The new watering system is being actively installed in the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia

Boris and Ināras Teterevs’ Foundation made an exclusive donation to the UL Botanical Garden in honor of its 100th birthday – the installation of new irrigation system, which is a crucial element for maintaining the beautiful park. So now in the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia extensive work in insertion of the automatic watering system for the plant collection is in full swing. The new system will allow for the efficient maintenance and preservation of the wide variety of plant life across the whole garden area.

Since 2013 the Boris and Ināras Teterevs’ Foundation has provided funding worth 1.545 million euros for the restoration and creation of various plantings and expositions, the purchase of equipment, the improvement of infrastructure, as well as the improvement of public space for the 100th anniversary of the UL Botanical Garden to turn into a true celebration in a modernized environment. And the final point of the cycle of environmental cleanup projects held in honor of the garden's centennial is the installation of the irrigation system.

Up to this point, the water pipes’ insufficient branching and low pressure in them made it impossible to thoroughly irrigate every required area of the garden, risking the full maintenance of the gathered plant collection and the particularly constructed lawns. It is anticipated that the new watering system will enable the provision of a water regime that satisfies the individual needs of the plants rationally and in an abundant amount, regardless of the total load of the water pipes. It will also lessen the amount of UL Botanical Garden employees’ labor.

"In order to allow visitors of the UL Botanical Garden to take full advantage of the beauty of the garden, the autonomous watering system installation is being done without visitants’ disturbance. Most of the garden's pipes are laid utilizing the unique, no-dig trenchless approach. By using this pipe-laying technology, it also helps shielding the plant collection from technological intrusion," says Uldis Kondratovičs, director of the UL Botanical Garden.

The construction of the plant watering system at the University of Latvia's Botanical Garden is taking place in 2022. To build the ample irrigation system on 14 hectares, 2.2 kilometers of pipes will be required. The main water pipe network and irrigation feeder network are being built to effectively implement two types of watering - the capillary plant watering system and the watering system with sprayers. Watering elements and automation are also being installed, which will allow for the independent watering of 77 plant groups across garden’s five zones.

Botanical gardens in other countries, including the University of Bologna, the University of British Columbia and parks in Chicago and Tallinn, have already successfully implemented similar watering systems.

The University of Latvia Foundation is co-funding the development of the plant watering system, and the project is managed by the University of Latvia Foundation.

About UL Foundation

Since 2004, the University of Latvia Foundation has allowed patrons and cooperation partners to support both the University of Latvia and other leading Latvian universities, thereby investing in Latvia's future. The LU Foundation's priorities are to support the best students and researchers, to promote the creation of a modern learning environment, and to construct and reconstruct university buildings.