More than a hundred had to be removed in the wake of July's destructive storms. The renovation project will cost approximately 70,000 euros. Until the work is completed, the garden will remain closed to individual visitors.

On July 11, severe storms with gusty winds brought down some 40 trees at the Pivola Botanical Garden near Maribor, mostly in the lower part of the park. Some of the trees fell on a building that houses various collections and damaged the roof and the interior; they also damaged the park's fences in several places.

In just over a month, more than 100 trees had to be removed. Some had been toppled by the wind, while others had to be brought down because they were in danger of falling. Even though the trees were relatively old, most of them spruces, as well as oaks, pines, and larches, the loss is immense, says Meta Šepic of the Botanical Garden. Instead of a dense forest, the lower park of the garden now contains just a few solitary trees.

The damaged buildings have been repaired and the roofs replaced. "Now comes the most difficult part of the renovation project: the removal of all tree trunks," explains Šepic, and adds that the removal will be followed by the leveling of terrain and the seeding of grass. The fences will also be repaired and the pathways, which are damaged because of heavy machinery, will be strengthened. Windbreak trees will be planted in the fall to increase protection from the wind.

The Botanical Garden will reopen to visitors on September 1.

Vesna Martinec, Radio Maribor, translated by J. B.