City Orchard
In Petržalka, the first City Orchard extends between Macharova and Panónská Road. Planting began in 2020 and today more than ninety varieties of fruit trees and dozens of varieties of fruit bushes have been established in the orchard. These are rare species, which are found in only minimal numbers in Slovakia and the neighbouring countries. The area is divided into five zones, with each proposed zone having its own specific species composition of fruit trees and shrubs, specific vegetation arrangements and elements to increase biodiversity. In addition, there are places for relaxation, education and tasting. We believe that the City Orchard, which we are now opening to the public, will become a place where unique trees and communities will grow.
ZONES A AND B
Zone A includes varieties of cherry and sour cherry, while Zone B consists of species of rowan and other sorbus species. Near the concrete steps the Boston Ivy has been planted; this is a well-known liana that will help to green the area and reduce dustiness.
ZONE C
This area is currently home to hazel trees which thrive here, making this zone suitable for nuts traditionally grown in the Bratislava region, such as royal walnut and almond.
ZONES D and E
In Zones D and E, the deciduous trees create ample shade and buffer the noise from the surrounding roads, making them a suitable location for community and educational activities, as well as for an amphitheatre. The planting was arranged on the principle of one tree, one variety, achieving a high diversity of varieties of one species of tree. Zone D is devoted to different varieties of pear, such as Drouard's, Giffard's and Lucas' pear. In zone E you will find apple, peach or plum. Among the apple trees, there are, for example, the Gdansk prism, Gravštýn apple or Smiřice rare varieties. Among the fruit bushes, there are sea buckthorn, medlar and dogwood.
The City Orchard also includes:
Insect hotel
Old dead trees that serve as an insect hotel
Soft fruit bushes
Red and blackcurrant, josta and gooseberry in wooden beds
Composting site
primarily used for the recovery of biomass generated during the care of trees
Willow hedges
serving as an entrance to the central part of the Orchard, which passes into the willow fencing. The willow hedges are watered using a solar-powered drip irrigation system.
We are seeking an external organiser with an environmental and educational focus to use the area for community and educational activities
Our expectations from the future partner:
- implementation of educational awareness-raising activities in the City Orchard
- bringing together communities to improve the Orchard,
- assuming part of the maintenance, such as keeping the grounds clean, maintaining and braiding the willow hedge, weeding, looking after the compost heap, etc.
- cooperation in ensuring the regular opening and closing of the site,
- the scope of the partner's responsibilities will be discussed jointly in advance with the Urban Greenery Department, depending on the capacity and nature of the organisation.
The future partner will have at their disposal:
- valuable space for various community and educational activities related to the use of fruit from fruit trees
- professional and material assistance from the Urban Greenery Department, as well as regular maintenance
Contact
Hours of operation
April - September 08.00 - 21.00 October - March 10.00 - 19.00
How do we care for the trees and grounds?
Care of planted fruit trees mainly entails the addition of wood chips to the root zones, weeding and watering. Spring pruning is necessary between February and March each year to stimulate growth and create a strong, load-bearing crown. During the growing season, the anchorage of the seedlings and their health are checked, harmful organisms are identified and, where appropriate, ecological protection is applied. The care of the trees is carried out by experts from the civic association Ovocný strom. The site is cared for by the city's contractor under the expert supervision of landscape architects and architects from the Urban Greenery Creation Department of the Bratislava City Hall
Future use of the City Orchard
The Orchard is a suitable place for educational activities such as workshops and lectures on fruit-growing, composting, mulching, etc. In the future, the installation of a well is planned to facilitate the watering of the trees, as well as an electrical connection to facilitate other activities, such as a summer cinema in the amphitheatre area. The fruit trees planted are young and highly vulnerable to damage, hence it is important to take care of them and provide them with the best possible conditions for healthy growth and sufficient protection, so that we can enjoy them and their fruits together in the years to come.
A few simple rules to follow in the Orchard
- Please dispose of any rubbish that you produce during your stay in the Orchard in a bin outside.
- Do not damage the greenery when visiting. Breaking of branches is not permitted; fruit trees require professional pruning by experts.
- Fruit trees and shrubs are still young and very vulnerable. Avoid activities that could damage them; a football game could cause serious damage.
- Don't be afraid to taste the ripe fruit of fruit trees but also leave some for others to enjoy. Make sure the trees are not damaged when fruits are picked.
- Various animals also live in the Orchard, inhabiting birdhouses, while beetles and their larvae live in the tree trunks. Do not scare them, do not catch them, just observe and listen!
- If you come with your four-legged pet, keep it on a lead. Not just for the benefit of the herb beds and fruit bushes, which it would surely love to mark, but also for other orchard visitors.
- The aromatic herb beds complement the ambiance of the City Orchard, so please don't destroy, weed or replant them. They will repay you for pulling out competing weeds with their flowers and fragrance.
- Please do not camp or light fires in the Orchard.
Gallery
The planting of the special fruit trees was carried out by the city and civic association O.Z. Ovocný strom ↗︎, which provides for the professional development of orchards.