Botanic Gardens of Finland

Helsinki University Botanic garden is the oldest scientific plant collection in Finland. The Garden was founded in 1678 in Turku and moved to Helsinki in 1829. Currently its work concentrates on research and teaching in plant systematics, but many other fields utilize the collections as well. In recent years the ex-situ conservation of plant species has become an important part of the Gardens activities. The Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden in the heart of Helsinki is open for visitors year-round and the new garden in Kumpula (three kilometers N from the city centre) is open during the growing season.

Botania at Joensuu is the only Tropical Butterfly Garden in Finland. Its main task is to support the education and research of biology and forestry, but it is also a wonderful experience for the general public. In co-operation with the city of Joensuu we also have a 73-hectare Arboretum.

Jyväskylä University Botanic Garden comprises the plantings around the University buildings: four different park areas, which reflect the design and plant selection typical of the time of construction. The plants are grouped according to growth requirements and usage.

The School Park of Pietarsaari with its circa 1,000 plant species, is renowned both as one of the northernmost botanic gardens in the world and for its classical garden architecture.

The Botanical Gardens of the University of Oulu (incl. Botanical Museum) are one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. Research work in the gardens concentrates on conservation biology, landscaping, and applied biotechnology. The gardens also support university research especially in the fields of plant ecology, genetics, and molecular biology.

Rauma garden (in Finnish) was founded in 1898 and serves teaching in natural history. Here students of the College learn species identification and horticulture. The garden also serves as base for Satakunta Environment School, which is part of the University of Turku.

The Botanic Garden of the University of Turku (in Finnish) is located in the hemiboreal vegetation zone or the “oak zone”, which is restricted to the southern fringe of Finland. The new collection and research glasshouses, offices, café, and lecture room were completed in 1998.

Arboretum Mustila is a 120-hectare trial park of exotic plant species founded in 1902.