Dobele is known as the capital of lilacs. Each year, in late May, the 4-hectare garden comes alive with the colour and fragrance of over 200 lilac varieties and hybrids. Dobele Lilac Garden is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
The garden of the Institute of Horticulture and the Lilac Park are located on the outskirts of Dobele. The garden developed from the orchard of the horticulturist and breeder Pēteris Upītis. The Pēteris Upītis Horticulture Museum is part of the Institute of Horticulture. It invites visitors to discover the remarkable and multifaceted personality of P. Upītis (1896–1976), providing insights into the origins of professional horticulture in Dobele and its lasting legacy.
Today, the science garden of the Institute conducts modern breeding and agrotechnical research and maintains a gene pool of valuable fruit and ornamental plants developed by P. Upītis. Each spring, the garden of the Institute and the Lilac Park come to life, transforming into a sea of blossoms filled with captivating fragrance and inviting visitors to feel the magic of blooming fruit trees and lilacs. Guests are also welcome to visit the garden during the fruit and berry season when sweet cherries and plums ripen in the sun, and in autumn, during the apple and pear harvest.
Visiting the garden of the Institute of Horticulture and the Pēteris Upītis Horticulture Museum:
- Lilac season (guided group tours upon prior reservation)
DURING THE LILAC SEASON, THE GARDEN IS OPEN TO VISITORS FROM 9:00 TO 21:00.
Covering 4.5 hectares, the lilac collection showcases over 270 varieties, including those created by Pēteris Upītis and other breeders. This is the largest lilac collection in the Baltic States and one of the most extensive in Europe.
- Fruit and berry season after the summer solstice (guided group tours upon prior reservation).
Visitors are welcome to taste more than 300 varieties of sweet and sour cherries introduced from at least 12 different countries.
- Autumn / harvest season (guided group tours upon prior reservation)
The garden offers an abundance of apples and pears. Our pride is the Latvian apple gene pool, with over 1,000 varieties and hybrids.
- Tastings
Enjoy tastings of seasonal berries, fruits, and locally products made from them.
