A new exhibition, “Estonia’s Own Bulb Flowers – Heralds of Spring in the Garden,” is now open at the University of Tartu Botanical Garden. The display of springtime and locally bred bulb flowers will remain open until 7 June.
With this exhibition, the Botanical Garden continues its tradition of showcasing the diversity of its plant collections.
Set up in the garden’s classroom, the display introduces visitors to spring‑flowering bulb plants that have been bred in Estonia or discovered in local nature and gardens. Guests can also explore 40 varieties growing outdoors in the garden’s collections — their locations are marked in the exhibition brochure. As the season progresses, different species bloom at different times; for example, snowdrops and crocuses have already flowered.
In botanical terms, a “bulbous plant” is one that stores nutrients in a bulb. In horticulture, however, the term is used more broadly to include plants with bulbs, tubers, root tubers, and rhizomes.
Most bulb flowers bloom in April, May, and June, though some species flower in summer or autumn. Their blooming period depends largely on weather conditions — especially air temperature — and in spring may vary by as much as 20 days.
The exhibition is part of the national programme “Collection, Preservation and Use of Genetic Resources of Agricultural Crops.” The programme aims to collect, preserve, study, use, and share knowledge about the genetic resources of Estonian agricultural and horticultural crops as both natural and cultural heritage.
The plants featured in the exhibition — along with their descriptions, records, lists, and photographs — have been compiled by the staff of the University of Tartu Botanical Garden between 2002 and 2026.
A ticket is required to visit the indoor exhibition in the classroom; the outdoor display is free of charge.
Exhibition team:
Compiler: Olesja Escuer
Designer: Margot Sakson
Language editor: Sigrid Ots