Climate change forces adaptation in Slovenia's historic gardens

Extreme heat and drought are reshaping the landscape of Slovenia's historic gardens, forcing a difficult balance between preserving heritage and adapting to a changing climate. The "unbelievably sad" and "terrible" reality of scorched leaves and wilted flowers is a stark reminder of the damage caused by this summer's heatwaves.

These conditions have inflicted the most extensive damage to date on renowned historical gardens, mirroring the struggles seen at Claude Monet's iconic site in Giverny, France. Monet's garden, a living work of art known for its Japanese bridge and water lilies, has suffered greatly, prompting its caretakers to begin planning future plantings and protective measures.

Slovenian parks and gardens, recognized as immovable cultural heritage, are now grappling with similar questions about how to respond to these environmental pressures. The need to adapt these treasured spaces for the future, without sacrificing their historical essence, presents a significant challenge for landscape architects and heritage managers.