One might think that “Babītes Ruksis” is a new wild boar living at Līgatne Nature Trails, but this time the story is about rhododendrons. “Babītes Ruksis”, “Valdis”, “Emīls” and “Babītes Inga” are just a few of the rhododendron varieties that travelled from the University of Latvia (LU) Rhododendron Breeding and Trial Nursery “Babīte” in 2021 and 2022 and have now taken root at Līgatne Nature Trails. At present, some of the bushes have already blossomed in various colours, meaning that visitors can now combine wildlife watching at Līgatne Nature Trails with aesthetic enjoyment.

“In previous springs, the few flowering rhododendron bushes planted at Līgatne Nature Trails several years ago brought great joy to visitors. The idea gradually arose to expand our range of rhododendrons, and we owe a great debt of gratitude to the LU Rhododendron Breeding and Trial Nursery “Babīte”, which helped us realise our intention,” says Inta Lange, head of Līgatne Nature Trails.

Together with staff from the “Babīte” nursery, a suitable spot for the rhododendrons was found at Līgatne Nature Trails, and in 2021, a gift from “Babīte” arrived in Līgatne – more than 30 rhododendron bushes, which were planted according to the nursery staff's recommendations. The care of “Babītes Ruksis” and the other rhododendrons has been taken on by the Līgatne Nature Trails staff, for whom this is a new challenge. Until now, they have been used to caring for animals, understanding and providing for their needs, but now they must also understand the needs of their new residents – the rhododendrons – by providing the correct soil, regular watering and other details important to the plants' wellbeing.