A cemetery is a special place of reverence, the arrangement of which follows specific methods of planting decorative plants. In Europe, cemetery gardening is an important part of horticulture. In Germany, for example, cemetery gardeners are specially trained in cemetery gardening arrangements. Gardening in cemeteries must meet specific requirements when it comes to arranging burial plots in relation to the headstone, as well as placing the grave arrangement within the entire cemetery space. Cemeteries vary in terms of their spatial distribution and placement within the landscape, with which they can blend in or from which they can be separated by means of a frame made either of constructed elements or vegetation planted to form a hedgerow. The manner of placement and arrangement as well as the quantity and method of planting decorative plants in cemeteries are influenced heavily by the historical development, religious orientation, nationality, as well as the climate and soil situation. While planting on burial plots is subject to various regulations in Slovenia, cemetery operators have the sole responsibility of planning suitable planting at many cemeteries throughout Europe, which are designed as parks. The Žale Cemetery in Ljubljana is an extraordinary architectural work of art designed by Jože Plečnik, which also encompasses a modern necropolis designed by architect Marko Mušič. Being a horticulturally abundant and diverse cemetery space, Žale is included in the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe (ASCE). In addition to being an important place of reverence in Slovenia, Žale plays a significant role as a large green area in the Municipality of Ljubljana.
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