Ecological and biological justification of the creation of tree-shrub and herbaceous compositions at sites of historical and cultural significance

¹ Russian State Agrarian University, Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, 49 Timiryazevskaya St., Moscow, 127434, Russian Federation
² All-Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology, possession 5, Institut St., B. Vyazemy, Odintsovo district, Moscow region, 143050, Russian Federation

¹ Corresponding author: xamitowa.sveta@yandex.ru

Abstract

Ancient manors are objects of historical and cultural significance. Modern research shows the importance of manor gardens and parks for the conservation of biodiversity. The purpose of the study is to conduct an ecological and biological substantiation of plant compositions for manor landscapes using the example of the Khvalevskoye estate in the Vologda region. Generally accepted methods of botanical gardens were used: phenological observations, assessment of the success of introduction and sustainability, assessment of ornamental plants; agrochemical methods of soil research. The study has been conducted in the Khvalevskoye estate in the Vologda region of the Russian Federation since 2015. The reconstruction and landscaping were carried out while preserving the elements of classical landscape design and the historical appearance of the parterre area. Compositions of flower beds and tree and shrub groups have been developed. Coniferous trees and shrubs (9 varieties), ornamental shrubs (6 varieties) and perennial herbaceous plants (36 varieties) were used in the landscaping process. The main criteria for selecting specific species and varieties were ecological and biological characteristics, decorative properties, flowering phenology, climatic and soil conditions, requirements for agrotechnical maintenance, as well as potential susceptibility to diseases and pests. The plants were planted in mixed borders, flower beds and in strips. A plant flowering calendar has been developed. Thus, the created flower beds convey the historical appearance of the estate, while giving a landscape to the historical and cultural object and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.