Trees provide The Green City with a framework. With so many leaves, trees are very effective at filtering pollutants from the air. Deciduous trees such as Quercus robur (European Oak) are especially effective in absorbing gaseous pollutants such as ozone and nitrous oxide. Conifers such as Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine) lead the way in removing particulates from the air.

The diversity of shapes and colours that shrubs provide makes them an essential element in a green landscape. Whether used for beds, hedging or combinations with other plants, there are many excellent varieties, many of which are suitable for large-scaled management. Certain deciduous and evergreen shrubs are known to be effective at reducing quantities of particulates, nitr...

Climbing plants also contribute to the city’s living environment. Plant-covered facades muffle noise, lower summer temperatures and improve air quality. Various climbing plants, including Hedera (Ivy), Pyracantha (Firethorn) and Fallopia baldschuanica (Silver Lace Vine), are known to have leaves that capture particulates, absorb nitrous oxide, and reduce the concentration of...

Perennials have a wide range of uses in The Green City: flower boxes, planting beds, beneath tree canopies, on roundabouts and planted against walls and facades. These plants are perfect for combining with other perennials, flower bulbs or shrubs. Some varieties attract bees and butterflies: Aster ageratoides (Japanese Wood Aster), Nepeta (Catmint) and the long-flowering Ger...

Flower bulbs add colour to cityscapes early in spring and definitely deserve a place in containers, borders or grassy strips such as medians and verges. Some flower bulbs produce flowers in spring while others bloom in summer. Some are naturalized flower bulbs that can be left undisturbed. These will emerge year after year, often in even larger numbers. These include Early C...