In a botanical garden, plants are kept looking as close as possible to what they would have in nature, without excessive human intervention (for example, pruning or cutting dry leaves).
On the other hand, this ‘hands-off’ option encourages small ecosystems where insects and small animals, other plants, fungi and lichens, which are extremely important for urban biodiversity, live.
In the summer, we only water what is essential.
Water is a precious commodity, especially in a country like Portugal.
Therefore, it is possible that water circulation is limited and that the undergrowth may become drier, especially in the summer. This is a deliberate option that does not put the plants at risk.
The presence of the Garden in the heart of Lisbon mitigates the effects of rising temperatures, promoting its own microclimate and the capture of carbon dioxide.