Improvement of Greenhouse Facilities at Verde Nativo Botanic Garden

Project Status: Completed 2025

Funded by: The Global Botanic Garden Fund

Project Partner: Jardin Botanico y Arboreto VerdeNativo

Introduction

The propagation infrastructure of the VerdeNativo Botanic Garden in Puerto Octay, Chile was in need of improvement to advance their capacity for ex situ conservation and the propagation of native species, including several threatened taxa. The small greenhouses needed modernising and there was a need to expand the shaded areas and improve growing spaces, to enhance horticultural activities.

Project Goals

This project set out to improve the research greenhouse infrastructure and propagation conditions through environmental control techniques and to develop educational signage for staff.

Key Achievements

A propagation workshop was conducted during November 2024, attended by garden staff, student apprentices from the local university. The workshop also incorporated training in plant record-keeping and included propagation trials for Chilean species with high ornamental potential.

A new propagation bed was constructed by Wakehurst Place apprentice during a two-week placement at VerdeNativo and the greenhouse was expanded and upgraded with new coverings and benches, natural ventilation, shading nets to lower summer temperatures, acclimatization areas, a heated bed for species with specific propagation needs, and precise temperature and humidity monitoring. Labelling of the species in the greenhouse was also improved with a colour coded system to facilitate quick recognition of irrigation requirements and conservation status.

The expanded and improved greenhouse now supports the propagation of a wider range of native species, including several threatened taxa. This has enhanced the germination and rooting of species with more complex requirements, significantly increasing opportunities for ex situ conservation.