News
Off to enjoy the beauty of gardens in the vicinity of Tukums!
No one knows exactly when or how the saying “Uz Tukumu pēc smukuma!” (Discover the beauty in Tukums!) originated, but it has been known throughout Latvia for more than 100 years now. What makes Tukums and its vicinity so enjoyable? The sense of serenity and safety of a small town. The castles and palaces of the area, each prettier than the next. Beauty is manifested in nature — in river valleys and lakes, on sandy beaches, cultivated fields, forests and even in bogs. Beauty is found in the creativity of local residents and in the gardens they have created. There are many such places in the vicinity of Tukums – rose gardens, peony gardens, iris gardens and decorative gardens. The most industrious gardeners not only open the gates to their gardens but also organise such events as open days, garden parties and master classes.
Autumn has now arrived and the flowers and ornamental shrubs have gone into hibernation, but the historic gardens invite you to take slow walks and observe the landscapes, spend time with walking friends or family members, and catch the rays of autumn sunlight between the half-naked leaves of the trees!
OCTOBER - TIME FOR WALKING IN THE HISTORIC GARDENS
Durbe manor Park in Tukums
Durbe Manor Park was established during the time from 1918 until 1838, when the Count Medem reconstructed the Durbe Manor and improved its surroundings. The park was designed according to the models of English landscape parks, with large massifs of trees alternating with small groups of trees and solitary trees, which, together with small ponds, uneven terrain and a winding network of paths along wide lawns with the castle as the main compositional element, created a unique landscape. The park was arranged according to an example of an English scenic park. Trees for the park were brought from Siberia and Germany. In autumn, the leaves in the park turn different colors and its paths are suitable for leisurely walks.
Address: M. Parka St. 7, Tukums
Opening hours: every day during daylight
Admission: free entrance to the park, admission to the Durbe Manor-House Museum - with a museum ticket
More information: (+371) 26305946, durbespils@tukumamuzejs.lv, www.tukumamuzejs.lv/durbes-pils
Tukums Town Park
The Town Park was arranged in year 1869 alongside the Lielā Street upon suggestion of the Courland Governor. Initially, there were only a few walkways, however by the end of the 19th century, an open-air stage and a dance ground was arranged, however at the beginning of the 20th century, a small-sized wood-carved restaurant was built there.
For a long time, the park had been forgotten, but in the summer of 2016, it was restored, and now visitors have access to one of the oldest parts of the park, where extensive playgrounds have been set up for children of various ages, along with walking trails and benches. It is planned to completely restore the old section of the park and make improvements to it for nature lovers; a new part of the park will be arranged for the more sporty visitors to the park.
Address: Lielā St. 36, Tukums
Opening hours: every day during daylight
Admission: free entrance to the park
Jaunmokas Palace Park
The first records about Jaunmokas date back to the mid-16th century, but more rapid development of the manor took place later on. The park was set up in mid-19th century. Soon afterwards, the manor estate was bought by George Armitsted (1847–1912), who at that time was still a town councillor, but later became the most noteworthy Riga City mayor and, in 1901, according to the design by Wilhelm Bockslaff (1858–1945) built the currently standing Jaunmokas Palace. Even though it appears that the park is only of secondary importance, nevertheless, its serene ambience and shade offered during the sweltering heat of the summer has always been an important part of the palace estate.
Even though there is not a lot of written or photographic evidence about the park, it appears that the oak-trees and ash-trees witnessed how our reddish brown palace was built, while some of the apple trees and sweet cherries, which still bloom and yield harvest today, gave fruit to palace residents already back in the first half of the 20th century. Likewise, bright yellow wild tulips still adorn the lawns in the springtime. A particular source of pride of the park is the centenarian lime tree alleys, which in mid-July are buzzing and on sunny days exude a mind-blowing scent.
Today, the palace is surrounded by lush rose bushes, vines, while apple trees, pear trees, plum trees, cherries and berry bushes ripen their fruits, bunches and clusters of herbal plants radiate aromas, while rhododendrons in the springtime prepare their brightly coloured blossoms. But these plantations are currently going into hibernation.
Address: Jaunmokas Palace, Jaunmokas, Tume parish, Tukums region
Opening hours: every day during daylight
Admission: free entrance to the park, admission to the Jaunmokas Museum - with a museum ticket
More information: (+371) 26187442, 63107125, info@jaunmokupils.lv, www.jaunmokupils.lv
Jaunpils Park
The Park was created during the rule of von der Recks. There are several secular trees in its territory. Legends say that the master had requested the gardener to plant the trees in such manner that when the trees blossom, the coat of arms of the Reck dynasty would be portrayed there. At the end of the 19th century, the pathways in the park were covered with gravel. There are several interesting points of interest in the park – a stone bridge, where there is an engraving giving a year and a monogram G. A. v. d. R. – 1905. A romantic pathway along the river takes you to the Love Rock – it once used to be a popular place for the inhabitants of Jaunpils to meet up. Here too, visitors are encouraged to take their time in the fall, but if they are tired or cold, they are invited to visit the museum or tavern at Jaunpils Castle.
Address: Jaunpils, Jaunpils parish, Tukums region
Opening hours: every day during daylight
Admission: free entrance to the park, admission to the Jaunpils Castle Museum - with a museum ticket
More information: (+371) 26101458, info@jaunpilspils.lv, www.jaunpilspils.lv
PAST EVENTS
07/06/2025 | Gardening master class in the healing garden by the sea
On Saturday night, in Engure, gardening enthusiasts will have a chance to learn valuable knowledge from the experienced agriculturist Jūlija Vilcāne. Practical workshops will cover the topics of planting, sowing, setting up beds and garden maintenance in June. A friendly environment, discussions and the opportunity to ask questions without feeling embarrassed.
Venue: Jūras St. 67, Engure, Engure parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3113
Time of event: 07/06/2025, at 11:00.
Participation fee: EUR 15.
Organizer: society “Labi dzīvot Plieņciemā”
More information: (+371) 28639843
https://www.facebook.com/events/3954429608154075
07/06/2025 | Meeting in the peony garden “Romju pojenes” with Michele Moore from New Zealand
On Saturday, peony enthusiast Michele Moore from New Zealand will visit the peony garden “Romju pojenes”. Her presentation will reveal the latest trends from peony gardens in New Zealand and China. It will be a magnificent journey filled with stories, images and enthusiasm for flowers.
Venue: "Romji", Irlava parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3137
Time of event: 07/06/2025, at 13:00.
Admission: free.
More information: (+371) 26615557
10/06 – 26/06/2025 | Peony garden “Zīļu peonijas” open to visitors
Summer has begun, and peonies are starting to open their buds to delight their audience with their colours and scents. The peony garden “Zīļu peonijas” awaits visitors from 10 June until 26 June. Open daily from 9:00 until 18:00. Why does this garden stand out? It includes more than 1,000 varieties of peonies in a wide range of colours and shades.
Address: "Zīles", Slampe parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3119. If using Waze, enter the search destination “Zīļu peonijas”
Time of event: 10/06–26/06/2025, at 9:00–18:00
Admission: EUR 5
More information: (+371) 29211982
15/06/2027 | Peony Garden Party “Romju pojenes”
The peony garden “Romju pojenes” invites you to the garden party on 15 June. The programme includes talks about peonies and creative workshops. Programme of the day:
12:00 Discussion about peonies with three peony garden owners from the Tukums area – Inta Doniņa, Inese Karule and Laila Leja
14:00 Creative workshop “My dream peony”
16:00 Creative personality Guna Misāne will take you on a tour in the world of poetry
16:30 Walk among the peonies to the accompaniment by saxophone music of Uldis Folkbergs
18:00 Concert in the peony garden | The singing Apiņi family will contribute to the ambience of the peony party.
The event will be complemented by Irlava Confectionery, which, in co-operation with @austrumduums, will offer delicious cakes and pulled meat burgers. Also present will be the “Kaspari” farm with its aromatic wines and ciders. There will be a market featuring craftsmen and home producers.
Venue: "Romji", Irlava parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3137
Time of event: 15/06/2025 at 12:00–19:00
Admission: donations
More information: (+371) 26615557, https://www.facebook.com/events/1670906457645434
21/06/2027 | Sunset Garden Festival at “Ķesterciema peonijas”
Peonies have also bloomed in the coastal peony garden “Ķesterciems Peonies” (“Ķesterciema peonijas”). On Saturday, June 21, the Sunset Garden Festival will be celebrated here. The festival program includes a picnic in the garden - we will enjoy delicious food (take with picnic baskets, blankets), warm conversations and a leisurely evening, large-scale games - fun for both adults and children, an exhibition of paintings, the sounds of the accordion and a Sunset concert.
Venue: Gatves St. 1, Ķesterciems, Engure parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3119
Time of event: 21/06/2025 at 17:00–23:00
Admission: donations (in order for the garden to continue to bloom and the festival to become a tradition, the recommended donation for its development is 10 EUR)
More information: (+371) 28805876
22/06/2025 | A workshop of making wreaths and garlands in the Seaside Healing Garden
Garden and floristry enthusiasts are invited to attend a master class on “Wreath and garland making” on the eve of the summer solstice. This will be the fourth session of the Seaside Healing Garden workshop series. At the master class, we will have a chance meet and get to know the flower and plant master Ilze Beire from Jelgava, who will teach us how to make wreaths in various styles, as well as garland decorations for our gardens.
Sign up for the workshop at: https://ej.uz/PiejurasDarzs4nodarbiba
Venue: Jūras St. 67, Engure, Engure parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3113
Time of event: 21/06/2025 at 11:00–15:00
Participation fee: EUR 15
Organizer: society “Labi dzīvot Plieņciemā”
More information: (+371) 28639843, https://www.facebook.com/events/1424804585320901
10/06 – 26/06/2025 | Peony garden “Zīļu peonijas” is open to visitors
Summer has begun, and peonies are starting to open their buds to delight their audience with their colours and scents. The peony garden “Zīļu peonijas” awaits visitors from 10 June until 26 June. Open daily from 9:00 until 18:00. Why does this garden stand out? It includes more than 1,000 varieties of peonies in a wide range of colours and shades.
Address: "Zīles", Slampe parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3119. If using Waze, enter the search destination “Zīļu peonijas”
Time of event: 10/06–26/06/2025, at 9:00–18:00
Admission: EUR 5
More information: (+371) 29211982
17/06 – 23/06/2025 | Open Doors Days at the Iris Garden near Kandava
From June 16, the collector and breeder Laimonis Zaķis' Iris Garden will once again be open! Laimonis Zaķis has been breeding irises for more than 30 years. The number of bulbous flowers he has created - irises, gladioli, etc. - already exceeds several hundred varieties. The garden owner will wait until June 23 for a tour of the garden, as well as consultations on growing irises. After that, it is recommended to contact the garden owner.
Address: “Intes”, Kandava parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3120
Time of event: 17/06–23/06/2025
Admission: by donation
More information: (+371) 29286353, laimzak@inbox.lv, www.irisgarden.lv
01/07/2025 | Creative workshop for women “Create your own garden decoration from sea bounties”
At the seaside healing garden workshop on 1 July, each participant will be creating their own unique garden decoration using materials found on the shore, such as polished sea glass, seashells, wood, and other materials. The session will be led by florist and artist Ilze Beire from the Jelgava area. This will be another workshop from a series of sessions aimed at bringing to life the future “Seaside Healing Garden” in Engure, where everyone can introspect, explore the nature, and each other.
Sign up to the session here: https://forms.gle/ephzw4EnXC1oEbLv7
Venue: Jūras St. 67, Engure, Engure parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3113
Time of event: 01/07/2025 at 17:00–20:00
Participation fee: EUR 15
Organizer: society “Labi dzīvot Plieņciemā”
More information: (+371) 28639843, https://www.facebook.com/events/1861762771249010
05-06/07/2025 | Historical Gardens and Park Days “Under the Blooming Lindens” at Jaunmoku Palace
This July, Jaunmoku Palace invites you to the Historical Gardens and Park Days – a two-day event where the aesthetics of nature intertwine with the presence of history. The event is organized throughout Latvia by the Latvian Castle and Manor Association, encouraging the public to appreciate the importance of historical gardens and parks, promote their sustainable use and encourage local tourism.
Program on July 5 | English Tea Afternoon
The tradition of English tea at Jaunmoku Palace is associated with its first owner – the prominent mayor of Riga, George Armitstead, who was a businessman of English origin. It was his era-specific lifestyle, elegance and British manners that became the inspiration for this tea-drinking experience. During the program, guests will take part in a tour, learn more about the Armitstead family, the history of Jaunmoku Palace, and then, under the linden trees, enjoy a classic afternoon tea. Starts at 16:00. Participation fee – 25 EUR. Limited number of places.
Program on July 6th | Walk under white umbrellas
A leisurely tour of the Jaunmoku Palace park and complex led by the palace lady. During the walk, you will be told about the history of the castle and park, architecture, landscaping, historical trees and the park as a living heritage. Starts at 12:00 and 16:00. Participation fee – 8 EUR for adults, 5 EUR for children.
Venue: Jaunmoku Palace, Jaunmokas, Tume parish, Tukums region LV-3139
Time of event: 05/07/2025 at 16:00 and 06/07/2025 at 12:00 and 16:00
Participation fee: 05.07.2025 – 25 EUR, tickets available here and 06.07.2025 – 5 – 8 EUR, tickets available here
Organizer: Jaunmoku Palace
More information: (+371) 26187442, www.jaunmokupils.lv
05-06/07/2025 | Durbe Manor Historical Park and Garden Days
On July 5 and 6, Durbe Manor invites you to the Historical Park and Garden Days, which will be events for both the local Durbe Manor surrounding community and all interested parties. This will be an opportunity to explore the unique Durbe Manor park, its history, rare plantings and experience the process of creating art in person. Admission to the events is free.
Program on July 5 | Durbe microdistrict community meeting
Residents of the Durbe micro district are especially welcome manor’s house’s employees will present the work already done and future plans for the development of the manor complex. A tour of the manor's Servants' House will be available, where a new exhibition about the life of the castle's servants is planned, and saxophonist Uldis Folkbergs will play the tunes of the future family room. Meeting at 12:00 in the castle courtyard.
Program on July 6 | Exploring the Durbe manor Landscape Park
A day when a special walking route will be created with informative materials about the historical park, rare trees and large trees, architectural and decorative objects. There will be an opportunity to watch how the “Anda Abstract” artist creates a contemporary painting and only on this day – an express exhibition of abstract paintings. Event time 12:00-15:00 .
Venue: Durbe Manor and Park, M. Parka St. 7, Tukums, Tukums region LV-3101
Time of event: 05/07/2025 at 12:00 and 06/07/2025 at 12:00-15:00
Participation fee: free entrance to the event. Visiting the exhibitions and expositions of Durbe Manor House – with a museum ticket: adults – 5 EUR, schoolchildren and students – 3 EUR, pensioners and persons with disabilities – 2 EUR, family tickets – 7 and 9 EUR.
Organizer: Tukums Museum, Durbe Manor
More information: (+371) 25424990, www.tukumamuzejs.lv/durbes-pils
17–20/07/2025 | Rose Festival in Tukums
This year, we are celebrating the Rose Festival in Tukums again! The Festival is among the more unusual festivities in Latvia, celebrating the rose flower, gardens and the work of florists. The symbol of the festival is a large rose wreath. Everyone can take part in creating it by arriving with rose flowers to be put in the wreath. The most beautiful wreaths have been made in recent years: In 2018, to celebrate Latvia’s 100th anniversary, the wreath was decorated with roses in the colours of the Latvian flag, and in 2021, the wreath sparkled like a large amber brooch, as it was made of yellow rose blossoms of every shade. The wreath that was created in 2023 was vibrant pink and also the largest ever created during the town festival, with 10,143 rose flowers.
We invite you to get ready for the festivities and meet up already in the evening of Thursday, 17 July, when a fantastic concert — “Nature’s Symphony” with the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra will be held in the courtyard of Durbe Manor. The day’s events also include the opening of the craft exhibition “Let it bloom...” and the unveiling of the Rose Festival walking route.
On Friday, 18th July, we will start the festival with a unique floral exhibition “Rose Light Garden” and a night concert at the Tukums Ev. Lutheran Church. For sports fans, the symbolic “Rose Bowl” basketball tournament will be held at Porziņģis Square. The grand opening of the festival with a concert and ball is planned at Pauzers Meadows.
Saturday, 19th July, will be a day dedicated to enjoying the town and the roses. As usual, an Arts, Crafts and Plant Fair will be held, and the big rose wreath — the symbol of the festival — will be built. The Town Park will be reserved for children and young people, while the “Rose Picnic” will once again be hosted at Pauzers Meadows, with the large festival stage and concerts until late into the night.
On 20th July — the Rose Festival Sunday, as usual, no loud events will be held in town. It will be a day to enjoy and capture sensations, to visit the floral installation in the town — the big wreath in the town centre and the exhibition in the Lutheran Church, to walk the festive route and see the exhibition specially created by the artisans. And for those who travel by car or bicycle, we invite you to the Jaunmoku Palace garden party to continue enjoying the beauty of nature and man-made creations alike.
The festival programme is still under construction, but please save the dates and check the latest news here on the website section "Kolekcijas" (Collections) or on the Festival Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss anything.
If you want to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take part in the creation of the largest rose wreath in the world, we invite you to visit us at the Rose Festival in Tukums on 17–20 July!
Join us in the making of the biggest rose wreath in Latvia and the world!
Venue: Tukums town and Jaunmokas Manor, Tukums municipality, Latvia LV-3101
Time of event: 17–20/07/2025
Admission: free (excluding some concerts)
Organisers: Tukums Town Culture Centre, Tukums Municipal Government, Jaunmokas Palace
More information: (+371) 28311557, www.visittukums.lv
https://www.facebook.com/rozusvetki
20/07/2025 | Garden party at Jaunmokas Palace
The Jaunmokas Palace park will once again turn into a festive venue full of sounds, scents and colours, where everyone is invited to enjoy a garden party “When roses speak”. The festive program includes stories, roses, and sensations:
12:00–18:00 Craftsmen and home producers’ market “Rose Market Stories”
13:00 Opening of the Garden Festival “When Roses Speak...”
13:30–16:00 Literary figures, gongs “When roses speak with the forest”
13:30–18:00 Creative intellectual “Meeting” in the area of gazebo
13:30–18:00 Plain-air “Colours that blossom”
13:30–18:00 Intellectual — a creative space for children in the oak grove “Children's blossoming world”
13:30–18:00 A time for friends “This is the place where stories blossom”
15:00 Open tour of the manor park “Meeting among rose stories”
16:00 Open tour of the manor premises “Meeting among manor stories”
18:00 Concert of Ance Krauze “Notes on sensations” (paid concert)
Venue: Jaunmokas Palace, Jaunmokas, Tume parish, Tukums region, Latvia, LV-3139
Time of event: 20/07/2025 at 12:00–19:00
Admission: free (excluding final concert)
Organisers: Jaunmokas Manor
More information: (+371) 26187442, www.jaunmokupils.lv
https://www.facebook.com/events/719368730663281
02/08/2025 | Lecture by landscape designer Vineta Radziņa at the rose nursery “Bumbieru rozes”
Roses are for everyone. They fit into every garden – fragrant, romantic, Latvian, modern, etc. A rose can be both a decoration, a cover, art, and a practical function. No garden is too big or small to not include at least one rose bush – the one that highlights the story of this garden. Only one question remains – how to tell this story when there is so much to say?
On August 2, landscape designer Vineta Radziņa will give an inspiring lecture at the rose nursery “Bumbieru rozes”. The event price includes one rose from the nursery of your choice, a lecture, and snacks.
Venue: “Rožulejas”, Kaive, Sēmes parish, Tukums region, Latvia LV-3139
Time of event: 02/08/2025 at 11:00
Participation fee: 30 EUR, tickets can be purchased here
Organizer: Rose nursery “Bumbieru rozes”
More information: (+371) 29393001, www.bumbieri.lv
14.08.2025 | Gong meditation in Jaunmoku Palace Park
Jaunmoku Palace invites you to experience gong meditation in the linden trees of the palaces park with sound therapist Marika Vītola. It will be an opportunity to release accumulated emotions, surrender to the energy of nature and regain inner peace.
The number of places is limited. Please bring a chair, blanket or mat for comfortable sitting or lying down. If necessary – also mosquito protection and weather-appropriate clothing. In case of particularly unsuitable weather conditions, the event may be moved indoors.
On the day of the event, Pils Kafe Terase will be open – table reservations can be made by calling 26277779 (reservation valid with a concert ticket).
Venue: Jaunmoku Palace, Jaunmokas, Tume parish, Tukums region
Event time: 17.08.2025 at 14:00. Event duration 1 hour.
Participation fee: 20 EUR. Holders of the "Honorary Family" certificate - 20% discount. Tickets can be purchased here.
Organizer: Jaunmoku Palace
More information: (+371) 26187442, info@jaunmokupils.lv , www.jaunmokupils.lv
30.08.2025 | Lecture “Gardening in Autumn”
The owner of the Seaside Healing Garden (Piejūras Dziedinošais dārzs) invites you to a conversation and workshop with agronomist and gardener Jūlija Vilcāne on the last Saturday of August to learn how to prepare the garden for autumn or how to plan all autumn work so that the garden step is easier in spring. The number of places is limited. Registration form for the class here -https://forms.gle/35P5KYnwEGRczNzZA
Venue: “Piejūras Dziedinošais dārzs”, Jūras St. 67, Engure, Engure parish, Tukums region
Event time: 30.08.2025 at 15:00. Event duration 3 hours.
Participation fee: 15 EUR
Organizer: “Piejūras Dziedinošais dārzs”
More information: (+371) 26541941
14.09.2025 | Masterclass “Plant Print Workshop. With children”
In the workshop, everyone will be able to create their own unique painting - a plant print. There will be work with plants, paints, paper. The class will be led by experienced art teacher Linda Steinburga, who works at the Latvian International School on a daily basis. The number of places is limited. Registration form for the class here -https://forms.gle/TsQcAqecP5iBft3G9
Venue: “Piejūras Dziedinošais dārzs”, Jūras St. 67, Engure, Engure parish, Tukums region
Event time: 14.09.2025 at 11:00. Event duration 3 hours.
Participation fee: 15 EUR
Organizer: “Piejūras Dziedinošais dārzs”
More information: (+371) 26541941
14.09.2025 | Workshop “Autumn Wreath Decor for Your Porch or Garden”
A joint creative session where, together with florist Ilze Beire, you will be able to create autumnal natural decor for your porch or garden. The plan is to work with heather, moss, hay, cones, apples, chestnuts, etc. The workshops will include creating compositions, wreaths and balls and enjoying being together. The number of places is limited.
Venue: “Piejūras Dziedinošais dārzs”, Jūras St. 67, Engure, Engure parish, Tukums region
Norises laiks: 14.09.2025 at 15:00. Event duration 3 hours.
Dalības maksa: 15 EUR
Organizators: “Piejūras Dziedinošais dārzs”
Vairāk informācijas: (+371) 26541941
August and September | Hydrangea flowering time in “Celmu pasaule”
The nursery “Celmu pasauļa” is a paradise for hydrangea lovers, because the owner also loves hydrangeas, so she has created her own Hydrangea Garden in the nursery. More than 50 varieties and more than 5,000 hydrangeas are on display and available here - a selection that is hard to take your eyes off: both rambling and tree-like, snow-white and soft pink flower balls and flower cones. It is possible to purchase seedlings.
Address: “Celmi”, Smārde parish, Tukums region
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00-20:00, Sunday 9:00-18:00
Participation fee: free entrance, purchase of seedlings – according to choice
Owners: “Celmu pasaule” nursery – Ineta Rudzīte and Haralds Kronbergs
More information: (+371) 29150122, www.facebook.com/Celmupasaule
