The patterns of local settlement in the Warmia region remained under the strong influence of the Church until the first partition of Poland. As a result, both urban and rural areas in this region represented distinct land management practices. The post-war period saw large-scale human migration in the Regained Territories. The majority of abandoned farms quickly fell into ruin. From that time until today, the existing farmsteads have undergone great change and transformation. Now the only trace of the former spatial organization and rural development, and of the ornamental plant species preferred by previous residents, are well-preserved, abandoned, scattered dwellings. A floristic study was conducted during the years 2002–2005 in fifty farmsteads located in the eastern part of the Warmia region. The sites were characterized by high floristic richness – a total of 246 vascular plant species were identified there. Dendroflora was represented by 66 taxa. Species originating from old plantings, including primarily trees, fruit bushes, decorative shrubs and ornamental perennial plants, accounted for over 25% of the flora.

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