In October, representatives of the project team went to the city districts of Všebořice and Neštemice in Ústí nad Labem and to Lípa near Havlíčkův Brod to establish new extensive gravel flower beds, the main component of which are perennials and bulbs. The species are selected to tolerate extreme conditions such as mild salinization during road maintenance. Extensive beds require a minimum of care. They were watered immediately after planting and it is not necessary to water them any further. During extreme drought in the summer, the flowers may benefit from a little water, but it is not essential. For better water management, a layer of gravel (approx. 5 cm) is used, which partly prevents evaporation and thus drying out and partly prevents the emergence of weeds, so there is no need for weed elimination.
The flower bed is designed so that it blooms all year round and is aesthetically attractive even in winter with dry stems. The dry biomass is therefore removed very early in the spring before the first bulbs bloom. It is enough to mow with a brushcutter and take the biomass away from the bed - that is practically the only care. Those interested can evaluate the beauty of the flower bed only after some time. After planting, the beds do not look very attractive, most of the flowers are covered with gravel. However, that doesn't matter to them, they will grow through the gravel, the important process is the rooting. The flower bed will be fully established only after several years (approx. 3). Around ten years, the composition may begin to disintegrate, but this is a natural phenomenon and there is no artificial community of species that is stable and does not evolve over time. After the flowerbed shows such signs, and it is still desirable to preserve it, intervention by the gardener is appropriate (rupture of dominants and support of competitively weaker species).
If you are interested in following the development of the flower beds over time, go to Všebořice or Neštěmice in Ústí nad Labem, or take a trip to Lípa near Havlíčkův Brod.
