Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy Botanical Garden (former biological and agro biological station) was started in 1958. The Executive Committee of Šiauliai city granted 2.5 ha of fertile ground, located near the railroad (an empty, nameless area at the time), for the establishment of biological station. In 1961 the station began recruiting staff and Stasys Gliaudys was appointed as a manager. In 1962 the whole area was landscaped with fruit-trees as well as 2–3 rows of various trees and shrubs, a small alpine flower garden was built and later the division of plant collection was formed. The plants were donated by Vilnius Botanical Garden, The Agricultural Research Institute of Dotnuva and Vilnius greenhouses. In 1997 the university department activity programme in accordance with present botanical garden requirements was prepared by prof. PhD Kęstutis Kazimieras Vilkonis. In September 1st, 1997, at the base of Šiauliai Pedagogical Institute agrobiology station, the Šiauliai University Botanical Garden was founded under the guidance of doc. K. K. Vilkonis.
Currently, the total area of Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy Botanical Garden is 6.54 ha. The collection contains approx. 4400 plant taxa and species. The most prevalent plant families are aster (Asteraceae) and heather (Ericaceae). Plant collections are grown in the divisions of plant systematics and geography, dendrology, heather family, phenology, alpine plants, floriculture, spice and medicinal plants. The main goal of Botanical Garden is to preserve and increase the plant collection and organise educational activities. The garden constantly expands its seed collection by cooperating with more than 250 botanical gardens worldwide and participating in seed exchange programme. By grooming the garden and creating informational plant exhibitions Botanical Garden expanded its educational, recreational and academic activities. Since 2003 Botanical Garden has become a member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Planta Europa Network, Botanical Gardens of the Baltic Sea Region, Baltic States botanical gardens and the Association of Botanical Gardens of Lithuanian Universities. In 2005 Šiauliai garden joined the network of International Phenological Gardens of Europe (IPG). The garden has its friends club (Šiauliai University Botanical Garden Friends club).
The scientific research carried out in the botanical garden is related to the introduction and acclimatisation of ornamental plants, plant biodiversity conservation ex-situ and in-situ as well as phenological observations. The garden also serves as a training and research base for university students. It is also a perfect place for children to play and explore the outdoors. The current director of Botanical Garden is PhD Martynas Kazlauskas.
The most convenient way to reach the garden is by car or via bus tour. Free parking is located near the entrance!
By public transport: from a new viaduct (“Dubijos” bus stop, bus number 13, 22 and 24) you can also arrive on foot in about 10–15 minutes.