In early June, if it"s a "good" year, people in Western Helsinki get treated to bursts of color at the Haaga Rhododendron Park. Started in 1975 as a research location for the University of Helsinki, the plan was to create rhododendron plants that would thrive in Finland"s northern climate. And, boy, did they. Around 3,000 specimens of a Japanese variety of rhododendron were originally planted, then selectively bred to produce eight new varieties of "rhodies" over the years.
Haaga Rhododendron Park
Today in History
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New beginnings
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Infrared Jupiter, erupting Io
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A tower of light
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A storied trail marks a century
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The Kelpies statues in Falkirk, Scotland
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Patriot Day
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Blink and you ll miss it
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The migrating monarchs of Michoacán
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The dog days of summer
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Venture into a prehistoric gallery of art
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In the path of the pronghorn
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Quebec City for Winter Carnival
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Bridge of Hillsborough County
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A perfect day to fly your flag
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Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
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Green sea turtle on World Oceans Day
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Playa del Amor, Marietas Islands, Mexico
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Gray seal pup, Norfolk, England
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Negratín Reservoir, Granada, Spain
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A tale of almonds and bees
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Joan charges Riverside Park
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Winnie-the-Pooh Day
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San Francisco Bay salt flats
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Acadia transformed
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Why does this panda cub look so happy?
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It s only Wednesday
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Siblings Day
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A timeless view of the night sky
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Poppies in bloom
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International Day for Monuments and Sites