The Austrian federal gardens and their plant collections

historical garden monuments, cultural heritage, recreational spacesand tourist attractions

Abstract

The Federal Gardens comprise seven of Austria’s most valuable historical gardens and historical garden monu[1]ments: the Schlosspark Schönbrunn, Augarten, Belvederegarten, Burggarten and Volksgarten in Vienna; and the Hofgarten and Schlosspark Ambras in Innsbruck. The botanical collections are located in the conservatories of the Schlosspark Schönbrunn and the Belvederegarten. W ith the end of the monarchy in 1918-ig the former Imperial Hapsburg Hofgarten and their plánt collections became the property of the Republic of Austria w ith the status of Federal Gardens. The gardens and collections are part of Austrian and European gardening history, representing 400 years of gardening culture. The gardens are important as public green and recreational spaces, popular tourist destinations, and ecological oases in the city. The Schlosspark Schönbrunn w ith its Schloss, the Burggarten, Volksgarten, and Belvederegarten, all gardens in or near Vienna’s city centre, are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Today the plánt collections serve the protection and preservation of species. The gardens and collections alsó make important contributions to biodiversity.