Outdoor collections

The majority of outdoor collections were designed by landscape architect Aleksander Niine (1910-1975). The largest area is covered by an arboretum, designed on a systematic (relatedness) principle, with gymnosperms growing in the eastern parts, while angiosperms are planted in the central, southern and western parts of the area. The families of angiosperms (flowering plants) were arranged according to Aleksander Grossheim, while the angiosperms (conifers) were arranged according to the evolutionary system of Adolf Engler. Planting of the arboretum began in 1963, but the largest number of plants was planted between 1965 and 1972.

The rock garden, too, was designed using a systematic principle. Originally, between 1970 and 1973, it was based on the system of A. Grossheim, but during reconstruction work between 1986 and 1989 A. Engler’s system was used.

The rest of the outdoor collections were designed on plant breeding and historical and/or landscape gardening principles. The rosary was planted in 1964; the collection of astilbes and irises in 1968; the collection of phloxes in 1969; and the collection of tall perennials and lilies in 1973. In 1996, the exposition of grasses was founded; and in 2000, the collection of useful plants was started. Between 2002 and 2005, the hemerocallis collection and the shade-loving bulbous and bulbotuber plants, crocuses, narcissi and lilies were planted in new exposition areas.

Over the last few years, summer flowers have only been displayed around the Palm House. Plants in the species collections have been chosen from areas with climates similar to Estonia in order to cover as many families and genera as possible. Species that are rare, protected or endangered in their natural habitat are preferred in forming these collections.
The purpose of variety collections is to preserve plants from different breeding periods and variety groups, especially old and/or local varieties.