Ornamental perennials in small rural settlements: a case study from the Czech Republic

The cultural landscape and its particular features have become appreciated as common components of human heritage (Lowenthal 2007). Several tools for the identification of historical and cultural landscape values have been developed (Šantrůčková, Weber 2016). A typical plant community structure and traditional plants contribute to the regional identity of the local people (Chromý et al. 2014). Traditional plant varieties are important not only for local history, but also for their ecological value. Traditional plants are native or acclimatised and protect the genetic diversity (Camacho Villa et al. 2006). Fruit trees are the most studied group because of their economic value and long life (Zeven 1998; Kellerhals et al. 2012), but the diversity of perennial and annual plants has also increased. This diversity is now endangered by the uniform production of big plant nurseries (Camacho Villa et al. 2006). The aim of this study is to complete this information for perennials to expand the findings on village greenery. The focus of this paper is on the traditional perennial plants in the Bohemian and Moravian countryside. Both private and public spaces are highly variable; mainly, we focused on private front gardens, gardens and central green public spaces. The question is, which perennials are typical for the Czech countryside and if there are regional differences according to the natural conditions (Kendal et al. 2012). Ornamental perennials in small rural settlements: a case study from the Czech Republic