The raingardens of Budapest’s 18th District are currently delighting local residents with a stunning array of vibrant flowers, transforming the urban landscape into a sustainable and natural oasis. Planted in late autumn, these public raingardens have successfully weathered an unusually cool spring and are now thriving with perennial plants that contribute to both the beauty and resilience of the district.
As the seasons progressed, the raingardens began to bloom in stages:
- May: The wood spurges (Euphorbia amygdaloides) emerged, with their yellowish-green umbels creating fresh bursts of color.
- June: The purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), growing nearly a meter tall, brought a vibrant splash of purple to the nutrient-rich soil.
- July: The Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’) became the clear star of the season, with its golden-yellow blooms standing out across the gardens.
In addition to these eye-catching flowers, grasses such as orange sedge (Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’) and tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) provide a continuous backdrop, ensuring the raingardens remain visually striking year-round.
The raingardens are not only an aesthetic enhancement but also play a vital environmental role. Designed to prevent soil erosion during heavy rain, the plants’ dense roots anchor the soil, while their ability to shade and cool the soil in dry, sunny conditions creates a unique microclimate. This natural approach to stormwater management contributes to the district’s resilience against both floods and droughts.
Throughout the hot and dry summer months, the City Manager’s staff has diligently irrigated the raingardens weekly, and residents have also played an active role in maintaining these green spaces. Their contributions are greatly appreciated, and the thriving gardens stand as a testament to the power of community engagement and nature-based solutions.
Want to visit?
Explore these beautiful raingardens in the heart of Budapest by finding your nearest one on the interactive map:
👉 Find your nearest raingarden https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1zmGrLVbzc-qj6X5ywrua3mLF0-hI3Gc&ll=47.42492942946925%2C19.19676384999999&z=13
