Upcoming Events

Mar 4 – Mar 13

Orchid Exhibition

March witnesses the flowering peak of numerous exotic orchids. Many of these extraordinary plants open their blossoms in March – some capturing the eye with their vibrant colours, others with their peculiar form. Some orchids have blossoms so tiny that they are almost invisible without a magnifying glass. These flowers have the power to turn an ordinary day into an exciting adventure in the world of plants.

Among greenhouse plants, the Tallinn Botanic Garden Orchid Exhibition showcases orchid varieties both from the nature as well as those bred by man. In addition to the familiar moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), a wide range of other tropical orchids will be on display: Venus slippers (Paphiopedilums), Vandas, Boat Orchids (Cymbidiums), and Epidendrums, Dendrobiums, Masdevallias, Oncidiums and many more.

 Photo: Erge Sonn

close

February 13-21

Exhibition “National symbols from far and near”

The most important national symbols are usually the flag and the coat of arms. But through the ages every nation has had some especially loved and revered plants or animals or birds, some of whom are elected as a symbol to represent the country and the nation. The exhibition introduces the plants, birds and animals that are the symbols of almost 150 countries and explains why they are revered, how they are used and what they look like. Among the national symbols put on display many familiar but also some rather unknown trees, bushes and flowers, as well as animals have been chosen. For example, the national flower of our closest neighbours, the Latvians, is the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), for the Finns, it is the lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), for the Swedes, the twinflower (Linnaea borealis) and for the Russians, the chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – all garden or forest plants well-known also to us. But there are also some more exotic and exciting plants among national symbols, for example, the Arfaj plant (Rhanterium epapposum) is the national flower of Kuwait, the Flower of the Holy Spirit (Peristeria elata) of the Republic of Panama, the blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium bermudana) of Bermuda and the Maltese Centaury (Palaeocyanus crassifolius) of the Republic of Malta.

close

Exhibitions in 2016

13.02-21.02 National Symbols from Near and Far
04.03-13.03 Orchid Exhibition
16.04-24.04 New Houseplants and Exciting Palms
13.05-15.05 Exhibition of tulips and other early bulbs
19.05-22.05 African Violets and Other Gesneriaceae
04.06-12.06 Colourful Plants in Pots
16.07-17.07 The Rose Days
19.08-21.08 Clematis, Perennials and Grapes
09.09-11.09 Domestic Grapes
15.10-23.10 The Stars of Plant World
19.11-27.11 Magic plants
09.12-28.12 An Exhibition of Poinsettias and Cyclamen

close

The Tallinn Botanical Garden invites you to visit also during the holidays

The Tallinn Botanic Garden outdoor gardens and glasshouses are closed on 24 and 25 December. On other days, including 31 December and 1 January, the Garden is open to visitors during usual hours.

 

close

Nov 7 – Nov 15

Tea Plants from Around the World

Tea drinking tradition goes back a long a way. Various plants are used to make tea in different parts of the world. In Asia, the Chinese-origin tea plant Camellia sinensis made a name for itself; in Africa, Cyclopia intermedia and Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) are preferred; in America, for example, Handroanthus impetiginosus (Pink Lapacho) and Erythroxylum catuaba are more common, instead. The last exhibition of the year invites you to the exciting and colourful world of tea, in order to make closer acquaintance to the various tea plants. What could be more enjoyable than having a glass of hot rooibos, maté or hibiscus tea on a cold winter night? But what are the plants behind those fine-sounding names? How plants are like bamboo (Bambusa) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) connected to drinking tea? All of this you can learn more about at the tea plants exhibition. On weekends, you can take part in traditional tea ceremonies.

close

Café at the Palm House

A weekend café at the Tallinn Botanic Garden Palm House welcomes you with coffee, tea, soft drinks and delicious pies, cakes and croissants baked by the highly regarded Café Lyon.
The café is open during 11-16 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bon appétit!

close

Oct 9 – Oct 15

Exhibition “Fruits and Seeds”

The fruits and seeds of plants differ in size, form, build, taste and colour. If sagebrush fruit weighs a few tenths of a milligram, the weight range of a pumpkin, for example, can reach several hundred kilos. The diversity of fruits in the plant kingdom is huge. Fruits are grouped into simple and aggregate fruits, fleshy and dry fruits, dehiscent or indehiscent. The exhibition will introduce the rich world of fruits and seeds, as well as present the multiple ways to use them.

The exhibits have been collected from Mauritius, Seychelles, Tenerife, Australia and the Tallinn Botanic Garden collection.

close

4. october

The Tallinn Botanic Garden ends its summer season

Botanic Garden ends its summer season and welcomes autumn with the Science Theatre
Chemistry is a wonderful invention: it has both adults and children wondering in amazement. The Science Theatre, however, does not engage in illusions, the public is going to enjoy true science. Behind the, on the face of it, impossible seeming phenomena are often the cool natural sciences, particularly chemistry and physics. You can witness experiments from a mysterious change in colour or startling bangs to flaming fires and a mysterious fog. Want to find out what makes the New Year’s Eve fireworks appear green? Or what exactly is liquid nitrogen? Come and find out!

Also the traditional tours of nature, conducted by Estonia’s best guides, take place and, at the various workshops visitors can grow teacup crystals, make a lava lamp out of domestic resources or taste scientific ice cream, made on the spot!

In addition, Virxgrill is offering a variety of melt-in-the-mouth pancakes, blini and crêpes, both small and large.

Schedule:
At 12.00 the Science Theatre
From 13.00 to 14.00 workshops
At 13.30 tours of nature, in Estonian and Russian

Please register for workshops at 606 2660

close

Greenhouses are temporarily closed due to maintenance works

14.09-18.09    Tropical- and arid house
21.09.-25.09   Palmhouse
28.09.-02.10   Subtropical, tropical greenhouse and arid house
19.10.-23.10   Subtropical greenhouse

We are sorry for inconveniences!

close

Sep 11 – Sep 13

Estonian Grapes Exhibition

Grape growing has gained momentum and table grapes are increasingly grown also in Estonia. No wonder, as breeding has made substantial progress over the past fifty years and a large number of Russian and Ukrainian table grape varieties are now available to our grape farmers. Local grape growing is also supported by the recognition that we can grow our grapes in a significantly more environmentally friendly and therefore, healthier way. The pests harassing grape farmers to the south of us have yet to adjust to the Estonian climate.

The Saare-Tõrvaaugu gardening farm near Vändra in Pärnu County will provide an exhibition display chosen from roughly 150 varieties in their collection, organise a grape tasting and sell both grapes and plants at the venue. Grape farmer Mart Laul will introduce grape varieties grown in open fields in North Estonia. The exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to check out grapes grown in Estonia – both the varieties suitable for growing in open fields and in greenhouses will be exhibited. Visitors will have a chance to inquire about different grape varieties and get useful tips on growing grape vines.

The Saare-Tõrvaaugu gardening farm will also exhibit their watermelons and melons, grown in an   environmentally friendly way.

  

close

Aug 21 – Aug 23

Clematis and Perennials

Clematis – the lianas with eye-catching blossoms and perennials, flowering in the second half of summer, make for a colourful exhibition. Clematis is a genus of the 323 species within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Clematis species are mainly found throughout the South America, Madagascar, Oceania and the tropical Africa. From Europe originate 10 clematis species, over 500 cultivars are known worldwide, with 150 of them bred by Aili and Uno Kivistik at their Roogoja farm right here in Estonia. Clematis for the exhibition are also supplied by the Roogoja farm.

In addition to clematis, the exhibition also offers phloxes, hostas, coral bells, sneezeweeds, coneflowers and many other perennials from the Nõrga farm in Viljandi County.

Visitors will have an opportunity to buy plants and consult with experienced horticulturists.

close

Tallinn Botanic Garden mobile application

The Tallinn Botanic Garden mobile application is designed for all users of Android or iPhone smartphones. You can download the free app that was created especially considering the functionality of your phone, from either Google Play or AppStore. The mobile app helps you to make your visit to the Botanical Garden more meaningful and exciting. The app provides multiple opportunities: there are always fresh news about exhibitions and events, also maps of the grounds and greenhouses, as well as an audio guide for use both indoors and out on the grounds. The app is available in three languages ​​(Estonian, Russian and English).

We hope you enjoy the app and see you at the Botanic Garden!

The Tallinn Botanic Garden mobile application was designed with the support of the Environmental Investment Centre.

close

Rose Garden is temporarily closed

Rose garden ise temporarily closed 21.23.(inc.) July due to maintenance works.
We are sorry for inconveniences!

close

The Rose Days July 18 – July 19

The Rose Days of bush roses- welcome to a sea of fragrant flowers in the summer sun

Bush roses, the floral beauty and rich colour range of which can be appreciated below eye level, are by far the most bred throughout the world. The beds compose a sea of flowers ablaze with colours resembling a handmade carpet, its charm complemented by the delightful aroma of lemons, apples and other fruits, the light fresh scent of grass and the heavier, almost intoxicating ethereal fragrances. Many varieties exhibit only one or two shapely blooms on a stem; others, clusters of blooms in large sprays. There are upright lush- leafed shrubs and sprawling bushes weighed down under their own blooms. Who are they? They are Polyantha, Hybrid Polyantha, Floribunda, Grandiflora and Hybrid Tea roses. Among the Rose Day exhibits are also miniature roses, lining the flowerbeds and the compact ground cover roses. What these roses have in common is a desire to be more protected and pampered than the more powerful and robust wild and shrub roses.

close

Tallinn Botanic Garden mobile application

The Tallinn Botanic Garden mobile application is designed for all users of Android or iPhone smartphones. You can download the free app that was created especially considering the functionality of your phone, from either Google Play or AppStore. The mobile app helps you to make your visit to the Botanical Garden more meaningful and exciting. The app provides multiple opportunities: there are always fresh news about exhibitions and events, also maps of the grounds and greenhouses, as well as an audio guide for use both indoors and out on the grounds. The app is available in three languages ​​(Estonian, Russian and English).

We hope you enjoy the app and see you at the Botanic Garden!

The Tallinn Botanic Garden mobile application was designed with the support of the Environmental Investment Centre.

close

Saintpaulia Exhibition May 14 – 17

The diversity of saintpaulias, flowering in the spring, is incredible. They are commonly known as African violets but have no real relation to actual violets. In the family Gesneriaceae there are 2900 species and 139 genera, among them trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, lianas and epiphytes. In addition to saintpaulias, the best-known representatives of this family include sinningia, codonanthe, magic flowers, lipstick plants, cape primroses, flame violets, goldfish plants, chirita and others.

The exhibition is organised in collaboration with private collectors.

During the exhibition rare varieties of saintpaulias, as well as saintpaulia substrate and special fertilisers are also sold. Consultation on the cultivation of Gesneriaceae is available during the exhibition opening hours.

close

May 8- 11 Exhibition of tulips and other early bulbs

Tulips are one of the most loved and most grown spring bulbs, the colours and forms of which have mesmerized people for centuries. Over the years, thousands of tulip varieties have been bred, many of which also decorate our gardens. Because of their richness of colour, diversity of blooms and early flowering, tulips are irreplaceable in spring gardens.
The exhibition presents very different tulip varieties as cut flowers: both new and also older tulip varieties are introduced.
In addition to tulips, many other much-loved spring flowers like daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses are on display. The flowering of tulips, daffodils , hyacinths, fritillaries, stars-of-Bethlehem and trilliums can also be enjoyed in the outdoor gardens.
The exhibition in the Tallinn Botanic Garden Palm House is open from 11.00 to 18.00.

close

Plants- Quite the Globetrotters Apr 11 – Apr 19

Per se, plants do not travel much but with a little help from humans and animals they can easily move from one country to another and even from one continent to another. This exhibition seeks to give a glimpse of the historic travels of plants useful to man from their natural habitat to the areas they are cultivated today. Everyone knows that potatoes originate from America but, for example, tomatoes, peanuts, cocoa and tobacco come from there too. The exhibition also reveals the significance of Alexander the Great’s raids to the East where acquaintance was made with many new wild plants that would later be cultivated. From these raids, many fruits and seeds of plants well-known today were brought back. Do you know where cucumber, pumpkin, wheat, rye and many other today’s everyday nutriments come from and how they came to arrive on our tables? Do you know the oldest cultivated plants in the world? The exhibition will provide answers to all these questions.

read more

Orchid Exhibition Mar 7 – Mar 15

March witnesses the flowering peak of numerous exotic orchids. Many of these extraordinary plants open their blossoms in March – some capturing the eye with their vibrant colours, others with their peculiar form. Some orchids have blossoms so tiny that they are almost invisible without a magnifying glass. These flowers have the power to turn an ordinary day into an exciting adventure in the world of plants.
Among greenhouse plants, the Tallinn Botanic Garden Orchid Exhibition showcases orchid varieties both from the nature as well as those bred by man. In addition to the familiar moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), a wide range of other tropical orchids will be on display: Venus slippers (Paphiopedilums), Vandas, Boat Orchids (Cymbidiums), and Epidendrums, Dendrobiums, Masdevallias, Oncidiums and many more.

read more

Valentine’s Day fund-raising show

The Tallinn Botanic Garden invites you to a fund-raising show on Saturday, February 14, 2015.
You can enjoy a concert by the popular Estonian vocalist Birgit Õigemeel and a dance show by the TantsuGeen Tantsustuudio children. Fun for all the kids will be provided by an interactive costume character performance of the Bunny Johanna.
The funds raised during the event will go to support the development of audio description guides for blind and partially sighted persons within the framework of the “Garden for the Senses”- project.

Come spend a friendly family event in the Botanic Garden!
Event agenda:
14.00 Show starts
14.30 Birgit Õigemeel performs
15.20 TantsuGeen performs
15.30 Birgit Õigemeel performs
16.00 Lighting of candles in the Garden for the Senses
Admissions: standard prices

close

Index Seminum 2015

The Tallinn Botanic Garden has completed a plant material exchange list “Index Seminum 2015”.

Please open here: Index Seminum 2015 Hortus Botanicus Tallinnensis

close

Exhibition of Cones and Timbers

Jan 24 – Feb 1

Among the exhibits there is a plentiful display of cones, including the smallest ones in the world but also specimens much larger than the familiar fir cones. You will have a unique chance to find out which plants have the largest and the heaviest cones in the world In addition to cones, the exhibition offers an extensive overview of local and exotic timbers from the Tallinn Botanic Garden herbarium collection.

close

Exhibitions in 2015

Cones and Timbers   Jan 24 – Feb 1

Orchid Exhibition   Mar 7 Mar 15

Plants- Quite the Globetrotters  Apr 11 – Apr 19

Saintpaulia Exhibition  May 14 – May 17

Edible and Healing Blossoms   Jul 24 – Jul 26

Clematis and Perennials  Aug 21 – Aug 23

Estonian Grapes Exhibition  Sep 11 – Sep 13

Fruits and Seeds   Oct 9 – Oct 11

Tea Plants from Around the World  Nov 7 – Nov 15

close

The Tallinn Botanical Garden invites you to visit also during the holidays

The Tallinn Botanic Garden outdoor gardens and glasshouses are closed on 24 and 25 December. On other days, including 31 December and 1 January, the Garden is open to visitors during usual hours.

close

Magic Plants 14.-20.11

November is a mystical month, the time of the souls. It is the perfect time for learning more about some magic plants that have enabled people to hear the unheard, to see the invisible and to predict future events. Since ancient history, plants have been worshipped as deities, with sacrifices and offerings. Plants were expected to provide money and wealth, health and happiness. They were used to undertake astral journeys to other worlds, to invoke wind and rain, to repel enemies and witches. The visitors to the exhibition will receive good advice on how to attract love and money, to ward off enemies and to fight diseases. The exhibition will feature several well-known local plants, such as birches, willows, lindens, etc., that are perfectly capable of competing in terms of magical powers with such exotic wizards as Kadam tree, peyote, elephant creeper and others that are all featured in the exhibition.

close

Cactuses – Our Prickly Friends 11. – 19.10

Cactuses are native to the Americas. Their habitats range from Canada to Patagonia, including a variety of natural conditions, such as savannas, deserts, mountains and rain forests. The exhibition of cactuses at the Tallinn Botanic Garden, 11-19 October, will provide an opportunity to see the cactuses of different genera and to learn about growing them at home. This exhibition will feature varieties, hybrids and breeds of cactus. It will be presented in cooperation with the Cactus Growers’ Club.

close

Greenhouses are temporarily closed due to maintenance works.

 

  Greenhouse   Closed for vistors
 
Tropical- and Arid house21.08 – 26.08&02.09-07.09
Palmhouse 25.08-30.08&
01.09-06.09
Subtropical  greenhouse 22.09-26.09&
27.10-01.11

We are sorry for inconveniences!

close

15.-17.08

Exhibition of clematises, grapes and perennial flowers

Clematises and phloxes are the beloved beauties of Estonian flower gardens. Clematises charm viewers with their marvellous flower colours. These are essential plants in vertical gardening. Over 5,000 varieties of clematis have been developed in the world, with 150 of them bred by Aili and Uno Kivistik at their Roogoja Farm. In addition to clematises, the exhibition features phloxes, hostas, coral bells, coneflowers and other perennials grown at Nõrga Farm.
Grape growing has become increasingly popular in Estonia in recent years. The exhibition provides a good opportunity to see the varieties suitable for growing in open fields or in greenhouses. You can use the exhibition as an opportunity to ask for advice from experienced plant-breeders and to buy transplants of clematises, grape wines, phloxes or other perennials. The displayed clematises and grape wines were grown at Roogoja Farm, while the perennials are supplied by Nõrga Farm.

read more

04.07.2014 – 06.07.2014

Exhibition of Honey and fragrant plants

Honey has a large number of beneficial health effects. What plants are the main sources of honey? In this exhibition, we will present the most important honey plants. The flowering periods of honey plants are part of crucial information for honey farmers. In terms of flowering seasons, honey plants are classified as spring (coltsfoot, willow, maple), summer (white clover, linden) or autumn (heather, betony) plants. The colour, taste and composition of honey varies depending on the plants from which it is collected. Many people like heather honey for its reddish brown colour, strong aroma, slightly bitter taste and richness in proteins and minerals. Dandelion honey is yellow, has a strong smell and a sharp taste. Willow honey is characterised by a light colour and very slow crystallisation. The quality and quantity of honey depends on the diversity of the plants on the farming area.

In addition to honey plants, the exhibition will also feature fragrant plants. Why do plants have fragrance? What are ethereal oils? How to use fragrant plants and ethereal oils in daily life? These are only a few of the questions that will be answered in the exhibition.

IMG_5832   IMG_5842

read more

15.05.2014 – 18.05.2014

Exhibition of saintpaulias and other Gesneriaceae

The genus of saintpaulias includes six species of perennial flowering plants growing in Eastern Africa.  They are commonly known as African violets but are not related to real violates at all. The family of Gesneriaceae comprises 2,900 species and 139 genera of plants, including trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, lianas and epiphytes. In addition to saintpaulias, the best-known representatives of this family include sinningia, codonanthe, magic flowers, lipstick plants, cape primroses, episcia, goldfish plants and chirita. The exhibition, created in cooperation with private collectors, features 200 varieties and species of Gesneriaceae. During weekends you can buy rare varieties and leaf cuttings of saintpaulias and other Gesneriaceae species, as well as suitable substrate and special fertilizers. Consultations on growing house plants are offered. On the opening day, a jury will select the most beautiful saintpaulia and Gesneriacea.

read more

Tulip Festival, May 11th

Tallinn Botanic Garden’s Tulip Festival traditionally opens on Mother’s Day, this year on May 11th!

Come and spend a fun day in the botanic garden with your mother, and enjoy the beautiful tulips and good music. You can participate in educational excursions and children are welcome to take part in a workshop where they can prepare marzipan treats. On the opening day of the festival you can enjoy a concert with Tanel Padar performing.

read more

Palms and Biblical plants April 17 – 20

This is an exhibition to celebrate Palm Sunday. According to various sources, the Bible mentions about 110-128 plant species. Figs, olive trees, vines, cedars, cypresses and several other plants are still well known. However, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life are meaningful symbols, the true prototypes of which are still under debate.

In Christianity, the feast of Palm Sunday commemorates the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem when worshippers welcomed him with palm branches. The Bible includes over 30 mentions of the date palm, an important source of food in the Holy Land. Several other palm species are on display in the exhibition alongside date palms. The variety and high number of palm species is quite surprising. The visitors of this exhibition will learn that there are 2,581 palm species of 184 genera in the world. Have you ever heard about walking palms, zombie palms or sex-changing palms? The family of palms includes giants with leaves growing up to 25 m in length as well as small plants with only 15 cm of height. Palms are an important source of food and income for the inhabitants of tropical regions.

read more

Orchid exhibition March 1 – March 9, 2014

Although the calendar still shows winter, the exotic orchids already wear their spring blossom.

Orchids have an exceptional position in the realm of plants. They hypnotize with their unearthly beauty, fascinate with cunning tricks, and you will be shackled by them forever. This way these flowers turn a routine day into an exciting adventure in a mysterious world of plants.

In the exhibition, orchids have cleverly fit themselves amidst greenhouse plants. The species originating from the nature and varieties created by human efforts are exposed side by side. The visitors can decide, if the creation of humans or nature is more successful.
In addition to the well-known moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), the exposition includes also a broad selection of other tropical orchids: Paphiopedilums, Vandas, Cymbidiums, Epidendrums, Dendrobiums, Masdevallias, Oncidiums and many more.

In the exhibition it is possible to see rare species from various places of the world.

read more

07th – 16th of February

‘Clever Pranksters’

We know that some people are smart and other less so, some are distinguished and others amusing. Perhaps surprisingly the same applies to the realm of plants, as it can feature truly unique and peculiar specimens. Some plants can be strikingly scary while others are breathtakingly beautiful. Some plants can leave you sneezing for hours if you get too close. You may be surprised by the smart adaptability of some plants to the conditions in water, air or on land. Plants have devised several clever methods and tools for catching their prey. They also use a variety of baits and tricks to attract pollinators.  Many of those fascinating pranksters are on display in this exhibition. Visitors can meet worm-eating philcoxia, heath spotted orchid, jackal food, dead man’s fingers and even a Montserrat pribby. Plus about one hundred other adorable eccentrics. 

read more

The Tallinn Botanical Garden invites you to visit also during the holidays

The Tallinn Botanical Garden is closed on 24 and 25 December. The opening hours on other days, including 31 December 2013 and 1 January 2014, are as usual. The Botanical Garden wishes you a joyous Christmas season!

read more

9th – 17th of November

Get warm with herbs

Herbs for Drinks and Seasoning

The preparation of the most known drinks of the world includes usually the usage of herbs. It is also hard to imagine the seasoning of dishes without using our „green friends“. The visitors get acquainted with the herbs from which rum, tarkhun, mate, Benedictine, claret wine, calvados and other beverages are made. What are pu-erh, oolong, rooibos, muira puama and ayahuasca? There is a possibility to get to know various love drinks, magical beverages, drinks that help to fall asleep and healing beverages. We exhibit also different seasoning herbs from all over the world and different usages of them. The exhibition is arranged in association with the limited company Meira Eesti OÜ and non profit organization MTÜ Complete World.

read more

5th – 13th of October

Bon Appetite from the nature!

Edible Things on the Earth’s Surface and beneath It

At the exhibition we present fabulous local and foreign fruits, bulbs, tubers and seeds, out of which many are suitable for preparing food or drink. We present the fruits of quite rare species as balsa tree, golden shower tree, barringtonia, mountain ebony, flamboyant, various palm trees and other exotic plants, we also introduce the methods how to use them. The new and old, local and foreign varieties of potato are on display, the excitement is added by tricky potato breeds. Beside potatoes there are exhibited apples, cereals, tomatoes, carrots, cabbages, onions, peas, beans and other species.

read more

Blooming Calendar