DOI - Mendel University Press

DOI identifiers

DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0076

COMPOSITIONAL APPROACHES OF HERBACEOUS PLANT COMMUNITIES IN A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS LANDSCAPE

Alica Saková1, Michaela Hrúzová1, Marek Hus2
1 Botanical Garden Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic
2 Institute of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic


The paper addresses compositional principles in the design of herbaceous beds and grass–herbaceous plant communities within a university campus environment. The aim of the study is to highlight the possibilities of using ornamental herbaceous plants in the formation of aesthetically valuable, functional, and ecologically stable vegetation elements in an academic setting. In the design of the planting beds, fundamental landscape architectural principles were applied, particularly composition, rhythm, colour harmony, plant height gradation, and seasonal dynamics of vegetation. Attention was also paid to the adaptability of the selected species to local site conditions, their ecological requirements, and maintenance demands. The selection of plant material focused on species and cultivars with high ornamental value throughout the growing season, while considering their phenology, growth habit, and mutual compatibility within the overall composition. The design also reflects the need to enhance biodiversity and support ecological functions of greenery within the urbanised environment of a university campus, and addresses mowing strategies. The outcome of the study is a design of compositionally balanced herbaceous plant communities that contribute to improving the visual quality of university space while creating opportunities for educational and research activities, including monitoring plant growth, development, and adaptation to specific site conditions.

Keywords: herbaceous plant communities; planting design; landscape architecture; urban biodiversity; campus landscape

pages: 76-81, Published: 2026, online: 2026



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