Investigation of the Use of Natural Ornamental Plants in Landscape Design in Open Green Areas: Van Province Example

Abstract

Van province, natural and historical values has a very rich identity. It is also one of the important cultural centers of the Eastern Anatolia region. Due to the challenging climatic conditions and distance from many production centers, it has a very limited variety in terms of species that can be used in landscape design. In addition, the lack of sufficient seedling production facilities in the city limits the use of plants. In this case, it is necessary that spontaneous natural plant species should be used in landscaping and design. In the city center there are many parks, public institutions, open green spaces, road and green belt afforestation, and various private property garden designs and plantations in different parts of the city. When planting studies and planning are carried out, the selection of the correct species is particularly suitable for the region climate and for the permanent plant preference, the region has the greatest prevalence for the region experiencing the intense winter season. The use of natural species, especially in the region, in landscape design is important both for easy adaptation of the plant and for creating a sustainable and economical design. In this study, the sample areas located in the open green areas of Van were examined by classifying them as urban parks, neighborhood parks and pocket parks according to the importance order of size and functionality. Natural species used in these areas were determined and evaluated in terms of their usage purposes and the appropriateness of the places used in the design. As a result of the investigations and evaluations made, some solution proposals have been developed by putting problems about the applications.