In 2019-2022, the alpine garden was reconstructed to introduce the diversity of mountain habitats and it was thus renamed as rock garden. The aim was to reconstruct it in its initial extent together with the original form of the pond and the terraces to the west, the selection of materials was supplemented with concrete and wood. The main paths have been preserved and new sidewalks were designed between the terraces. The designs also include wooden seating areas on the limestone walls and a stage.
The rock garden introduces species of various alpine zones and their decorative varieties. The plants help the botanic garden to study and introduce the most diverse plant systematics, growth requirements and use in Estonian climate conditions and much more. When designing the garden extending over 3000 m², the vegetation was planned mainly on the basis of the existing collection, leaving also room for future development. Also the following features were considered: the available quantities, size and planting time, various characteristics of flowering, fruit and foliage, endangered status, toxicity, distribution (incl. invasiveness), visibility and views from different locations, guided tours etc.
After the completion, it took a couple of years for the plants to adapt and grow. In the summer of 2024, more than 800 taxa of perennials and woody plants were displayed.
Text by: Ülle Grišakov