Since 2013, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation has invested 1.545 million euros in the development of the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia. The infrastructure improvement works were implemented, so that the Botanical Garden meets modern requirements and garden becomes an attractive place where visitors can relax, satisfy their thirst for knowledge, and spend free time engaging in research and education, as well as enjoying exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events.

In 2022, on the 100th anniversary of the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, the Boris and Ināra Teterev Foundation presents a special gift - an automatic watering system, which now allows to preserve the diverse plant collection throughout the garden. Until now, the insufficient watering system and low pressure of the water supply have prevented the full watering of the entire necessary area, thus endangering the plant collection and specially created lawns. For more information (in Latvian) about the results of the work carried out click here

Photo: from the arvhive of the Botanical garden of the University of Latvia

In turn, the onset of the autumn of 2017 saw the conclusion of the territorial landscaping work in the LU Botanical Garden, which was part of the reconstruction of the garden that had commenced back in 2013. The work involved tidying up and landscaping the garden. A 2600 m2 section of the garden parallel to Vīlipa Street was tidied up, part of the LU Botanical Garden’s administrative zone was upgraded, and significantly, an apple orchard spanning 2500 m2 was restored, as a result of which, is now more accessible to visitors, and will continue to delight them with its colorful piles of apple blossoms. For more information (in Latvian) about the results of the work carried out in 2017, click here

In turn, at the end of 2016, visitors were offered walking paths and squares across an area of 1840 m2 with new surfaces, renewed rhododendron plants that are easier to grow and span an area of 5500 m2, as well as a new 332 m long forged metal fence. For more information (in Latvian) about the results of the work carried out in the second half of 2016, click here. Also, the overview of the results of the first half of 2016 is available here. The work done earlier is described here (in Latvian).

During 2015, renovation works were continued in the garden arboretum, which is the only place in the LU Botanical Garden with a hollow and rolling relief and which has additional appeal for visitors as it gives them the chance to get a better glimpse of the exhibits located there. There are lots of valuable plants in this part of the garden, the collection of which is regularly augmented. Likewise, the reconstruction of the Botanical Garden’s fence continued with the renovation of another section 510 meters long.

During 2013 and 2014, the central part of the garden was renovated along with the area of the park that is home to rhododendrons, perennials, and ferns spanning an area of 7000 m2. The old fence made of wooden boards is being replaced with a durable modern metal fence (739 m long). In addition, an alpinarium and collection of Latvian wild plants are being formed and part of the rainwater drainage system is being renovated. Asphalt paths no longer fit for purpose are being replaced by paving stones and a historically authentic gravel surface. Meanwhile, the pond in the central part of the park is also assuming a new appearance. It will be surrounded by benches and wooden boardwalks (view the gallery).

The LU Botanical Garden, a popular leisure destination and the green jewel of Riga was founded in 1922. Across an area of 15 hectares, it is home to 6,000 different plant species. The objective of the garden is to accumulate, conserve, document, and research the gene pool of domestic and overseas plants. The garden facilitates the conservation of biological diversity and provides the general public with an inspiring introduction to the plant kingdom. The Botanical Garden is open to visitors every day.