The green space around the Ravne mansion near Pivka is divided into several distinct units: rows of trees, the area around the stalls managed by the Lipica Stud Farm, the park with exotic trees west of the mansion, the park with exotic trees east of the mansion, the lane next to the mansion and the parterre. The mansion, together with both parks and the parterre, is a nice example of architectural and garden planning well worth preserving since it bears testimony of times gone by. Together with the double row tree plantings, the manor and the garden are fitting perfectly in the surrounding landscape. In the case of Ravne mansion and its surrounding green space, we must value and preserve this example of successful landscape architecture. There are several double row alleys on the south and west side of the mansion, most of them are planted with deciduous trees, linden trees prevailing. All rows of deciduous trees are excellently integrated in the landscape and are worth keeping in their original form. On the west side of the mansion lies a park with exotic tree varieties which is partly preserved. Such parks were characteristic in the second half of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) stands out for its dimensions and vitality. On the other side of the path one can observe a tall Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana). The east part of the park with exotic trees is smaller than the west part, but still worthy of preserving. Here you can see an exotic spruce tree (probably black spruce) and a cypress (Thuja or Chamaecyparis).
Planted next to the mansion park is a wisteria which is typical of parks from the turn of the 20th century. It is in a very good state and should be preserved even in case of mansion renovation works. Roses are planted on the bed near the mansion. Some of the shrub roses are from the 1960’s, two exemplars are older and represent historic roses. The parterre can be reached by some stone steps directly from the mansion. It is rather interesting since it uses the natural slope to divide the parterre in different parts. The last interventions were carried out in the beginning of the 20th century judging from the materials used. At that time, a vegetable garden was planted below a high dry-stone wall. The most interesting part is on the east side of upper terrace with what remains of an old orangery, now completely covered with plants. It was meant for winter storage of delicate ornamental plants, mostly pot plants like oleanders, orange trees, banana trees, tea tree roses, etc. Most likely it was also used as a winter garden.
Based on: Matjaž Mastnak, Mnenje o hortikulturni vrednosti okolice graščine Ravne.
Operation co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund
