Together we are creating a biodiverse, climate-friendly meadow in public spaces
Why are we doing this?
There are many indications that climate change has made itself felt in Graz. We have suspected for some time that Graz, which was previously classified as zone 7a/b on the USDA Plant Hardiness Map, is now more likely to be classified as zone 8.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Map is a helpful tool for gardeners as it classifies regions according to their coldest temperatures. It shows in which areas winters are mild enough to successfully grow thermophilic, Mediterranean or subtropical plant species. However, low temperatures are not the only limiting factor when selecting heat-loving plant species. The sensitivity of the respective species to late frost is also particularly important. In Austria, it is therefore advisable to choose species that sprout very late – especially when it comes to almonds, figs, persimmons and plums and their hybrids.
Seedlings that should not exist
Our assumption that Graz now belongs to a warmer climate zone is based primarily on the development of vegetation in urban areas. The cultivation of figs or mulberry trees has long been common in urban areas. What is new, however, is that in the last five to ten years more and more wild seedlings have emerged. This indicates that the winters in the city have now become so mild that even frost-sensitive seedlings from the mulberry family (Moraceae) can survive. In addition, late frosts seem to have decreased to such an extent in recent years that Mediterranean species are no longer seriously endangered.
Fig sex
Another interesting aspect concerns the sexual behavior of local figs. Most of the figs found in the Graz gardens are parthenocarpic, i.e. they can form fruit without pollination. However, the resulting seeds cannot germinate. This choice of variety makes a lot of sense, as pollination by the fig gall wasp (Blastophaga psenes) does not take place in our latitudes and pollination-dependent varieties would also not produce fruit – the wasp is mainly found in the Mediterranean region and hardly survives cold winters. The fact that fig seedlings are nevertheless increasingly appearing in Graz could indicate that there are microclimates within the city that allow them to survive. Another, albeit less likely, explanation would be that the fig gall wasp has adapted to colder winters or that a previously unknown pollinator is active.
Fruit trees for the future
Whatever the case, we are learning that the changing climate not only brings challenges, but also new opportunities for certain plant species.
In order to find out which species benefit from this change and to make public spaces more edible, we are planting the first climate-friendly meadow orchard in Graz in Eggenberg. In addition to classic Mediterranean crops, we will also be planting lesser-known fruit trees and shrubs that could be suitable for our climate.
The planting activities will take place in a participatory workshop format. In addition to planting the trees together, knowledge about the different species and the correct planting and care of trees will be imparted.
Goumi, Elaeagnus multiflora
Copyright Bilder: Andreas Motschiunig
List of trees and shrubs
For all those who are interested in the exact composition of the orchard meadow – here is our provisional list of trees and shrubs (individual varieties may still change):
| Species name | Cultivar | Species |
| Paw Paw | KSU Benson | Asimina triloba |
| Paw Paw | Prima 1216 | Asimina triloba |
| Paw Paw | KSU Atwood | Asimina triloba |
| Kornelkirsche | Szafer | Cornus mas |
| Kornelkirsche | Nieżnyj | Cornus mas |
| Kornelkirsche | Bolestraszycki | Cornus mas |
| Quitte | Esme | Cydonia oblonga |
| Quitte | Iran | Cydonia oblonga |
| Kaki asiatisch | Chinebuli | Diospyros kaki |
| Kaki asiatisch | Jiro | Diospyros kaki |
| Kaki Hybrid | Sosnovskaya | Diospyros kaki x virginiana |
| Kaki amerikanisch | Prok | Diospyros virginiana |
| Goumi | Sämling | Elaeagnus multiflora |
| Goumi | Sämling | Elaeagnus multiflora |
| Pointilla | Fortunella | Elaeagnus umbellata |
| Pointilla | Amoroso | Elaeagnus umbellata |
| Feigen | Violette Sepor | Ficus carica |
| Feigen | Desert King | Ficus carica |
| Feigen | Verdino del Nord | Ficus carica |
| Haskap | Boreal Beast | Lonicera caerulea |
| Haskap | Aurora | Lonicera caerulea |
| Haskap | Vostorg | Lonicera caerulea |
| Haskap | Giant Heart | Lonicera caerulea |
| Mispel | Kuhrpfalz | Mespilus germanica |
| Maulbeere | Yugoslavia | Morus alba |
| Maulbeere | Sangue e’ Latte | Morus alba |
| Maulbeere | Emanuele | Morus alba x rubra |
| Maulbeere | Sämling | Morus nigra |
| Ringlotte | Reneclaude d’ Quillins | Prunus domestica |
| Ringlotte | Große Grüne Reneclode | Prunus domestica |
| Mandel | Lauranne | Prunus dulcis |
| Mandel | Makako | Prunus dulcis |
| Schwarze Marille | Weinbergner Syn. Hesse | Prunus x dasycarpa |
| Schwarze Marille | Barkny Chorny | Prunus x dasycarpa |
| Nashi Birne | Pandora | Pyrus pyrifolia |
| Nashi Birne | Reddy Robin | Pyrus pyrifolia |
| Duck Pear | Tsu Li | Pyrus ussuriensis x bretschenderi |
| Duck Pear | Early Shu | Pyrus ussuriensis x bretschenderi |
| Shipova | Shipova | Sorbopyrus araucaulis |
| Jujube | Xuan Cheng Juan | Ziziphus jujuba |
| Jujube | Huping | Ziziphus jujuba |
News
Project duration
Project contact
If you have any questions, please contact Christina Seeliger:
Thanks to the City of Graz (Department of Green Spaces and Waters) for the opportunity to use the area!
Thanks to Gerd Meyer’s Botanik nursery in Weißenburgrg for the beautiful and special mulberry trees!
Thanks to the Witasek company for the partially sponsored picket fence!
