The LU Botanical Garden's deputy director highlights how winter provides a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of the garden, despite the cold weather affecting staff operations.
In an interview, Kristaps Kunrads, the deputy director of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden, discussed the unique attributes that winter brings to the botanical garden. Winter is an ideal time to study tree trunks that are typically obscured by foliage during the summer months. Kunrads encourages visitors to observe seeds and buds that can be clearly seen this time of year, such as the fuzzy buds of magnolias, which are usually hidden under leaves in warmer months. He emphasizes that there is much to discover during this cold season that often goes unnoticed when the garden is in full bloom.
Despite the benefits that winter brings to observing plant life, Kunrads notes that the cold poses challenges for those working at the Botanical Garden. Outdoor work sessions must be punctuated with breaks for warmth, creating a somewhat uncomfortable work environment. However, in a positive note, he mentions that the plants are now enjoying a well-deserved rest during this colder period, free from the weekly disturbances of warmth that might otherwise stress them. This allows the flora to recuperate in a way that recalls natural winter cycles.
Furthermore, the Botanical Garden remains a recreational site during the winter, with options for winter sports like skiing and sledding. The continuous color brought by azaleas, as they bloom in the spring, highlights the garden’s seasonal beauty, ensuring that visitors always have something to admire, regardless of the weather. Overall, Kunrads’ insights reveal both the beauty of winter in botanical exploration and the unique challenges faced by staff during this season.
