On 23 May 2013, the University of Latvia and the philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev agreed to collaborate in the renovation of the LU Botanical Garden in preparation for its centenary.
By the time of this important anniversary in 2022, it is planned that the infrastructure of the grounds will be improved so that it meets modern requirements and the garden is an attractive place where the general public can come to relax, satisfy its thirst for knowledge and spend its free time engaging in research and education, as well as enjoying exhibitions and concerts and other cultural events.
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 7,000 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.
During 2015, renovation works will continue 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 is continuing with the renovation of another section 510 metres long.
The LU Botanical Garden, which is already 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 difference 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.