From the 12th of June till the 16th of September, 6 model gardens part of the competition “City and Nature Hand in Hand” await visitors at the Tornide Square in the Old Town.

Tallinn’s urban space is characterized by an abundance of parks and green areas. This is something we can be proud of because many other European cities don’t have that. The traditions of shaping green areas show a strong connection with nature and help to calm down the other, more industrial and restless side of Tallinn.

By valuing garden art, we emphasize the beautiful and natural side of Tallinn even more and can even enrich it. In terms of environmental protection, we are now talking about garden design not only in terms of purely decorative gardens but also in terms of increasing biodiversity and sustainability. Inspired by this, the theme of the competition is “City and Nature Hand in Hand.”

The aim of the competition is to propose inspiring and creative solutions on how to integrate urban and rural elements and how to create holistic and beautifully designed garden areas that combine the urban environment with wild nature. The garden art competition, which lasts from June to September, brings together gardening and flower enthusiasts from all over Estonia and beyond to witness it.

The competition takes place in Tallinn at the historic Tornide Square, which is named after medieval guard and defense towers that have partially survived to this day. In the Middle Ages, there were citizens’ herb and vegetable gardens and St. Michael’s Monastery’s pasture above the square. About 100 years ago, agricultural exhibitions and fairs started to be held on the square, which is why it was renamed Exhibition Square. Today’s competition brings together the history of the square, as the theme “City and Nature Hand in Hand” encompasses a fragment from every era.

As Tallinn holds the title of European Green Capital this year, all garden design ideas must adhere to the principles of increasing biodiversity in the city, which can be achieved by using plants, which support biodiversity, and creating a smart and sustainable garden, meaning that the entire garden project is well thought out to last for years and require as little maintenance as possible.

The model gardens also have an educational purpose, providing inspiration for both beginner gardening enthusiasts and professionals to create sustainable, long-lasting, and nature-oriented garden solutions. Participation in the competition provides an opportunity to contribute to creating beauty in the urban space.

At the end of this competition a winner is chosen by the visitors and announced at the official closing ceremony on the 16th of September 2023.

More information on the finished gardens here: https://greentallinn.eu/linn-ja-loodus-kasikaes/

 

Contact:

Kätlin Viksne

Events Project Manager

European Green Capital Events Sector

Tallinn Strategic Management Office

Mobil: +372 5309 3039

E-mail: katlin.viksne@tallinnlv.ee