Famous Botanical Gardens in Lithuania [Back]
Lithuania boasts a rich botanical heritage, showcased through its numerous botanical gardens and arboreta. These institutions serve as centers for conservation, research, and public education, offering visitors the opportunity to explore diverse plant collections and learn about the country's commitment to preserving its natural flora. Here are some of the most notable botanical gardens in Lithuania:
Botanical Garden of Vilnius University
Established in 1781, the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University is the largest botanical garden in Lithuania, covering a total area of 199 hectares across two locations: Kairenai (191.5 ha) and Vingis Park (7.35 ha). The garden houses approximately 11,000 plant taxa, including collections of dendrology, plant systematics and geography, floriculture, plant genetics, and pomology. It serves as a center for botanical research, conservation, and public education, attracting around 100,000 visitors annually.
Vytautas Magnus University Botanical Garden
Located in Kaunas, the Vytautas Magnus University Botanical Garden was founded in 1923 and spans 62.5 hectares, making it the second-largest botanical garden in Lithuania. It features diverse collections, including roses, dahlias, tulips, daylilies, peonies, rhododendrons, hostas, lilies, astilbes, and asters. The garden also houses a historic greenhouse constructed in 1938 and serves as a hub for botanical research, conservation, and public education.
Šiauliai University Botanical Garden
Established in 1997, the Šiauliai University Botanical Garden is the newest and smallest botanical garden in Lithuania, covering 6.54 hectares. It boasts over 4,000 different species and varieties of plants, including collections of systematic and plant geography, Ericaceae family plants, ornamental plants, alpine plants, ligneous plants, and Lithuanian native flora. The garden also features heritage rural plant gardens arranged according to the traditions of pre-war, inter-war, and post-war periods.
Skinderiškis Dendrological Park
Located in the Kedainiai District Municipality, the Skinderiškis Dendrological Park covers an area of 125 hectares. Established in 1971 by local forester Kestutis Kaltenis, the park hosts thousands of various trees and shrubs belonging to more than 1,300 species. The area is divided into different biogeographical zones, including Europe, Siberia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Far East, Eastern North America, and Western North America. The park features a landscape composition with a system of small ponds, wooden sculptures, and heavy boulders.
Palanga Botanical Garden
Situated in the seaside resort town of Palanga, the Palanga Botanical Garden is one of the prettiest in Lithuania's seaside area. Established in 1897 by Count Felix Tyszkiewicz and designed by French landscape architect Édouard François André, the garden features ponds, clusters of different species of trees, gazebos, elegant sculptures, and fountains. It also houses the Palanga Amber Museum, formerly the Tyszkiewicz manor. The garden is popular among nature lovers, families, and romantic souls, offering a serene environment for leisurely strolls.