City Orchard

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.

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

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.