Wild Meadows

The Upmali biofarm is rich in natural meadows of European significance, located in the bends of the Ivanda and Mērgava rivers. In our meadows, wild animals graze, and cranes and lapwings nest undisturbed, while we prepare our teas and special herbal pillows from the plants of the meadows.                                                                                                                                                                                                  Why are these wild meadows so special?


Because,

natural, untouched meadows are on the brink of extinction across Europe. In Latvia, they have remained in only 0.7% of the territory. It took at least a hundred years for such special, plant-rich meadows to form, which is why these remaining meadows are so valuable and need to be protected.

Because,

in terms of biodiversity, Latvia's natural meadows are comparable to tropical forests! Only in natural meadows do lapwings and many other birds, insects, and animals dwell. Only in natural meadows do we find an abundance of medicinal plants and vibrant flowers in summer, which are slowly disappearing from the nature of Latvia and other European countries, making way for vast fields of grains and rapeseed.

Because,

the value of natural, untouched meadows for our future survival is even greater than that of forests, as meadow plants and uncultivated soil absorb and store far more CO2 than trees! It is precisely these untouched meadows that can help mitigate climate change!

We gather a variety of wild medicinal plants from our meadows – St. John's wort, yarrow, nettles, and milfoil. In August, when the plants have already flowered and the birdlings have hatched, the meadows are mown. The hay from these meadows is especially fragrant and valuable.

 

Healing Gardens  

On the banks of the Ivanda River, where the ancient Kroņrenda Manor once stood, around our home, stretch the Upmali fields and gardens. Next to beds of Rhodiola rosea, roses, and catnip, special trees with healing properties grow, along with rare medicinal plants and a variety of fruit trees. Even the oldest cultivated apple variety, "Winter Caville," which our distant ancestors grew and which can be found in only a few collections across Europe, thrives here.                                             These are our Healing Gardens. Here, we allow our guests to explore the power and effects of plants.                                  The gardens are only accessible to seminar participants.