Great to have you back, care to walk with me?
We are in a place called the Haaga Rhododendron Park and it’s located in Helsinki, Finland.
It’s unusual to pay a visit in wintertime, the peak blooming season is early June.
Nevertheless, i decided to come and have a look, i think the snow makes for a wonderful walk.
Before i continue, the time is 13.15 on 9 January, a cloudy Sunday in a freezing -6°c (21.2°f).

The park is split in 2 flower sections: the evergreen rhododendrons and the azaleas.
The azaleas bloom first and sometimes longer than the rhododendrons, even after midsummer.
The first rhododendrons were planted in 1975 by the University of Helsinki’s selective breeding program, as well as the construction of a series of wooden walkways.
Allowing visitors to admire the pride and beauty without disturbing the plants.
Originally 3000 individual specimens were planted, with the goal of breeding species to adapt to the Finnish climate.
And in 1996, the park was expanded with an additional 1500 azalea specimens, both originating from Japan.

Finland is home to two native varieties of rhododendron. “Rhododendron lapponicum” is very rare and found in the fells of Lapland, while “Rhododendron tomentosum” thrives in bogs and marshes and has branches that emit a strong scent.

As i already mentioned, blooming season is early June, the park will then transform into a colourful jungle.
Since this magical period is so short, usually 2 weeks, visiting the park during that time can get a bit hectic.
You can count on a cup of coffee and ice-cream served near the entrance.
Early mornings the park is relatively calm, even in peak hours, the park is big enough to find a silent corner.

I wish you a nice walk, thank you for watching. Together we grow and explore.
I hope to see you back in the next scene (or one of my previous scenes). Stay safe and take care of yourself.