BASIC DOCUMENTATION CARD
UDK
Title of
thesis
Summary
Selecting woody plants for Mediterranean landscape design
Mediterranean woody plants are a special category of flora, since they grow
under Mediterranean climate conditions. The aim of this thesis is to determine
which woody plant taxa can be used to shape and design the Mediterranean
landscape of Croatia. Their selection is justified using the results of four
landscaping projects with varying theme. The project designs are presented as
scale drawings, with graphics created using the Auto CAD program package.
The research was conducted by means of a literature review and through the
author’s own observation of existing examples in Croatia’s Mediterranean
region. The initial state of each design was taken as the baseline for the
research. Plants were selected based on design brief, analysis, inventory and
assessment. A total of 84 taxa are described in the thesis. Apart from a
description, each photograph legend also lists the specific morphological
characteristics of the taxon, its area of distribution, environmental
requirements and potential cultivation problems. The landscaping project of
the Captain’s Garden in Orebić is used to illustrate the restoration of a
historical pleasure garden as an important piece of Mediterranean cultural
heritage. Woody plant taxa were selected on the basis of historical facts,
which were established through a stylistic analysis of other “captains’
gardens” (gardens of the wealthy former seafaring families in Croatia). The
landscaping of the ACI Marina in Split illustrates modern ecological design
for semi-private urban green spaces, using evergreen ground cover and
sculptural plants which are tolerant to salt spray, sun and wind. A landscaping
project for an apartment building with a roof garden illustrates the design of a
smaller garden to achieve a fragrant, Mediterranean ambience, with the use of
both indigenous and non-indigenous woody taxa. Improvements to a natural
landscape are illustrated through the landscaping design for the biodiversity
improvement project of the quarry at the Dalmacijacement cement works in
Solin, where indigenous woody plant species were selected for their
suitability in preventing erosion and maintaining the existing plant
community. The use of woody taxa is presented using both actual landscaping
projects and a systematic data review. Woody taxa are grouped in tables with
respect to the shape characteristics of the individual taxon and its spatial use,
in relation to specific requirements for water, light, pollution tolerance, salt
spray, wind, requirements with respect to soil and to other ecological
parameters. The thesis also elaborates the general classification of woody
plants according to their spatial use. Trees suitable for avenues, car parks and
individual parks and specific parks or green spaces are presented with regard
to their possible use in the Mediterranean region. Other woody taxa that are
selected include ones suitable for creating formal and informal hedges, ones
which can be used as ground cover, to remedy erosion and to prevent fires,
undemanding woody species which are easily maintained and utilitarian, as
well as those with a tidy habit. Woody taxa suitable for smaller gardens,
children’s playgrounds and those which tolerate pruning are also singled out.
The use of climbers with regard to their growth rate and growth habit is also
presented, and the plants classified into climbers used to create shade in
Key words
pergolas and those suitable for creating vertical shrubberies. Species which
need to be used with care are highlighted, including invasive ones, poisonous
ones and calcifuges. Since specific spatial effects can be achieved with plants,
a classification of woody taxa suitable for creating a Mediterranean, tropical
and fragrant ambience is presented. So-called “sculptural plants” are also
presented, as are those which can be used to create color effects. A separate
classification shows the flowering time of woody taxa according to the
seasons. The thesis highlights the premise that the aforementioned criteria
have an effect on the aesthetic impact, functionality and future maintenance of
green spaces, and on the Mediterranean identity, which is threatened by the
import of unsuitable plant species.
Ornamental woody taxa, Mediterranean woody plants, Mediterranean
landscape, landscaping design, municipal green spaces, historical garden,
Captain's Garden, roof garden, improving the natural landscape
Scientific area
Scientific field
Institution at which thesis was
written
Supervisor
Number of pages
Number of photos
Number of tables
Number of literature references
Date
Commission
Institution at which thesis is
archived
Biotechnological sciences
Forestry
Faculty of Forestry University of Zagreb
Professor Marilena Idžojtić, PhD.
179
130
12
193
15 June 2011
Professor Mladen Obad Šćitaroci, PhD.
Professor Dario Baričević, PhD.
Faculty of Forestry University of Zagreb