Debrecen4U
March 27, 2026
Municipality to Launch Front Garden Improvement Programme
The Municipality of Debrecen intends to assist residential communities in establishing and improving front gardens in front of their buildings – initially through a pilot programme. Diána Széles, Deputy Mayor, informed condominium representatives operating in Tócóskert and Tócóvölgy about this initiative.
At the discussion held on 26 March 2026, András Kuhn, the city’s chief landscape architect, was also present, along with János Sánta and András Varga, city councillors representing the affected districts.
As Diána Széles explained, the municipality intends to offer plants to residential communities for garden creation and enhancement—species that are well suited to the varied habitat conditions of the urban environment and not only decorative but also resilient to the urban climate. In addition, professional horticultural advice would be provided to those interested. This is an opportunity that residential communities in Tócóskert and Tócóvölgy may take up voluntarily in order to make their surroundings more aesthetically pleasing.
Beyond improving the environment, a further aim is to encourage the citizens of Debrecen to feel an even stronger sense of ownership over shared community spaces, leading to better care and maintenance and a strengthened sense of community. Many people already tend the front gardens of apartment buildings voluntarily and out of personal initiative. However, working for the community is often a selfless activity that receives little recognition or reward. Diána Széles emphasised that by supporting the beautification of front gardens, attention will also be drawn to these individuals, encouraging greater appreciation, as well as inspiring others to assist and follow their example. This sense of community can make people’s lives calmer, more balanced, and more pleasant—not to mention that caring for flowers and plants is also an excellent form of physical activity.
Chief landscape architect András Kuhn noted, among other points, that residential areas include spaces with varying levels of sunlight (deep shade, partial shade, and full sun). Suitable plants can be selected for each type of environment. In existing front gardens, it is common to see them enclosed or protected by some form of barrier or hedge. However, hedges may cast shade on the plants behind them and obscure them from view, reducing their aesthetic appeal. For this reason, transparent forms of enclosure may be preferable. It is also important that no bare soil areas remain without plant cover, as ground cover not only enhances appearance but also helps prevent weeds and retain moisture.
A well-structured planting scheme—where plant height increases from lower-growing species towards taller ones nearer the building façade—can enhance both aesthetics and visibility. Where possible or desired, small paths and seating can also be incorporated into front gardens. The chief gardener advised that if a residential community is interested in the initiative, they should first submit several photographs of the front garden or the designated area and its surroundings to the municipality, along with information about irrigation options. Following this, municipal experts will conduct consultations and site visits and provide recommendations on which plants are suitable—or unsuitable—for the specific location. The main objective is to introduce ornamental yet relatively low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennials, subshrubs, and shrubs. This planting approach has already proven successful in the city’s public spaces. Naturally, plant procurement will be subject to the financial framework provided by the municipality.
András Kuhn also highlighted the psychological benefits of an attractive living environment and well-maintained green spaces. A pleasant environment improves residents’ mental well-being and health, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole. There are also economic advantages, as flats in well-maintained surroundings may be more valuable than similar properties in neglected areas. For this reason, it is worthwhile to take an active role in creating and maintaining front gardens.
During the discussion, condominium representatives also addressed a number of detailed issues related to front garden improvements and made suggestions regarding public space amenities (such as additional benches) and safety measures (including more CCTV cameras).
The municipal authority requests that representatives of residential communities interested in participating in the front garden initiative submit their expressions of interest by Monday, 30 March 2026. Submissions should include photographs of the potential front garden area, information on irrigation possibilities, and contact details, and should be sent to Ivett Truczkó, investment administrator, at: truczko.ivett@ph.debrecen.hu.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
