The Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University has long been seeking ways to manage its collections and the entire site in a more environmentally friendly manner, taking into account climate change. One example is the mosaic mowing of lawns, whereby individual areas are not all mown in the same way or at the same time.

We strive to preserve mature trees and, through expert care, extend their lifespan, as they play a significant role in cooling the surrounding area, improving air quality and providing a habitat for many species of animals. Where garden management allows, we leave trunks, stumps and branches in place, as these can serve as shelter or a source of food, and we install nesting boxes for birds and bats. We also take water and soil into account – in the root zones, we try to allow water to drain away and ensure the roots have access to air. Furthermore, we make the most of plant material: we compost the leaves and return the resulting leaf mould to the garden as a high-quality growing medium.

The botanical garden also collects rainwater from the roofs of the greenhouses and surrounding buildings into two underground tanks with a total capacity of more than 50 m³ and uses it to water the plants in the greenhouses. At graduation ceremonies and other events, the botanical garden is gradually replacing cut flowers with reusable potted plants, which can be complemented by dried plants or species from its own greenhouses and displays.