An architect, landscape architect, and teacher, fighting for better greenery, an ecological urban environment, and a return to normalcy. Nevena has written a Handbook for Planting, Maintenance, and Pruning of Ornamental Trees in Urban Spaces. Her mission is to help create safer, more beautiful, and more sustainable places to live.
Her motivation is deeply personal: “I want to live in a cleaner, greener, and more orderly city.”
This honesty feels refreshing, yet it lies at the core of genuine change where everyone recognizes their own role.
Nevena finds inspiration in the little things and in the achievements of great minds, reflecting her drive to improve the community through knowledge and modern technology.
1. How would you explain to someone with no idea at all—what does it mean to be a landscape architect?
Everything we see around us is landscape—or in direct translation, landscape architecture. In many cities worldwide, municipalities have chief landscape architects who shape the city’s vision: which views should be preserved, how much green space a city should have, how green individual lots and neighborhoods should be. Landscape architects also decide where there should be benches, gazebos, fountains, what paving is used, what kind of playgrounds, water features…
Photographer: Masha Mateeva, @mashamatveeva.ph
2. What motivates you personally to dedicate so much effort to quality greenery and ecological urban spaces?
Honestly, I do it out of selfishness. If our city is greener, cleaner, and more orderly, life will be better for me and my family. So it’s not hard to stay motivated—I want things that will directly improve my own life.
3. Looking 10 years ahead, how do you imagine Plovdiv if sustainability and ecology truly become a priority?
The obvious answer: green. With well-kept parks, shared spaces between apartment blocks, and lush green areas. With the hills featuring water attractions and quality landscaping, countless new street trees, even sidewalks, bike lanes, reliable and convenient public transport, and clean air. But a sustainable city is not just about projects and plans—it is the result of small everyday actions by every citizen, which together paint the bigger picture of Plovdiv.
4. What do people most often not know about urban trees, but absolutely should?
Trees need to be replaced. People often protest when old trees are cut down, but in urban environments—where there are many people and dense infrastructure—trees must be in excellent condition to ensure safety. Global experts recommend replacing trees along with underground infrastructure, since their lifespan is roughly the same—about 60 to 80 years.
Photographer: Masha Mateeva, @mashamatveeva.ph
5. What do you see as the biggest challenges to keeping urban spaces clean and well-preserved?
The perception that cleanliness is always someone else’s responsibility. In reality, each of us is responsible—with small habits and attitudes, we can change the picture of our city. I believe that with more awareness and personal contribution, Plovdiv can become even more beautiful—and much cleaner.
6. How do you change the picture?
I change the picture by sharing my knowledge, creating manuals, teaching. Also, through actions – I insist on standards, quality care and responsibility, but through personal example. All this is because I myself want to live better. I believe that every tree, every new alley, every effort, even the smallest like not throwing your butt on the ground, is the path to a cleaner and tidier space, a small change in the big picture of Plovdiv.
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