110-year-old palm tree of UT Botanical Garden now in renovated greenhouse
On 2 March, the UT Botanical Garden opened its renovated palm house. The greenhouse that has been made more energy-efficient now offers better conditions for both plants and visitors.
The renovation of the palm house of the UT Botanical Garden started in summer 2014. 95% of the collection was moved out of the greenhouse for the period of renovation works. Larger plants with their roots deep in the soil were covered up for the period.
During the renovation, 2000 m2 and 21 tonnes of old glass panes were removed, 2000 metres of old piping and radiators were cut out and the supporting structures of the 22-metre-high building were cleaned and repainted. The palm house was covered in plastic panes and equipped with ventilation hatches at various levels. Also a new heating system was installed.
“The new greenhouse is more energy-efficient and the wind does not blow in any more,” said the Head of the Botanical Garden Jüri Sild. In the greenhouse, also most of the soil was renewed, the pool was cleaned and the plants were replanted in new pots or in the renewed soil.
The oldest inhabitant of the palm house – the 110-year-old Canary Island date palm – coped well with the renovation works.
The visitors can come to see the date palm and other exotic plants every day from 10 until 17.
The renovation works of the palm house were done by AS EVIKO and financed by the University of Tartu.
The greenhouse complex of the University of Tartu Botanical Garden together with ancillary premises was built in 1809 to a design by J. W. Krause. The palm house was built in 1984 to a design by Ingrid Mardi.
Additional information:
Jüri Sild
Head of UT Botanical Garden
tel: +372 5557 5462
juri.sild [ät] ut.ee