Arboretum

In the 1800s and early 1900s, all self-respecting manor house owners had their own arboretums. Niskala arboretum was the show park for Jakob Kavaleff, who was particularly fond of conifers and their special shapes. He imported seeds and saplings from abroad and experimented with them in his nursery and arboretum. The first trees were planted in 1905. Ownership of the arboretum transferred to the City of Helsinki in 1961.

During the last ten years the arboretum has been renewed by planting new species. There are now over 750 different plant species from different parts of the world. New trails and signs help visitors to get acquainted with the area.

On the grounds of the former Meilahti Manor, between the Johannesbergintie and Meilahdentie streets and in a valley between three rocky outcrops lies Meilahti Arboretum. Covering more than three hectares, this peaceful and lush park presents over 300 varieties of trees and shrubs. The arboretum was founded by the Park Unit of the Public Works Department in 1967 as an educational park for everyone interested in plants. Accordingly, the trees and shrubs are identified by nameplates.

Meilahti Arboretum also features a Rosarium presenting a collection of shrub roses.

The arboretum in Viikki was founded in 1969 mainly for research and educational purposes. Today it is a part of City of Helsinki recreational areas. There are about 250 varieties of trees and shrubs from Finland but also from other parts of the world, mainly the northern hemisphere. The area is approx. 20 hectares.

Rhododendron Park in Haaga is a true gem that deserves to be seen by all visitors to Helsinki when the plants are in bloom. The grounds serve as both a public park and a university research garden. The park has two parts: the evergreen rhododendrons grow in the southern section, while the seasonal park azaleas grow on the other side of the power lines in the northern section. The peak blooming season for both the rhododendrons and the azaleas is early June. The azaleas bloom first and sometimes longer than the rhododendrons, even after midsummer. The splendour of the flowers varies with each year; generally a good year is followed by a more modest one. Pine trees create a canopy for the flowering plants. Thousands of Helsinki residents and gardening enthusiasts visit the park each year to witness the spectacle.