A.T. Paraskevopoulou

Emergence, survival and initial growth of North American prairie forbs and British meadow forbs and grasses in low-productivity urban waste soils

Summary Twenty-two species of North American and British forbs naturally associated with dry, unproductive habitats were sown as mono-cultures into pots containing mixes of brick rubble, sand and sub-soil. Three grass species native to Britain were also included as a contrast. Individual species exhibited considerable variation in emergence characteristics; both temporally, and as a percentage of seed sown. Geographical origin had no marked effect on emergence characteristics, although it appears that American species are more sensitive to moisture stress at germination. Grasses demonstrated significantly greater survival than either British or North American forbs at the group level of comparison and produced the highest biomass in the first growing season. North American forbs did not differ significantly from British forbs in terms of weight of first year growth. Overall, brick rubble proved to be the least satisfactory substrate in terms of emergence, survival and initial growth. Sand and sand:subsoil mixes supported high seedling emergence, survival and satisfactory first year growth. The results are discussed in relation to the physical and chemical properties of the four substrates, and an assessment is made of the implications of the study for future work.

Seedling emergence, survival and initial growth of forbs and grasses native to Britain and central/southern Europe in low productivity urban “waste” substrates

Eleven forbs and three grasses native to Britain and eight forbs native to central and southern Europe were sown as mono-cultures into pots containing mixes of brick rubble, sand and sub-soil. All of the forbs are naturally associated with dry, unproductive habitats. The purpose of the study was to inform subsequent field experiments into the creation of florally attractive meadows on waste substrates associated with urban developments. Forbs of more southerly or continental distribution were included to see whether they possessed superior tolerance of drought prone substrates. Geographical origin had less of an effect on emergence characteristics than did plant type with native grasses demonstrating significantly greater emergence (p < 0.001) than native or non-native forbs. Native grasses demonstrated significantly higher survival (p = 0.009) than either native or non-native forbs. Native grasses also produced signficantly higher biomass (p = 0.024) than native forbs in the first growing season, with non-native forbs not significantly different from native grasses or native forbs. At this group level of comparison substrate only had a significant effect at p = 0.05 on seedling dry weight. The results are discussed in relation to the physical and chemical properties of the substrates, and an assessment is made of the implications of the study for future works.

Teachers' Perceptions οn the Use of Botanic Gardens as a Means of Environmental Education in Schools and the Enhancement of School Student Benefits from Botanic Garden Visits

Abstract The potential of Botanic Gardens (BGs) to contribute to environmental education is well documented. To what degree this potential is met concerning school students’ environmental education is to be considered. In Greece, Environmental Education Centres (EECs) develop Environmental Education Programmes (EEPs) for schools to implement. A questionnaire survey addressing teachers employed at the EECs in Greece investigated the use of BGs as a means of environmental education and identified their most important features in supporting school EEPs. Findings indicated that the majority of EEC teachers (90.6%) have not developed EEPs involving the use of BGs, although BGs were ranked as most suitable amongst other green spaces for conducting such programmes, particularly for primary school students. Teachers identified the need for BGs to be designed accordingly and provide the necessary infrastructure to be educationally effective that included facilitating teaching (e.g. open spaces, areas to congregate, easy access paths and indoor facilities) and plant-orientated elements as well as plant management displays. A strategy by BGs to promote their role in environmental education and a multidisciplinary design approach would maximise student benefit.

Gardens and orchards of Kampos’ historical country mansions in Chios: an early trace of landscape architecture in Greece

The Greek island of Chios boasts a long and impressive history dating back to the Phoenicians, who are said to have named the island, and is situated at the Northeastern Aegean Sea, very close to t...