Work continues on creating interactive gardens across the Baltic Sea region

14 April 2025

International cooperation in the development of interactive gardens continues – on April 7, 2025 partners of the “Interactive Gardens” project met at the European Union House in Riga, where a lively discussion took place about achievements so far and future challenges – both in creating modern interactive gardens, developing modern digital solutions, and seeking the best ways for visitor engagement.

The project name “Interactive Gardens” reflects its main focus – creating gardens that not only please the eye but also actively engage visitors and provide an opportunity for feedback. Several important steps towards achieving this goal were discussed at the meeting in Riga. A unified visitor survey questionnaire is planned as one of the essential elements, which will help evaluate both the functionality of the new gardens and the visitor experience. In the near future, in cooperation with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, which is responsible for methodology and data analysis in the project, the timing and methods of surveying in each of the project’s participating gardens will be specified, with data collection planned to start already in this 2025 season. Meeting participants also had the exclusive opportunity to be the first to get acquainted with another innovative project result – the virtual reality (VR) tool being developed by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Although it is still in the development process, its demonstration provided insight into its potential. Unlike virtual tours, this tool will allow users to create and experience their own dream garden – choosing landscapes, seasons, planting plants, and observing their development, while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere with nature sounds.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the progress of project activities in each partner country. Zemgale Planning Region is continuing preparatory work for the creation of interactive garden elements in several locations in Zemgale. Several objects are currently in the planning and design stage: Jēkabpils County Municipality is preparing for the development of the technical project for the thematic garden “Sēlija zaļo”, and Jelgava County Municipality is starting preparatory work for the design of the interactive garden in Kroņvircava Manor park. In the same time, in Aizkraukle County (in Aizkraukle town and Jaunjelgava town), Zemgale Planning Region plans to ensure the installation of plantings and the procurement and installation of specific equipment, such as outdoor drums and solar charging stations. Also in Bauska, in Karpa Garden, specific landscaping and planting works are planned to supplement the existing green structure, replace storm-damaged trees, and create informative plaques for the new plantings, making the garden an educational and ecologically valuable public space.

Other project partners also shared their completed and planned activities. For example, the Institute of Horticulture in Dobele County is working on creating new information stands and testing various visitor feedback methods, including QR codes and voting with natural materials. Partners in Finland are preparing to implement several pilot activities in the summer, involving various community groups, such as seniors and people with special needs. Meanwhile, partners in Lithuania are carrying out garden improvement works and organizing procurements for infrastructure upgrades.

Partners also discussed other project implementation directions that will benefit the wider community. Future work on improving websites was discussed to ensure easier access to information about the participating gardens and planned events, including interactive maps. Also discussed were upcoming public masterclasses in horticulture in Latvia and specific knowledge transfer events that will help build the capacity of municipal specialists and non-governmental organizations. A significant future event planned within the project is also an international conference in Zemgale at the end of September this year, which will be organized by Zemgale Planning Region as the project’s lead partner.

Project no. #C036 “Integrated System for Interactive Public Garden Development in Baltic Sea Region” or “Interactive gardens” is implemented in the Baltic Sea Region Program 2021-2027. The total financing of the project is 2,790,120 (including ERDF co-financing of 2,232,096 euros).