zahrada

Zahrada is the word for garden in several Slavic languages, notably Czech and Slovak, and is also used in Slovenian. It denotes a cultivated outdoor space used for growing plants and for relaxation. The term belongs to a family of words linked to cultivation and enclosure and is contrasted with wild or unmanaged land.

Gardens vary in size and purpose. Common elements include planting beds or borders, lawns, paths, fences, and irrigation. Many gardens incorporate a greenhouse or glasshouse. Types include kitchen gardens for vegetables and herbs, ornamental or decorative gardens, and mixed-use spaces. In modern times, urban gardening, balcony planters, and community gardens have expanded the concept beyond traditional backyards.

Historically and culturally, gardens have played important roles in Central European life and landscape design, reflecting changes in aesthetics, agriculture, and domestic life. The design and maintenance of a zahrada involve planning for sun exposure, soil fertility, water management, and seasonal cycles. Beyond food or beauty, gardens can support biodiversity and offer habitats for pollinators.

The word can also appear as a place name or title in literature and media. In translation, zahrada corresponds to the English term garden.