Abstract

Avgust Bukovec was an exceptionally insightful, hardworking and active Ljubljana native, who dedicated his life to nature, beekeeping, gardening and numerous hobbies. As a child, he spent hours observing nature around his home, which went on to leave a mark on him for the rest of his life. His love for plants began with gardening in his childhood, and he later became known as an excellent gardener and horticultural expert, although he was a financial officer by profession.

In his garden on the Gruber embankment, which he laid out after 1919, Bukovec grew vegetables, roses, tulips, hyacinths, and especially delphiniums, which he collected. His garden was not only aesthetically perfect, but above all neat and functional. He was also a great lover and collector of cacti, butterflies, stamps, birds, tropical fish and much more – his home was full of life.

Despite his many activities, Bukovec was always up to date with the latest developments in gardening, drawing his knowledge primarily from the renowned German gardening magazine Die Gartenschönheit. Engineer Jože Strgar, a well-known gardener and later mayor of Ljubljana, remembers him as an exceptionally hard-working, inquisitive and wordly man, a true Ljubljana citizen and cultural patriot who knew how to inspire others with his knowledge and example.