SMETANA GARDENS

In addition to common, mostly deciduous trees, there are many interesting specimens to be found: a deciduous conifer, for example, baldcypress, (Taxodium distichum), originally from swamps of Florida, grows on the banks of the pond. Another deciduous conifer, Dawn redwood, (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), originally from China, grows in the center of the magnolia garden. It reaches a height of 35 meters and diameter of 2 meters in its natural setting.

Among other curiosities in Smetana Gardens is one of the oldest species in the world, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). A huge North American honey locust (Gleditschia triacanthos) is remarkable for its 40 cm long brown pods which hang on the tree through winter. In late spring a tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) sends forth large green and orange tulip-shaped blossoms. This specimen was planted in 1932 and is located near the red-leafed maple lane (Schwedler Norway maple, Acer platanoides “Schwedleri”). Groups of Japanese Pagoda trees (Sophora japonica) and black walnut (Juglans nigra) fill out the park setting. Two mature London plane trees (platanus x acerifolia) are notable for their broad crowns and peeling bark. Other rarities are Amue corktree (Phellodendron amurense) with its grey, cork-like, 6 cm thick bark, Allegheny serviceberry, (Amelanchier laevis) with draping clusters of blossoms, and Himalayan white pine, (Pinus wallichiana) with gentle, pendulous branches, and large, resinous cones.

The Pinetum is a collection of coniferous trees and shrubs in the center of Smetana Gardens. Noteworthy pines to be found here are Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), Jeffrey pine (Pinus Jeffreyi), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra), Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), and the low-growing Pinus sylvestris Watereri.

Spruces are represented by Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) and Picea orientalis “Aurea” with golden new growth shoots in the late spring. Other specimens of interest are the thin Serbian spruce (Picea omorika), Blue spruce (Picea pungens), and Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca “Conica”).

Firs are represented by White fir (Abies concor), Nikko fir (Abies homolepsis), and Veitch fir (Abies veitchii).

Numerous species and cultivars of false cypress (Chamaecyparis) and arborvitae (Thuja) with various colors and growth habits can be found here: American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), Western red cedar (Thuja plicata), Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis Obtusa), and Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). In the undergrowth there is dense Common yew (Taxus baccata), as well as various culitvars: “Dovastoniana”, “Fastigiata”, and “Fastigiata aurea”. Exotic junipers present are Pfitzer Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis Pfitzeriana and Pfitzeriana Aurea, Hetzii ), and Dwarf Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana Tripartita).

The Magnolia Garden, a peaceful area near the Pinetum, offers a stunning view of the explosion of white and pink blossoms in the spring. Some of these blooms reach a size of nearly 20 cm. Magnolias are represented by deciduous varieties, several of which bloom before foliage appears: Kobus magnolia (Magnolia kobus), Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), various cultivars of Lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), and the late-blooming Umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala). In the fall and even in the winter months one can see the yellow and red blooms of the delightful Japanese witchhazel (Hamamelis japonica), Chinese witchhazel (Hamamelis mollis), Vernal witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis), and American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana).

Forming a background for the magnolias is a stand of dark conifers: Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), and Austrian pine (Pinus nigra). In the western section of the park a Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) attracts attention with its large leaves.

The combination of the above-mentioned features, with the various park units, walking paths, fountains, and a summer reading spot help create a relaxing oasis with beautiful hidden nooks for residents and visitors alike.

Park History
1820 Park established – soldiers plant trees on the fort grounds
1832 City assumes control of park, establishes Rudolph Alley (in 1875 name changed to C.K. Stadtpark, in 1918 to Smetana Gardens).
1866 Rudolph Alley destroyed during Austrian-Prussian War. Replanted in second half of year. A 710 meter path is planted with chestnut and linden trees, according to project of landscape designer Max Machanek. Three children’s playgrounds built.
1879 Spa building with restaurant opened. Fountain opened; renovated in 1960.
1886 Greenhouse moved to park from nearby town Velka Bystrice. Used currently as locksmith’s workshop. 1895 Bandstand opened.
1902 Botanical Gardens established.
1907 Birch lane planted, coniferous trees planted at the sights of playgrounds, auxiliary garden established, school of decorative horticulture opened.
1908 Grape greenhouse #1 opened (currently a cactus conservatory), temporate greenhouse #2 opened (currently housing cacti), heated green- house opened (currently tropical conservatory), moveable greenhouse opened (currently housing orchids).
1910 Linden trees and chestnuts on main lane pruned to create tall, straight wall.
1925 Statue of famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana unveiled (sculptors: Breza and Stepanek). In 1967 statue relocated to New Gardens.
1927 Palm Conservatory opened.
1932 Grounds of former Catholic and Jewish cemeteries added to park.
1933 Sculpture of F. Polivka by J. Pelikan unveiled.
1935 Final layout of gardens, including side paths of the main alley.
1940 Grounds of former Jewish cemetery added to park.
1956 First renovation of Palm Conservatory
1960 Stone mason firm Havlasek incorporated into park. Grounds of independent gardeners, fields, auxiliary garden, horticulture school up to railway lines incorporated. Two Japanese style greenhouses and Pavillions A and B built.
1962 Botanical Gardens and orchards near restaurant used as exhibition grounds; Japanese style greenhouse #4 built.
1964 Tall, diseased conifers cut down, area redesigned – currently serves as reading spot.
1965 Pinetum and Fountain Lane established. Overpass sidewalks opened. Areas incorporated in 1960 first used as exhibition grounds.
1966 Pavilion A built.
1967 Remaining areas of former cemetery and playgrounds redesigned.
1969 Large-scale chess board established. Miniature golf course opened in attractive park setting. Terrace of Pavilion A used for first time in exhibitions. Main park entrance redesigned.
1971 Boulders from Strbske Pleso, Slovakia formed into current design. Pavilion E opened.
1973 Pavilion G opened.
1974 Magnolia Garden established.
1975 Pavilion H opened.
1977 Perenetum established.
1980 Iridarium relocated from Bezruc Gardens to the site of red oak.
1990 Overpass sidewalks closed. Pavilion E fitted with heating system.
1991 Pavilion B razed. Pavilion C and annexes destroyed by fire. Afterwards area is leveled and used for retail stands during exhibitions.
1993 Bike paths established.
1996 Renovation of heating and regulation systems in conservatories.
1997 Gardens damaged by flood waters up to 2 meters high in July.
1998 Second renovation of Palm Conservatory completed (heating system in 1996, frame in 1997-1998).
1999 Bike paths expanded.