European Landscape Architecture: Best Practice in Detailing

Jardí Botànic de Barcelona

to be researched; indeed, it will be one of the major
investigations undertaken at JBB.

A study of the vegetation in the original landscapes
was first undertaken, prior to defining the compo-
sition of the phytoepisode planting. Trees, shrubs,
herbaceous plants, climbers and ferns were studied
and the most dominant and representative species
were determined.

As can be seen in the transect for Occidental
Mediterranean Siliceous Heathland, A-4 means a
high-density planted forest, B-3, an average-den-
sity brushwood and C-4 a high-density planted
scrubland.

Plantations are initiated with a high density of the
most dominant and characteristic species, primarily
lignified plants. For the rest of the phytoepisode,
the goal is to create a mosaic that provides a feeling
of heterogeneity, while at the same time having
large enough populations for the visitors to identify
each species. Phytosociology is a crucial theme
when defining the arrangement of the different
species. According to the transect approach, bigger
plants are planted at the back and smaller ones in
the front for easier identification. Generally, planting
densities decrease as one moves away from the
path, in order to create an effect of depth. Densities
are established according to size at maturity, though

shrubs and smaller plants are planted in slightly

higher densities, to allow for problems with adapta-

tion and establishment.

Phytoepisodes are planted as units, and planting

only starts when there are enough plants to cover

at least 70 per cent of the area of the plot. The

strategy is to establish a sort of ecological balance

within each phytoepisode, in order to minimise

weeding. An irrigation system is installed during

the planting period. When the missing species can

be obtained, room is made for them amidst the

existing plantation.

Once planted, material is allowed to grow spon-

taneously, respecting its own shape and natural

dynamics without pruning or any garden shaping. In

shrub areas, irrigation is only undertaken during the

establishment period (i.e. for the first two years) to

let plants grow naturally and achieve an authentic

appearance. Nevertheless dead flower stems are

removed from some flowering shrubs such as

Santolina,Lavandula, etc. for aesthetic reasons.

As can be seen, the planting schemes are very

basic, leaving an important part of the final appear-

ance to be decided at the planting stage, as well as

during subsequent maintenance. This is not an ideal

situation and a more detailed plan would be prefer-

able, but flexibility is a key issue in cases where

7.27

Occidental Mediterranean siliceous heathland

transect. Schemes from the Planting Plan 1999

A. Trees from 2 to 30m are predominant of this

fringe

B. Shrubs from 0.5m to 2m. Some individual trees

can be planted randomly

C. Low shrubs up to 1m. Trees up to 5m or shrubs up

to 2m can be very occasionally planted

1. Very low-density planting; 2. Low-density planting;


2. Average planting; 4. High-density planting