Bedding plants in the landscape of Athens: data on their use and opinions of citizens and municipal employees concerning their use at various green spaces of the city
2017
Chronopoulou, M. | Papafotiou, M.
The last decade over 2.250.000 bedding plants were planted at various green spaces in the city of Athens. Especially during the period of the Olympic Games, Athens 2004, 865.000 bedding plants were planted in the city's flowerbeds. The last decade, the most frequently used bedding plant species by the Directorate of Green and Environment of the Municipality of Athens (DGEMA) were: Tagetes erecta, Petunia hybrida, Violeta tricolor, Chrysanthemum carinatum, Antirrhinum majus, Salvia splendens, Pelargonium zonale, Gazania rigens, Begonia semperflorens, Dimorphotheca sinuata, Dianthus barbatus, and Matthiola incana. Apart from these, Cyclamen persicum and Euphorbia pulcherrima were planted during the Christmas period. The peak for bed planting was usually in spring, but there were special occasions during the year that demanded increased use of bedding plants, such as during the holiday periods (Christmas, Easter), various celebrations such as the 1st May (labour day), national anniversaries and floral exhibitions, where the DGEMA usually provided citizens a themed floral mosaic. Questionnaire surveys were undertaken to explore the views and perceptions of citizens and employees of the DGEMA, concerning the use of bedding plants in green spaces of the municipality, aiming for better planning of the urban green areas. The results of the questionnaires showed that both groups undoubtedly liked the use of bedding plants not only in the city center, but also in the periphery of the municipality, not only at celebrations and special events, but also throughout the year, stating that it improves the image of the city and contributes to the spiritual health of the citizens.
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