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Looking back at the spring and summer season events of the “INTERACTIVE GARDENS” project

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Image author: No DI arhīva

In 2026, visitors to the Institute of Horticulture were delighted by the new plantings and environmental objects created as part of the “Interactive Gardens” project. Both individual visitors and various age groups could walk thematic trails, explore the informative stands, relax in specially designated areas, and discover the new plantings.

During the season, inspiring activities took place in the plantations of the Horticulture Institute in Dobele. To evaluate the garden's activities and new features, visitors were invited to fill out a tailored questionnaire or leave feedback by scanning a QR code.

On April 13, a group of the Jelgava Seniors' Association visited the garden, got to know the varieties of fruit trees and learned the basics of forming their crowns.

From June 5 to 7, the Institute of Horticulture participated in the European-wide campaign Rendez-vous aux jardins, an initiative bringing together more than 2,800 parks and gardens. The campaign invited visitors to experience the garden as a space for well-being, exploration, active movement, and creative inspiration. Throughout the event, guests engaged in outdoor fitness and stretching classes, discovered a rich array of lilac varieties, unlocked their artistic side through drawing, and fully immersed their senses in nature.

On June 12, students of the Bulduri Horticulture Secondary School engaged in arranging raised beds, creating "green architecture" forms and garden therapy tasks. These activities took place in collaboration with the event “Boost yourself in local nature” organized in Finland.

On July 3, an educational and invigorating event was held, bringing together specialists from the Institute of Horticulture and municipality representatives to discuss practical solutions for the development of public gardens and green spaces. Discussions focused on how garden environments can be enhanced not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to promote public health, education, community engagement, and overall well-being.

During the event, attendees were introduced to the core concept and development journey of the “Interactive Gardens” project. Specialists from the Institute of Horticulture presented the achieved project results, which are summarized and freely available on the website, while specialists from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences demonstrated a new virtual garden model, which opens up new opportunities for engaging the public in garden planning and fostering positive garden experiences.

Following the presentations, participants visited the newly established garden objects, plantings, and informative materials on-site to evaluate the implemented solutions in person. The event concluded with an exchange of experience, an inspiring discussion, and a participant survey to gather valuable insights for future work.

Submitted on: 17/07/2026