Autumn in gardening is often called the second spring. It is a season when nature reveals its splendour in full – trees and shrubs take on vivid autumn colours, hydrangeas and ornamental grasses reach their peak of aesthetic appeal, and many plants show their true character in September. At the same time, autumn is one of the best times for new plantings, as warm soil and sufficient moisture promote successful rooting of plants.
That is precisely why the twentieth anniversary Autumn Plant Parade will take place on 19 September 2026 at the Sigulda Festival Square – one of the most significant events in the gardening industry in Latvia, organised by the Plant Growers' Association in cooperation with the Sigulda Municipality.
For more than two decades, Plant Parades have gathered Latvian plant growers, gardening professionals and garden owners from all over Latvia in one place. The main goal of the event is to popularise plants grown in Latvia, strengthen the local plant-growing industry and raise public awareness of the importance of quality planting material suitable for our climatic conditions.
Why is the Autumn Plant Parade worth visiting?
The Autumn Plant Parade is not just an opportunity to buy plants – it is a chance to see them at their most beautiful moment. Unlike in spring, when a large proportion of plants are only just waking up, in autumn it is possible to appreciate the colours of the foliage, the decorativeness of berries, the shades of conifers, the transformations of hydrangea inflorescences and the true splendour of other decorative plants. Many varieties become the main ornaments of the garden precisely in autumn, making it easier to choose plants that will bring joy for years to come.
Andrejs Vītoliņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Plant Growers' Association notes:
“The Autumn Plant Parade is a celebration for every garden lover. It is an opportunity to meet Latvian plant growers in one place, receive professional advice and choose plants that have already proven themselves in our climate. In autumn, plants reveal their true character – bright leaves, decorative berries and rich inflorescences allow you to see the beauty that cannot yet be appreciated in spring. That is exactly why autumn is the right time for both inspiration and thoughtful plant selection.”
Gardening experts emphasise that autumn is particularly suitable for planting trees, shrubs and perennials. The soil is still warm, but the air temperature becomes more moderate, so plants manage to develop a strong root system before winter and start growing with full vigour in the spring.
More than a plant market
The Autumn Plant Parade will feature a wide range of fruit trees, berry bushes, ornamental trees and shrubs, conifers, roses, hydrangeas, perennials, ornamental grasses, as well as rare plants grown in Latvia. At the event, you will also be able to purchase garden goods and tools, handicrafts and local produce, as well as receive individual consultations from the growers themselves on plant selection, maintenance and garden planning.
Latvian plant growers invest their work every year to offer plants that are suitable for our climate, hardy and long-lasting. The Autumn Plant Parade is an opportunity to meet the growers in person, get to know the latest varieties and receive professional advice directly from the people who grow the plants every day.
The Plant Parades organised by the Plant Growers' Association are the only industry events of this scale in Latvia where visitors can be sure that the plants on offer are grown in Latvia. This is monitored by the Ethics Committee established by the Association, which controls compliance with the definition “Grown in Latvia plant”. This quality principle has over the years become one of the main values of the Plant Parade and a testament to the professionalism of local plant growers.
A celebration for the whole family
Alongside the wide range of plants and garden goods, a festive atmosphere will prevail throughout the day at the Autumn Plant Parade. The Sigulda Municipality, as a long-standing partner of the event, will organise a cultural programme, complementing the event with musical performances and activities for the whole family. A detailed cultural programme will be announced closer to the event date.
Regardless of whether you are planning to add new plants to your garden, are looking for professional advice or simply want to spend a beautiful autumn day in Sigulda (we can whisper that the leaves on the trees are already turning colour)
The Autumn Plant Parade will be the place to meet Latvian plant growers, draw inspiration and choose high-quality plants grown in Latvia.