My Trip To Arboretum Mustila

     I would like to tell you about my trip to the arboretum where many varieties of hardy evergreen rhododendrons were bred. It is located in southern Finland, called "Arboretum Mustila" and can be compared to the forest park.  

High-speed train "Allegro" St. Petersburg - Helsinki brought me early in the morning and an hour later I was at the entrance to Mustila.

   By purchasing a ticket I found on the map a route for those who want to see the blooming rhododendrons. Its length was about 3 km, marked by the arrows along the trail.  

The arboretum is full of interesting plants, such as several species of fir trees, heathers, ornamental apple trees and berry bushes, lilies of the valley and forget-me-. And of course there are many kinds of rhododendrons, getting to know them was the purpose of my trip to Mustila.

1st picture: 'Cunningan's White' rhododendron, ornamental apple tree, yellow weigela.

2nd picture: yellow and pink azaleas, Petasites Japanese, Abies Balsamea,  Pseudotsuga.

 

As soon as I was surrounded by flowering rhododendrons I began to take pictures, look for the best shot, composition. Immediately I noticed lilies of the valley which grew in huge numbers among the rhododendrons.
   The first one 'Cunningan's White' variety was one of the "parents" of hybrid "Pohjola's Daughter" growing in my garden. Many evergreen shrubs have already faded blooming and now have started flowering deciduous rhododendrons.

They all grow "in nature" among heather, lily of the valley, forget-me-nots and granite boulders rise above it all.

    I've read it has been the great work since the arboretum foundation in 1902 and in its further development. Taking a walk among the plants, I constantly was seeing foresters and workers who care for the plantings. Numerous groups of children, pensioners, students and fans of plants passed along the paths accompanied by experienced guides.
   It should be noted that it is necessary to walk along the trail and you can sit, relax and eat in special places in the arboretum.There are glades with benches, umbrellas and tables; places for lectures, exchange of views and experiences.

 paths and glades

    Interestingly, the nature is not exposed any "processing": the grass is not mowed, "weeds" grow as the most beautiful flowers, plants are not pruned, above it all the butterflies, dragonflies, flies, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, bumblebees and many singing birds flit and fly.

   Small shop was near the exit, there were the seedlings of trees, ornamental shrubs, roses, rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants which have been grown in the arboretum for sale. Many visitors came out, carrying bags with purchased favorite plants.