Ornamental nursery stock production in Serbia – from past to future

Documented data on the production of ornamental plants in Serbia were recorded in the mid-nineteenth century, around 1846. In the free country, there was a need for the new plants to decorate the Topcider park, as a residential space for the then rulers (Obrenovic dynasty). At the same time, in addition to the production of fruit-bearing, utilitarian species, the assortment of seedlings of ornamental woody species began to be supplemented.
According to Grbić (2002), the list of fruit trees and ornamental nursery stocks in 1855 includes over 250 different cultivars, and the Topcider nursery Catalog from 1887 involves 53 taxa of woody ornamentals.
The development of the state at that time led to an increase in production; however, the outbreak of World War II caused stagnation.
The country’s recovery led to the resurgence of this branch of the economy.
Today, 284 registered nurseries primarily produce trees, shrubs, and perennials in open fields (field-grown) or containers.
The average size of plant nurseries in Serbia ranges from small backyard operations to larger family businesses and state-owned companies.
Many of the nurseries (with over 70 members) are active members of the Society of Landscape Horticulture of Serbia (SLHS). As an association of professionals in the field of horticulture, landscape architecture, and arboriculture in Serbia, the Society has a long tradition of 21 years.
The primary objective of the association is to represent landscape horticulture professionals, provide collegial support to its members, and share knowledge and experience through the development of the organization.
Since its founding, the Society has organized, jointly with the Faculty of Forestry, specialized Symposia and Seminars on ‘Landscape Horticulture’. In addition, as an active member of ENA (European Nurserystock Association), SLHS collaborates with international organizations and local associations within related professions to contribute to the advancement of European technical and quality standards for nursery stock, the preparation of legislation, as well as its alignment with EU regulations.
It has always been an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences of professionals in the field of plant production, plant protection, ecology, and arboriculture.

EHC2024: International Symposium on the History of Horticulture in Europe

J. Sremčević, D. Skočajić

woody ornamentals, Park Forest Topcider, European Nurserystock Association, Society of Landscape Horticulture of Serbia, knowledge

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1438.50