Is colourful self-sustaining forb vegetation mere fantasy? |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, DK-1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark;2. Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark;1. Department of Ecology, Chair of Ecosystem Science/Plant Ecology, Technische Universität Berlin, Rothenburgstr. 12, D-12165 Berlin, Germany;2. Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany;3. Department of Ecology, Chair of Ecological Impact Research and Ecotoxicology, Technische Universität Berlin, Ernst Reuter Platz 1, D-10587 Berlin, Germany;1. Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China;2. Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden;3. School of Design, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia;4. Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden;5. College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China;6. Xi’an City Planning & Design Institute, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China;1. Department of Cultural Geography, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 800, 9700AV Groningen, The Netherlands;2. Wageningen University and Research Centre, Groningen, The Netherlands;3. Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom;4. Silviculture Research International, Cumbria, United Kingdom |
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| Abstract: | Biodiversity in urban and suburban environments can be supported through establishment of low maintenance-requiring herbaceous vegetation types. Here, we attempt to provide a perspective on the possibilities and limitations of establishing forb-dominated vegetation to support local biodiversity and contribute to changing public aesthetics concerning green spaces. Plant ecological theories, methods and experiences are the foundation for the design and establishment of such vegetation types. We emphasise the importance of high plant density and recurrent disturbance for the maintenance of forb communities. Well-established ecological theory tells us that totally self-sustaining herbaceous vegetation is not a realistic possibility. Without intervention, herbaceous vegetation will change over time and eventually be colonized by woody species through the process of succession. However, by applying a creative and strategic approach to establishment and subsequent management involving small scale disturbances, rather than solely a uniform maintenance regime, it may be possible to maintain a colourful, aesthetically appealing and species-rich forb dominated community that will support biodiversity and increase public acceptance of alternatives to conventional lawns in urban and suburban environments. |
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| Keywords: | Design Disturbance Ecology Establishment Gaps Management |
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