The Botanical Garden of the University of Sopron, a 17-hectare living plant collection founded in 1922, continues to serve as both an educational resource and a cultural treasure. Originally established to support forestry and botany studies, the garden has become a green oasis for the city and a sanctuary for rare plant species.
According to Ágnes Péterfalvi, director of the garden, maintaining the diverse collection requires careful planning, from pruning trees to protecting sensitive herbaceous plants that migrate across the grounds. The garden also faces challenges such as urban development and climate change, which have particularly affected coniferous species like sequoias.
Despite these difficulties, the university is developing a long-term strategy to strengthen the garden’s role in education, research, conservation, and community life. Plans include a digital plant cadastre based on GIS technology to improve access for both researchers and visitors.
The garden remains open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature in every season while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
Source: University of Sopron
About the Author
