The Garden and the Museum of Pēteris Upītis

Did you know that Dobele is dubbed the Metropolis of Lilacs? In late May, more than 200 species and hybrids of fragrant lilacs burst into bloom in the lilac garden exceeding 4 hectares.

When the plant breeder Pēteris Upītis started a garden in the outskirts of sunny Dobele in 1957, he dreamed of turning the whole of Latvia into a blooming garden. His efforts are now successfully continued by the scientists of the Horticulture Institute. The garden of 45 hectares contains more than 5,000 species and hybrids of fruit plant crops. Tasting and gathering sweet cherries in early July as well as the Apple Festival in early October are genuinely mouth-watering events. However, the garden is available for tours all-year-around.

The founder of the Lilac Garden is Peteris Upitis, a selectionist (1896 – 1976), therefore the garden is often called the Upitis’ Garden. P. Upītis’ Memorial Museum provides an insight into his work and personality.

April 15 – October 15