Jelgava rebuilds flowerbeds, replacing sun-scorched conifers with perennials and shrubs
In late October, the Jelgava municipal agency “Pilsētsaimniecība” reconstructed the city's flowerbeds because conifers scorched by the sun in spring could not be saved. Perennials and shrubs will be planted instead.
Large-scale reconstruction work took place in flowerbeds and other green areas of Jelgava, a city in Latvia's Zemgale region, at the end of October. The work was carried out by the municipal agency “Pilsētsaimniecība”. Many residents wondered why it was happening after the growing season had already ended.
Why the work was needed
According to Megija Čistjakova, senior greening specialist in the Management Division of “Pilsētsaimniecība”, the main reason was this year's spring. Strong sunshine and changeable weather scorched many of the conifers growing in the city, several of which were already old. She says a similar situation occurred across Latvia, not only in Jelgava.
Together with industry professionals, the specialists observed the situation for a long time, as the conifers kept turning yellow throughout the summer. Some of the damaged plants were cut out as early as spring. When it became clear that the condition was not improving, the “Pilsētsaimniecība” specialists decided to reconstruct the flowerbeds. Čistjakova stresses that the conifers could no longer be saved.
What replaces them
It was decided not to plant the same plants again but to switch to perennials and shrubs. According to the specialist, the municipal leadership also wanted to replace annual flowerbeds with perennial plantings. These are described as more sustainable, more environmentally friendly, cheaper to maintain and easier to care for.
