On 17 hectares in the Dreilini suburb, more than 5,000 plant species, shady well-kept alleys, and cozy benches await visitors. Here you can take a break from the bustle of the city and the noise of cars, breathe the purest air filled with the fragrances of roses and lilies, and delight your eyes with the riot of nature's colors.
The Botanical Garden was founded in 1922 and began its history with a small plot of land of less than 1 hectare. It developed rapidly, and by 1937 there were already 7,500 plant species here, which is why its territory was significantly expanded. But with the arrival of the war, the Botanical Garden fell into decline - the greenhouses and laboratories were confiscated by the military, and invaluable tree species from the unique arboretum were cut for firewood during the harsh war years. Only thanks to three enthusiastic gardeners led by Karl Mednis did the garden survive the horrors of war and even preserve some of its plants. By the early 1950s, it had almost completely recovered, received additional land, and once again began to delight the residents of Riga and visitors to the capital.
In 1957, Professor Rihard Kondratovich started the rhododendron collection, which now numbers more than a hundred species and amazes visitors with its variety of shapes and colors.
The University of Latvia Botanical Garden has a wonderful festive tradition - every summer the Riga Flower Ball is held here. This is the country's main event dedicated to gardening and landscape design, and the most visited exhibition-fair of ornamental plants and flowers. Anyone can buy flowers or seedlings here, attend interesting seminars on gardening and floristry, and get professional advice from the Botanical Garden's best specialists.
