10

Communities’ accompanying measures............................................................................................ 12

Support scheme................................................................................................................................. 12

Overview of projects in the region........................................................................................................ 13

“Nature in the Garden City” Tulln Award Process................................................................................. 13

Green space criteria .......................................................................................................................... 13

Town council resolution .................................................................................................................... 15

Public relations .................................................................................................................................. 15

Participating institutions ....................................................................................................................... 17

Follow-up projects developed based on the project requirements ..................................................... 17

Garden show paths ........................................................................................................................... 17

Perennial mixes ................................................................................................................................. 18

Perennial reference gardens ............................................................................................................. 25

Rose study and practical guide to roses............................................................................................ 25

Findings ................................................................................................................................................. 26

Lower Austrian garden hotline service centre ...................................................................................... 26

“Nature in the Garden” services for communities (as of 2012)............................................................ 26

Information for communities ................................................................................................................ 27

Consulting process today ...................................................................................................................... 27



Introduction

This document describes the award process of the first community to use the “Nature in the Garden”

criteria as the foundation for cultivating its green space.

The core criteria No pesticides

No chemical or synthetic fertilisers

No peat

Natural garden elements Wild shrubs

Wildflower meadows and meadow elements

Wild growth permitted, wild corner

Special locations, deciduous trees

Flowers and flowering perennials

Cultivation and kitchen garden Compost pile, dwellings for beneficial organisms

Rainwater use, environmentally friendly

material, mulches, vegetable beds and herbs

Fruit orchard and berry bushes

Mixed cultivation/crop rotation/cover crops

Source: “Willkommen im Garten!” brochure

www.naturimgarten.at/Download

Based on the example of the town of Tulln an der Donau, the relevant conditions of Lower Austria’s

“Nature in the Garden” campaign is described before, during and after this project in addition to the

town’s process. The aim is to present a comprehensive illustration to facilitate similar plans for

partner organisations in the “Hybrid Parks” INTERREG III project.

History When the “Nature in the Garden” campaign was being considered before it was established in 1999,

public space was included in many deliberations even though the campaign was initially geared

primarily to owners of home gardens. The idea was for communities’ green spaces to act as a model

for citizens, encouraging them to design and maintain their own gardens in a more natural way.

Initially, support schemes were used as tools to achieve this. These schemes were intended for

communities, and projects deemed exemplary were awarded. The working group referred to

internally as the “green space group” developed various projects over the years, including a “Green

Space Survey” to take stock at the community level. The aim was to obtain specific and meaningful

information about the use of plant protection agents, the size of communities’ own green spaces, the

cost of green space maintenance and so on.

Garden expertise region

For budget reasons, the green space survey was used for the first time in 2006 to test a region of 24

communities. Preparations for the 2008 Lower Austrian Tulln and Grafenegg Provincial Garden Show

were used as the occasion. The first working title was therefore “Provincial Garden Show Region”.

These regions were to be provided funding for presenting their traditional garden expertise to the

public in the form of gardening and landscape design companies by developing green spaces to add

ecological and design value. The two locations:

* Tulln, home to DIE GARTEN TULLN, a new ecological model garden (www.diegartentulln.at)



* Grafenegg, home to a renewed landscape garden surrounding Castle Grafenegg

(www.grafenegg.com)

The title was later changed to “Regional Garden Expertise” (Gartenkompetenz-Region); both titles

are used here since the original documents were used.

Selecting the region

The area between Tulln an der Donau and the community of Grafenegg corresponds to the political

district of Tulln with the addition of the neighbouring communities of Hausleiten, Grafenegg and

Stetteldorf am Wagram.

The map shows locations that could be designated for potential nature-oriented projects in public

areas; some were suitable as themed gardens with show garden character

Red dot = public green space (68 projects)

Yellow triangle = themed gardens (23 locations)

Prominent locations were also surveyed to enhance the feeling of community within the region:

3 green dots = regional symbol, e.g. three cherry trees (50 locations/150 trees) with marker



Collecting data

Each of the following communities was visited for approximately five hours in March/April 2006.

Gemeinde: Homepage: Einwohner: Flächengröße:

Marktgemeinde Absdorf www.absdorf.at 1.605 15,96 km²

Marktgemeinde Atzenbrugg www.atzenbrugg.at 2.497 25,94 km²

Marktgemeinde Fels am Wagram www.fels-wagram.at 1.966 29,50 km²

Marktgemeinde Grafenegg www.grafenegg.gv.at 2.830 28,58 km²

Marktgemeinde Grafenwörth www.grafenwoerth.at 2.615 46,40 km²

Gemeinde Großriedenthal www.grossriedenthal.at 984 18,83 km²

Marktgemeinde Großweikersdorf www.grossweikersdorf.at 2.786 43,32 km²

Marktgemeinde Hausleiten www.hausleiten.gv.at 2.967 61,03 km²

Marktgemeinde Judenau - Baumgarten www.judenau-baumgarten.gv.at 2.075 14,35 km²

Marktgemeinde Kirchberg am Wagram www.kirchberg-wagram.at 3.341 60,26 km²

Marktgemeinde Königsbrunn am Wagram www.koenigsbrunn.at 1.270 28,57 km²

Marktgemeinde Königstetten www.koenigstetten.gv.at 1.888 13,04 km²

Marktgemeinde Langenrohr www.langenrohr.gv.at oder 1.974 22,57 km²

Marktgemeinde Michelhausen www.michelhausen.at 2.524 32,03 km²

Gemeinde Muckendorf - Wipfing www.muckendorf-wipfing.at 980 6,27 km²

Marktgemeinde Sieghartskirchen www.sieghartskirchen.gv.at 6.674 61,59 km²

Gemeinde Sitzenberg - Reidling www.sitzenberg-reidling.gv.at 1.922 22,15 km²

Marktgemeinde St. Andrä - Wördern www.staw.at 6.436 39,33 km²

Marktgemeinde Stetteldorf am Wagram www.stetteldorf-wagram.at 1.021 25,74 km²

Marktgemeinde Tulbing www.tulbing.at 2.534 18,36 km²

Stadtgemeinde Tulln an der Donau www.tulln.at 13.591 72,21 km²

Marktgemeinde Würmla www.wuermla.at 1.258 20,40 km²

Gemeinde Zeiselmauer - Wolfpassing www.zeiselmauer.at.gs 1.966 12,70 km²

Marktgemeinde Zwentendorf an der Donau www.zwentendorf.at 3.714 53,85 km²

The survey involved four steps:

1. Self-guided drive through the community by the person responsible for the region

2. Political contacts and people in the administration were asked questions from the green

space survey

3. Tour with the contacts and detailed visit of potential project sites

4. Documentation (questionnaire, photos and notes) for each community





Green space survey

Results

The following evaluation was used as a basis for providing productive support for communities for

reorganisation following the award of a support project.









Summary of the green space survey

Eighty-seven percent of the communities considered green space important to very important within

the community. On average every community had three projects in the planning stage in conjunction

with the 2008 Provincial Garden Show. Twenty-four of 71 projects related to roadside vegetation.

The communities are willing to implement nature-oriented projects (according to the criteria of the

“Nature in the Garden” campaign) if the relevant information is provided to the community

representatives and public. One out of two communities would provide funding if provincial funding

were offered.

Wording of the support scheme

Green space criteria

The “Nature in the Garden” criteria listed in the introduction were adapted as follows for use at the

community level:

Core criteria (all 3 must be met, published in community newspaper/posted on bulletin boards) Criteria Comments

☺☺☺☺ No pesticides Based on directives for ecological agriculture

☺☺☺☺ No easily soluble

mineral fertilisers

Based on directives for ecological agriculture

☺☺☺☺ No peat To protect peat bogs

Natural garden elements (note that the following items are incorporated into project development)

Local seeds and plants (proof of origin) used for planting new wild native plants.

☺☺☺☺ Wild shrub plantings Hedges primarily of native shrubs or shrubs with ecological value

☺☺☺☺ Meadows, types of natural lawns, meadow elements

Proper maintenance by type



☺☺☺☺ Permitting wild growth/ rare and endangered plants typical for the community

Small-area and individual plants, in defined spaces (e.g., streets, building niches etc.)

☺☺☺☺ Ecological retreats, wild corners

Large-area, plant communities, wild diversity in areas and properties; causeways, embankments, abandoned areas

☺☺☺☺ Deciduous trees

Native deciduous trees or deciduous trees with ecological value, including climbing plants

☺☺☺☺ Flowers and flowering perennials in beds

Flowers and perennials with ecological value as an insect meadow

☺☺☺☺ Special sites

West or dry, artificial ponds, swimming ponds and dry stone walls, window boxes

☺☺☺☺ Dwellings for beneficial organisms

Piles of plant trimmings or stones, decayed wood, logs with holes, nesting boxes; “hotels” for beneficial organisms

☺☺☺☺ Public harvest Vegetable beds, herbs, fruit orchard, berry bushes

☺☺☺☺ Compost cycle Nutrient cycle in the community association: use of green waste and compost

☺☺☺☺ Cover crops Increase soil fertility

☺☺☺☺ Mulches Wood chips, grass clippings, flax mulch and residue-free bark mulch

☺☺☺☺ Rainwater use Delivery for recovery or infiltration (unsealed open spaces)

“Nature in the Garden” (NiG) community promoted by Lower Austria (must meet at least 3)

☺☺☺☺ 1/3 of the necessary home garden signs

Key: < 200 households at least 10 gardens with NiG hedgehog sign < 600 households at least 20 gardens with NiG hedgehog sign 600 and more households at least 30 gardens with NiG hedgehog sign

☺☺☺☺ Location with “Nature in the Garden” community sign

At least one location

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺ NiG individual projects A maximum of 3 individual projects will be taken into

account

☺☺☺☺ Playgrounds with a nature-oriented design or nature-oriented space used by children

Created elements: hills, shrub groups (native shrubs), balance beams made from natural logs, shade trees, movable natural materials (wood, stones, etc.), water, etc. Inherently nature-oriented areas



Communities’ accompanying measures

Potential accompanying campaigns in the communities:

1) For increasing acceptance of nature in green spaces:

Visits, training – announce to the public and invite interested parties

2) Nature and art in the community:

Motivate regional artists, art pieces and have artists help design areas with natural garden elements,

dwellings for beneficial organisms, wild plants, wild plant areas, etc.

3) Campaign – rare or endangered regional plant as a symbol on the coat of arms

Advertise, preserve and promote plants typical to the local conditions and not widespread. More

information about providers of regional species is available at:

www.rgv.co.at/PartnerBS.html

web.utanet.at/szedalpe/Resources/Gehoelze.pdf

www.wildblumensaatgut.at

[email protected], www.arche-noah.at

Support scheme



Overview of projects in the region

“Nature in the Garden City” Tulln Award Process

Green space criteria

The “Nature in the Garden criteria for green spaces” list was coordinated with the nature-oriented

activities of the town of Tulln an der Donau. The following table shows the status as of the end of

2007.



Core criteria (all 3 must be met; published in community newspaper TULLN Criteria Comments Reference Action Exceptions

☺☺☺☺

No pesticides Based on directives for environmental agriculture

Fighting chestnut leaf-miner moths by strengthening trees; harmful agents (Rubidox), agents that do not require a permit to purchase and agents that are not harmful to beneficial organisms

Systemic and leaf fertiliser; planting primarily disease-resistant varieties; copper

Avenue trees along the Danube, Donaulände only in rose gardens and outdoor seating areas; moat

☺☺☺☺ No easily soluble mineral fertilisers

Based on directives for environmental agriculture

Primarily only in intensive cultivation Mannakom, rock dust Rose gardens

☺☺☺☺ No peat To protect peat bogs Primarily only sewage sludge compost 2008 NiG attempt

1 sewage sludge : 6 soil

Flower boxes and pots

☺☺☺☺ Inventory A detailed inventory of existing green space and cultivation must be submitted.

Entente Florale; green space with maintenance plan; tree register largely in place;

Competition; survey and documentation

Documents updated on an ongoing basis

Natural garden elements (note that the following items are incorporated into project development and are applied in substantial areas of the community) Local seeds and plants grown in the region (proof of origin) will be used for planting new wild native plants ☺☺☺☺ Wild shrub plantings Hedges primarily of native

shrubs or shrubs with ecological value

Alongside bicycle paths… according to “Nature in the Garden” criteria, mix and maintenance

Plants from “Heckentag”, types of field maple…

Ornamental shrubs in the centre

☺☺☺☺ Meadows, types of natural lawns, meadow elements

Proper maintenance by type

We have tried wildflower meadows, but the soil is often too nutrient-rich! NO fertiliser!

2 types of grass seed: hardy and for embankments

Areas with public appeal in the centre

☺☺☺☺ Permitting wild growth/rare and endangered plants typical for the community

Small-area and individual plants, in defined spaces (e.g., streets, building niches etc.)

Only on undeveloped areas, tried in infiltration swales; Nitzing

Education about coat of arms plants needed (including thistle).

Not yet accepted by residents (“immigrants” to gardens)

☺☺☺☺ Ecological retreats, wild corners

Large-area, plant communities, wild diversity in areas and properties; causeways, embankments, abandoned areas

Embankments on the Danube and Kleiner Tulln, noise control embankments, areas adjacent to the Aubad swimming area with steep embankments to the sledge hill, windbreaks and wildlife protection belts (soil conservation facilities)

Mow only once to a maximum of three times a year with a flail mower, grass clippings left behind

Areas with public appeal in the centre

☺☺☺☺ Deciduous trees Native deciduous trees or deciduous trees with ecological value, including climbing plants

Oaks, chestnuts, lindens, maple ,… on embankments; “green walls” with climbing plants

Native trees, forest plants Roadside areas with continuous leading shoots – 4.5 m clearance (nursery plants)

☺☺☺☺ Flowers and flowering perennials in beds

Flowers and perennials with ecological value as an insect meadow

Coordinated with NiG criteria Catmint, coat of arms plants

☺☺☺☺ Special sites Wet or dry, artificial ponds, swimming ponds and dry stone walls, window boxes

Exist naturally along “old branch” of the Danube, Kl. Tulln

Maintain or revitalise

☺☺☺☺ Dwellings for beneficial organisms

Piles of plant trimmings or stones, decayed wood, logs with holes, nesting boxes; “hotels” for beneficial organisms

“Tree hotel” in the flood plain/ Provincial Garden Show, wildlife conservation areas north bank of Danube, nesting boxes on southern bank on Donaulände

Bringing to urban areas

☺☺☺☺ Public harvest Vegetable beds, herbs, fruit orchard, berry bushes

Vegetables beds, possible fruit tree project (cherry, walnut, apple) and mixed berry hedges

LWFS; possibly BOKU; in nursery schools and on playgrounds

☺☺☺☺ Compost cycle Nutrient cycle in the community association: use of green waste and compost

Green waste collected and composted Flower markets via Association of Local Authorities for Waste Management and Fee Collection (GVA)

Sewage sludge compost from compost providers in agriculture

☺☺☺☺ Cover crops Increase soil fertility Flail mower on embankments and boundary areas

Not necessary for new areas Areas with public appeal in the centre

☺☺☺☺ Mulches Wood chips, cut grass, flax mulch and residue-free bark mulch

Bark mulch tested (linden), ground cover; reforestation in the floodplain

☺☺☺☺ Rainwater use Delivery for recovery or infiltration (unsealed open spaces)

Infiltration swales and grass pavers; watering with rainwater

Used as often as possible; potentially at nursery schools, schools

Small spaces

NiG community “Nature in the Garden” community sponsored by Lower Austria (at least 3 must be met) ☺☺☺☺ 1/3 of the necessary home

garden signs Key: < 200 households at least 10 gardens with NiG hedgehog sign < 600 households at least 20 gardens with NiG hedgehog sign < 600 households at least 30 gardens with NiG hedgehog sign

> 30 signs; potentially also for nursery schools? More information for private individuals from the “Nature in the Garden” citizens’ information service

☺☺☺☺ Locations with “Nature in the Garden” community sign

At least one location Not yet, possibly Nitzing with Anger and new playground

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺ NiG individual projects A maximum of 3 individual projects will be taken into account

2 roundabouts submitted and Am Anger in Nitzing To be carried out according to submission.

☺☺☺☺ Playgrounds with a nature-oriented design or nature-oriented space used by children

Created elements: hills, shrub groups (native shrubs), balance beams made from natural logs, shade trees, movable natural materials (wood, stones, etc.), water, etc. inherently nature-oriented areas

Submit public playgrounds? Check criteria

Gießgang in Natura 2000 area north of the Danube and wildlife refuge hill in flood drainage basin Saved “Überländgraben” drainage way natural monument (green space network) near Langenrohr Wildlife passages, infiltration swales and ecological areas following building of high-performance rail line Soil conservation belts created with watering holes for dry periods filled with solar pumps



Town council resolution

The following resolution was adopted by the Tulln town council in December 2007.

The Town of Tulln aspires to become the first community in Lower Austria to earn the distinction

“Nature in the Garden City”. Doing so will improve the ecological quality of public green spaces. The

following principles and measures should be adopted for most public green spaces:

• Closeness to nature is an important principle and will be achieved by applying the “Nature in

the Garden – green space criteria” (see appendix) in design and maintenance.

• Beginning immediately, new plantings will be shifted to predominately location-appropriate

plants that are typical for the region and thus have ecological value according to the “Nature in the

Garden” publications of Lower Austria.

• No English lawns; conversion to herb lawns.

• Treatment for preventing leaf-miner moths in horse chestnuts expanded immediately using

combination fertiliser treatment, which has proven successful in tests.

• Immediately planting nature-oriented public green spaces in parallel when creating new or

revitalising estates.

• Additional measures will be developed in consultation with the “Nature in the Garden”

consultants and implemented gradually through regulations.

The following timeline has been defined:

1. Once the measures described in the resolution have been successfully implemented and a

detailed budget and schedule for achieving outstanding criteria have been determined

(implementation in phase 2): awarding of the “Nature in the Garden City” distinction.

2. The full project is to be implemented by 2018.

Converting the cultivation of public green spaces will entail a shift in monetary expense and effort.

The aim for the medium term is to compensate for the increase in effort and expense of

environmental measures through savings from support, less maintenance and watering, and

chemicals.

Public relations

In the context of awarding the distinction, residents in the community area were asked to design

their home gardens according to the criteria of the “Nature in the Garden” campaign, to request

consultation or to be awarded with the Lower Austria garden sign. (Source: www.tulln.at 2012)



Tulln becomes a “Nature in the Garden” city

Nearly 100 friends of the garden in Tulln have already taken advantage of a

“Nature in the Garden” consultation from the province of Lower Austria or are

proud owners of a hedgehog sign. And one owner of a large estate in Tulln has

already applied for the sign: the town itself.

Tulln was the first town in Lower Austria to commit to nature-oriented

cultivation of 550,000 m² of public green space. The unanimous decision was

taken by all parties in December 2007 to become the first “Nature in the

Garden City”.

Municipal gardener Ewald Fellner: “Of course in nature you can’t switch from

conventional treatment to ecological, nature-oriented green space

maintenance from one day to the next. Our current task is to gradually lay the

foundation for reaching our goal in three to five years: doing without sprays,

mineral fertilisers and peat in large-scale green space maintenance.” Here are

two examples.

Site-appropriate rose/perennial mix in the moat

The twenty-year-old rose gardens in the Tulln town garden have exceeded

their life span. The depleted, compacted substrate was replaced with a water-

permeable soil mix. By planting special, very hardy new rose varieties, we

hope to be able to do without spraying in future. Plantings of site-appropriate,

ecological shrub and perennial mixes in the immediate vicinity provide a

habitat for beneficial organisms, which naturally keep many pests that target

roses in check.



Creating natural wildflower meadows in municipal areas

The transition zones between the highly maintained Donaulände street and

the naturally vegetated areas in the Tulln floodplain and Aubad swimming

area are being allowed to return to their natural state. Natural wildflower

meadows, which provide an ideal habitat for beneficial organisms, were

created near the BMX track and the Water lilly bridge bayou.

Nature seeks out the garden

The “Nature in the Garden” hedgehog sign is a special award for gardens that

are cultivated and designed with nature in mind. It is awarded to owners of

natural gardens who have gone though a personal consultation. The first step

is to stop using pesticides, easily soluble mineral fertilisers or peat to improve

your soil.

If you have berry bushes, a vegetable garden or a compost pile, then you’ve

earned the sign!

Call the Lower Austrian garden hotline at +43 (0) 2742 / 74 333. The much-

loved hedgehog sign is awarded free of charge in 2008.

Participating institutions

Office of the Lower Austrian Provincial Government, Land Use Planning, Environment, Transport

Group, Environment and Energy Management Department, 3109 St.Pölten, Landhausplatz 1, Building

17

[email protected]

Follow-up projects developed based on the project requirements

Garden show paths

Community representatives came up with the idea of working together to market bicycle and hiking

paths in the region to use the new green space projects and blossoming garden expertise region for

tourism. A letter to the mayor (left) accelerated creation of brochures on the bicycle and hiking paths

from Grafenegg to Tulln (centre) and bicycle and hiking paths from the Vienna Woods to the Danube

(right).



Perennial mixes

Long-term implementation of the projects in the garden expertise region

would not have been possible without the region’s gardening companies.

Alexander Schmidhammer from Hameter, a perennial grower from

Tullnerfeld, was contracted to develop site-appropriate mixed perennial

plantings, which were made available to all communities and planners in an

information sheet.

Four different mixes are available. The perennial mixes brochure (in German

only) is available for download at http://www.naturimgarten.at/Download.

The focus was placed on practical information. Establishing a modular system, annual maintenance

and the expected number of hours required were outlined in detail.



English version:

Perennials bring a natural variety of colours and shapes to green spaces. Using them requires

experience with planning, planting and care. The following plant concept will show you how to

ensure your perennial plantings are a success:

PLANT COMPOSITIONS

The plant mixes consist of perennials and bulbs, which can be supplemented with woody plants or seasonal plantings. Your perennial package will bloom in fascinating colours from spring to late

autumn. Interesting structures and seed heads provide for variation even in winter. The combination

of short-lived and long-lived perennials creates a dynamic that will last for years. The right mix for a

particular location can be highly attractive without requiring a significant amount of care.

CHARACTERISTICS

Plant mix: > Perennials, bulbs, seeds > 6 plants per m²

> Required care: approximately 8 minutes per m² per year

Possibilities: > Multi-family housing sites > public green spaces

PLANTING

The ideal time to plant perennials is from the end of March to mid-May and from mid-September to

the end of October. They should not be planting in freezing or hot weather. Nor should they be

planted in wet soil. Bulbs are planted in frost-free soil from mid-September to the end of November.

There are three steps to planting:

1. Preparing the soil thoroughly

The soil must be free of all weeds. Perennial weeds such as ground elder must be removed before planting. Regular care is needed, especially while the plants are taking root. Loosen compacted soil

well. Improve very heavy soil with sand or fine gravel. Overall fertilisation using organic materials

such as compost or horn meal is only recommended for nutrient-poor soil.



2. Arranging the perennials

The following guide describes how to arrange plants. Perennials are laid out in the following order

depending on their function. Start with architectural perennials:

Architectural perennials: Distribute individual plants in a pattern over the entire planting area,

spacing plants approximately 60 cm apart and avoiding the edges of the bed

Perennial groups: Arrange plants in groups of 3 to 10 across the entire bed, spacing plants

approximately 45 cm apart

Ground cover: Arrange plants along the border or in bands extending into the bed, spacing plants approximately 30 cm apart

Scattered plants: Distribute individual plants throughout the entire bed, filling in gaps

3. Planting the perennials

Once you have distributed all the perennials, it is time to plant them. Follow these instructions to

ensure optimal growth:

• Remove the top layer of the root ball if weeds are present.

• If the root ball is dry, dip it in water before planting.

4. Planting bulbs

Bulbs: Plant bulbs between perennials in loose groups of 10 to 100 at a depth of two to three times

the height of the bulb.

5. Watering

Water plants thoroughly once they are in the ground. In dry weather, water repeatedly while the

plants are taking root.

CARE

Each planting requires a minimum of care! If your soil is well prepared, beds only needs to be

maintained four to six times, or a total of roughly eight minutes per m², per year (not including setup

and travel time). We recommend just a few minutes of regular maintenance. Longer periods of less

frequent maintenance increases pressure from weeds.

1. Watering

Once plants have been planted and taken root, they only need to be watered during long hot, dry

periods. One deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering.

2. Weeding

The danger that beds will become infested with weeds is greatest immediately after planting.

Perennial weeds must be removed as soon as possible. It is best to remove then when the soil is

damp. Use a spade to dig out weeds with deep roots and a weeder to pull out weeds that form

taproots. Weeds that form seeds must be removed before they go to seed. Do not use a hoe as this

will destroy bulb growth.

3. Pruning

With a few exceptions (grasses), perennials are cut back to one hand length above the ground at the

end of November. Use pruning shears to cut back plants. Leave bulb foliage until it turns brown. Only cut back scattered plants once they go to seed.

4. Fertilising

Nutrient-rich soil does not need to be fertilised in the first few years. Later, you can compensate for a

nutrient deficiency by adding horn meal or compost in the spring. Perennials are largely winter-hardy

and do not need to be protected in the winter.



5. Tying

Perennials do not need to be staked or tied.

6. Mulch

Mulch is not recommended if you want the different scattered plants to reseed. However, this means

more maintenance while the plants take root. You can use mineral materials (gravel, bricks, etc.) or

organic materials (bark, etc.) as mulch. If you use organic mulch, we recommend applying fertiliser

first.

All four mixes were planted for observation near the Water lilly bridge, which was built following the

2008 Lower Austrian Provincial Garden Show on the high-traffic Donaulände street in the centre of

Tulln. This is a visible sign of town gardeners’ sustainable understanding of green space.



�� Shade-lovers There is no need for shade plants to hide behind bushes and hedges. Shade-loving plants feel at

home under their protection. In the spring, their

delicate blooms rival those of the woody plants. With

their saturated colours, mountain fleece and meadow

rue extend the blooming period into the summer. The

bold blossoms of the hosta extend above its large

leaves. As autumn approaches, evergreen grasses and

waldsteinia take over.

Characteristics: • Fresh green, robust foliage

• Delicate blooms in saturated colours

• Evergreen aspects

Location:

• Partial shade to shade

• Moderately dry to slightly damp soil

• Minimum area of 30 m²

Associations Sound and movement – shadow dancers

Comfortable oasis – drop of water in the desert

�� Sun-lovers

Sun-loving plants are tough. Their name says it all. With

intense yellow, orange and white colour accents and

bright, lush greens, they are an enduring highlight of this

bed. Plants like yarrow and hypericum compete with tall

sundrops – a round dance of plants that captures the full spectrum of the sun’s colours.

Fig. 1: Shade-lovers 09.06.2009, edge of the forest at Water lilly bridge Tulln

Fig 1: Sun-lovers 09. 06. 2009 behind the handrail of the Water lilly bridge

Tulln



Characteristics:

• Sun perennials

• Golden-yellow, orange and white blooms

• Easy to maintain

Location:

• Treeless, sunny areas

• Moderately dry to slightly damp soil

• Well drained soil • Minimum area of 30 m²

Associations:

Colourful – cheerful – friendly

Like a brilliant yellow sunrise



� � � � Romantic wave Garden The perennials in the romantic garden mix also like

the sun. Plants like the bloody cranesbill and lamb’s

ear follow the elegant lines of the bed, separated by

beautiful islands of showy purple coneflower and

allium. Late in the season, plumbago adds blue

accents throughout. The large variety is easy to plant

and care for – who wouldn’t want to be a romantic?

Characteristics:

• Love sun

• Blue, lilac-pink blooms

• Easy to maintain

Location:

• Treeless, sunny areas

• Moderately dry soil

• Well drained soil


Associations:

Showy – ebullient – expressive in their form

On the sunny side – set sail

� � � � Arid dreams garden Yucca and Atlas fescue dominate the Mediterranean

look of the arid dream garden. In blue, pink and yellow,

the perennials are the best supporting actors in very dry

areas. What yellow chamomile, Dianthus plumarius,

Fig 2: Romantic wave garden and Knautia macedonica 09.06.2009, Water

lilly bridge Tulln

Fig. 3: Arid dreams garden 09.06.2009 Water lilly bridge Tulln, at the bike

path next to the Danube



catmint and salvia lack in height, they make up for in their abundant blooms. They are interspersed

with many low-growing plants that peek up from underneath fragrant silvery sun-drenched leaves.

Characteristics:

• Sun perennials

• Lustrous, multi-coloured

• Drought-resistant

Location: • Treeless, sunny areas

• Dry soil

• Well drained soil


Associations:

A sea of sun

Rock garden – sand and beach

Perennial reference gardens

Stemming from the perennial mixes and experience with them, a study entitled “Reference gardens

for perennial use in Lower Austria” was initiated by

the “Nature in the Garden” campaign and Lower Austria. The team from the

Outdoor Plant Use working group (University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences) was

responsible for designing and carrying out the three-year research project (from April 2008 to April

2011).

The project set out to create a register for perennial use in Lower Austria with different reference

gardens in public green spaces. The register contains information about the creation of planted

areas, the appearance, maintenance and optimisation of the plant population in each of the gardens,

for example. Seven individual reference gardens were created in cooperation with six project

communities and the partial support of external experts. Gardens were monitored over two growing

seasons, and monitoring included regular assessment of the plants, mapping, photographic

documentation and surveys of passers-by. Maintenance was also recorded, the soil and/or substrate

was analysed and climate data from the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics

were added. (www.naturimgarten.at/Download)

Rose study and practical guide to roses

A rose study (2008-2011) was also developed out of the close cooperation between “Rose

Community Tulln” and “Nature in the Garden”. It surveyed the community area as well as the Baden

Rosarium in Lower Austria. The practical guide “Ecological Plant Production in Roses” (Lower Austria,

2012) introduces the most important pests and diseases that affect roses, summarises experience

with caring for roses and applying ecological plant protection gained from a four-year research

project, and makes recommendations on how to implement maintenance measures in practice.



Findings Continuous supervision is urgently needed. People who were previously responsible are no longer

involved due to restructuring. The resulting gap in supervision has led to numerous ambiguities and

has extended the amount of time needed (by one year)!

Data, lists and forms were created as needed based on the pilot project. These clear specifications

must be spelled out and explained in person as otherwise differences in understanding cause

problems. Prepared documents are available as the standard for the current (2012) award processes.

It is difficult to establish a suitable new structure or to find appropriate dates for a complex topic.

Therefore, using existing structures and trying to change individual items on the agenda is more

productive.

Many offers have been improved or created based on the experience from the project:

Lower Austrian garden hotline service centre The Lower Austrian hotline service centre for green spaces has been established to answer questions

about design and maintenance. It offers:

• Telephone consultation

• Diagnosis of plant pests and diseases (using photos or samples)

• Orders for publications

• Registration for events

Lower Austrian garden hotline, +43 (0) 2742/74333, Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. from 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

and Wed. from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., [email protected]

“Nature in the Garden” services for communities (as of 2012) Numerous findings from the consulting process in Tulln have been developed into a complete range

of services at the community level in Lower Austria. Schools, nursery schools, playgrounds, hospitals,

nursing homes and so on can also take advantage of services:

The “Nature in the Garden Academy” holds annual training, continuing education and advanced

training for employees and supervisors of public green space:

• Certified training course in green space maintenance

• Lower Austrian green space day

• Ecological maintenance training day

• Different symposia on topics relating to public green space

• Ongoing advanced education courses on green space cultivation at the “Nature in the Garden

Academy”

at Tulln Garden

Design consultation for nature-oriented and easy-to-maintain new designs or redesigns of all public

green space:

• 3 subsidised consultation units for communities (communities pay €70/unit)

Maintenance consultation following an initial consultation on the following topics:



• Going green with maintenance, communication

• Reducing maintenance effort

• Consulting according to the new Plant Protection Act

Information for communities

The “Nature in the Garden” campaign makes informational texts available to communities at no

charge to be able to inform residents about seasonally relevant topics in public green spaces.

Information on the following topics is available at www.naturimgarten.at/Gemeinden:

•APHIDS

•BOX TREE MOTHS

•CHEMICALS IN THE GARDEN

•FERTILISING IN THE SPRING

•NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

•PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN MARCH AND APRIL

Consulting process today “Nature in the Garden” helps communities design and cultivate green space

ecologically and attractively. Use the following distinctions to present your community to the public

as an environmentally friendly and nature-oriented place

“Nature in the Garden” (Natur im Garten) sign:

“Public green space – ecologically maintained” (Öffentliche

Grünräume – Ökologisch Gepflegt)

With the help of the campaign, convert the design

and maintenance of your community’s green space

according to the “Nature in the Garden” criteria and earn

this distinction. Some ten communities are currently on the path to

receiving this distinction.

“Nature in the Garden – right here at home” (Natur im Garten – Bei

uns im Ort) signs

Communities are awarded this sign

if they have a high number of

Lower Austria garden signs in their

residents’ home gardens:

Municipalities up to 200 residents – 10 signs

200 to 600 residents – 20 signs

600 and more residents – 30 signs.



This award lets everyone who enters the community

know about its ecological commitment.