The Exotic Plant Collections of UBG – Balchik Have Been Moved to Their Winter Greenhouses

Today, October 20, the University Botanic Garden – Balchik completed its annual relocation of large-sized cacti and succulents from the outdoor displays in the Divine Garden and the Nursery Garden. Over 600 specimens representing 42 plant species, exhibited across an area of 680 square meters, were carefully transferred to greenhouses where they will spend the winter at a temperature of around 15°C.
The cacti are mainly from the genus Opuntia, while the succulents include representatives of the genus Aloe, as well as members of the families Euphorbiaceae and Agavaceae. The impressive plants, some weighing over 600 kilograms, were moved manually by the garden’s staff with the support of colleagues from the University Botanic Garden – EcoPark Varna.

Students from the Vocational High School of Agricultural Management in Dobrich also took part in the process. As part of their practical training in a real working environment, they had the valuable opportunity to get acquainted with xerophytic plants and the hands-on aspects of their cultivation.
 
Along with the cacti and succulents, the seasonal collections of palms and heat-loving tropical plants were also relocated. These are usually arranged along the main alleys at the entrances and in the Nursery Garden. Among them stand out species from the genera Phoenix, Washingtonia, and Livistona, as well as tropical representatives such as Coffea arabica L. and Asmantia trilobal (L.) Dunal, which contribute to the colorful and exotic appearance of the garden during the summer season.

All plants will spend the winter in suitable greenhouse facilities under constant temperature conditions that provide optimal care and preservation. With the arrival of spring, the collections will once again be displayed outdoors to welcome the new tourist season with their impressive diversity and decorative beauty.