Cities increasingly do not want to be associated with a concrete jungle. This is because progressive urbanisation has a negative impact not only on the environment, but also on our well-being. Thus, among the tall skyscrapers, streets, houses and shopping centres, interesting, functional, plant-filled places are emerging, where one can take a break from the urban hustle and bustle. One thing is certain, plants in cities are no longer a small detail, but one of the main elements accompanying urbanisation..

The essence of urban greening

Urban greenery is not only parks planted with numerous trees and shrubs with marked paths. Although these come to mind first. Other urban areas containing greenery include green spaces, flowerbeds, promenades, street greenery or gardens of all kinds (botanical, zoological or allotment gardens). Each of these areas creates the atmosphere of the city to some extent. In addition to its recreational and aesthetic function, greenery also has a social and educational role. School or botanical gardens make a special contribution to this. Suitably placed tall trees and other plants provide natural protection from the wind and, depending on the width and height of the green belt, can significantly reduce the force of the wind. Finally, urban greenery is an excellent way of reducing excessive noise. The advantage of green noise barriers over, for example, concrete ones, is certainly the aesthetics of their construction.

Air-purifying greenery in the city

Greenery in the city has a number of important functions. First and foremost, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. An abundance of trees and other plants in cities is a natural enemy of climate warming. In addition, they clean the air of smog. Among the important functions of plants in cities is also retention, i.e. the retention of water. By means of meadows, lawns or urban flowerbeds, an absorptive surface is created, which acts like a sponge retaining water and making it difficult for it to run off into the groundwater. Grasses and mulch have a similar effect. Shaded by plants, the soil also evaporates less and thus retains its natural moisture better. Important factors in favour of plants in the city include their cooling properties. This can be perfectly seen, for example, on thermal imaging cameras, which show that green areas do not heat up as much as asphalt or concrete.

How to choose plants to the city?

Towns are characterised by specific conditions. It therefore seems valuable for landscaping to choose plant species that can cope with pollution and increased soil salinity. The introduction of tall deciduous trees provides additional shade, especially appreciated in summer. These types of trees also greatly enhance the aesthetic value of the urban landscape, while at the same time making an effective contribution to air purification and dust retention. When creating green accents in cities, it is also a good idea to opt for compositions with a predominance of evergreen varieties. These will be attractive all year round. Recreational areas are a special place in urban areas. These are very important places for residents to relax and enjoy various leisure activities. In such spaces, it is important to focus on the safety of the plant species placed in them. It makes sense, therefore, to limit plants with poisonous fruit or thorns.

Garden in the city

Apart from a number of advantages, living in the city also has some disadvantages. This is especially true for people who are plant lovers and want to have a plant-rich garden near their home. However, this does not mean that this is a dream that cannot be fulfilled. Quite the contrary. All you need to do is choose plant species that can cope with the more difficult conditions. Above all, these should be plants with low soil and moisture requirements and high resistance to unfavourable conditions. Perennials are an excellent solution, as they survive the winter and other periods of unfavourable growth with the help of underground parts (roots, tubers, rhizomes). Only in spring, when conditions are more favourable, do the above-ground parts appear. Perennials also have the advantage that they can grow in the same place for many years. For example, hostas, sedums and various grasses are ideal for the urban garden. Among shrubs, various types of bouquet hydrangeas deserve attention. It is also worth finding space for beautifully flowering trees such as magnolia, lagerstroemeria or the recently fashionable bamboo.