As part of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project INTERACTIVE GARDENS, the development and landscaping of the thematic interactive garden “Sēlija Blooms” (Sēlija zaļo) has been completed in Viesīte, Jēkabpils Region (at 8 and 10 Kaļķu Street). The project aims to enhance the park area with educational and interactive garden elements, encouraging community engagement, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable recreation.
Five thematic planting zones
The park features five distinct planting zones that complement one another and showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the region:
- “Scented Selonia” (Sēlija smaržo): A zone of ornamental shrubs and perennials featuring aromatic mock-oranges (Philadelphus), double-flowered lilacs (‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’, ‘Charles Joly’), cinnamon roses, as well as peonies, phlox, Michaelmas daisies, and cosmos.
- “Tastes of Selonia” (Sēlija garšo): An educational and aromatic herb maze planted with Faassen’s catmint, lavender, lemon mint, chives, yarrow, calendula, and marigolds.
- “Heritage of Selonia” (Sēlija manto): A zone dedicated to gardening traditions, featuring various grapevine cultivars (‘Zilga’, ‘Supaga’, ‘Sukribe’, ‘Dvietes zilā’) trained along three wooden pergolas and trellises.
- “Selonia savor & Journey” (Sēlija garšo un ceļo): A diverse orchard with sweet cherries, peaches, apricots, rowanberry, Cornelian cherry, witch hazel, and sweet chestnut, complemented by blooming magnolias.
- “Selonia journey & Scent” (Sēlija ceļo un smaržo): A nook of locally adapted berry bushes planted with redcurrants, whitecurrants, gooseberries, and blackcurrants.
Amenities, educational infrastructure and environment
The park is equipped with comfortable, sustainable infrastructure for visitors:
- Walking paths and rest areas: A network of woodchip paths has been built through the mazes, alongside crushed gravel pathways in the relaxation areas, which are furnished with wooden benches, waste bins, and lectern-style information stands for self-guided learning.
- Solar lighting: More than 40 solar-powered lighting units have been installed along the paths and within the greenery, ensuring a cozy and safe environment during dusk and nighttime hours.
- Environmental protection during construction: Strict tree protection standards were followed throughout the landscaping process, including protective wooden casing around trunks, gentle root trenching, and soil conditioning, preserving the vitality of the park’s mature trees.
We warmly invite residents of Jēkabpils Region and guests to visit the “Sēlija Blooms” garden in Viesīte to wander through the herb maze, discover the natural diversity of Selonia, and enjoy this beautifully restored environment!
This garden was developed as part of the project No. C036 "Integrated system for interactive public garden development in Baltic Sea Region" ("Interactive Gardens"), implemented with the support of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027. The total project funding is EUR 2,790,120 (including ERDF co-financing of EUR 2,232,096). More about the project: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/interactive-gardens/
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Zemgale Planning Region and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.