Canal greenery, Riga

In 1850ies, when medieval Riga fortifications were destroyed, instead were created Bastion Hill and greenery around the canal.

Several introduced plants have been planted in the canal greenery. Georg Kuphaldt was the first director of Riga gardens and some plants grow from this time – the second part of the 19th century. One of them is the American Coffeetree between The Opera and the main building of University of Latvia. Gingko – one of the world's oldest plant species – lies opposite the bridge that connects the Opera and University of Latvia. Magnolia from 1970ies and China decorative shrub Forsythia suspensa grow in the Canal Square opposite The Opera House.

Next to the bridge near the Opera House is set one of the youngest monuments in Riga, The Mayor of Riga George Armistead with his wife and dog. Queen Elizabeth II dedicated the monument to Armistead, whose country origin is Great Britain, in the first part of the twentieth century. Fountain of naked nymph with a big shell above her head and children and dolphins playing at her feet has been created in 1880ies at Opera Square. The new fountain is an original copy from the nineteenth century. This sight with the fountain and The Opera House in the background is now a classic Riga postcard picture.

Three big bridges over the canal were built in times when the medieval wall was taken down connecting Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street, Brīvības Street and Krišjāņa Barona Street with Old Riga. At first the small pedestrian bridges was created from wood. The bridge next to Bastion Hill was built too steep, and in winter people often fell and slipped. The bridge soon was called „the eight wonder of the world. In nowadays newly-weds lock the keys on bridge parapets in order to keep good longterm relationships.

A swan house was created by the canal in 1890ies and Riga Bird Breeding Association gave to the city two pairs of swans. At first, the house floated on a pontoon, but later it was anchored to Bastion Hill bank till 1996. When the swans living in the house died, swan house was taken down. Former Mayor of Riga Andris Ārgalis renovated it with his private funding allowing two swans, Jānis and Līga, to live in there. Now these swans too are gone, but the house waits new residents.

But beavers could not care less about The Opera House greenery or a hundred year old tree. Beavers may be noticed at dark night hours or by riding a canal boat. Because of beavers you can see metal fences around canal trees.