2016

Welcome to the Sixth Peony Festival

On 19 June LVM Kalsnava Arboretum invites visitors to celebrate the sixth Peony Festival, also known as the colourful Peony Ball. All day long guests will be able to see more than 200 varieties of peonies, take part in an auction of exotic plants, listen to advice from skilful experts on how to best grow and take care of peonies. Visitors will also have a chance to participate in environmental education and craft workshops, as well as to enjoy concerts and fun fairs for the youngest guests.

The arboretum will open at 9am, but the formal opening will take place at 11.00, followed by musical greetings from Atis Auzāns with light and melodic “Sirds dziesmas” (“Heart Songs”). Creative team “Pasaku nams” (“Fairy Tale House”) will invite children to dances and games.

Excursions in the peony garden will give guests an opportunity not only to appreciate the beauty of peonies, get acquainted with their caprices and detractors but also get answers to curious questions.

The auction of exotic plants (starting at 14:30) will offer unique plants that cannot be found anywhere else in Latvia.

In order to broaden the knowledge about growing rhododendrons, their characteristics, and variety, at 16:30 guests will have a chance to go for a walk in the rhododendron forest. It was created with a help of the University of Latvia Nursery of Rhododendrons "Babīte" - a place where Rihards Kondratovičs’ gallery of rhododendron can be seen.

The garden of peonies in Kalsnava was created in 2006 when collector and breeder Dr.Hab.Biol. Emeritus Aldonis Vēriņš presented the basis of the collection to the arboretum. He is present at every celebration to enjoy his cherished plants blossoming.

There is also an opportunity to watch the programme and the panorama of the arboretum from a 25m high view tower. For the guests’ convenience, the tower is equipped with benches, so everyone can peacefully enjoy the beauty of nature.