The University of Tartu in Estonia has invited people to dig up and take home plants from the Maarjavälja green area next to its Physicum building. Most are strawberry and horseradish plants left from former allotment gardens, along with other garden plants and some wild species.
Plants may only be taken from the square area marked with stakes between the Physicum and Sanatooriumi Street, until construction starts next spring, and not when the ground is frozen or snow-covered. The university recommends choosing Estonian heritage and native varieties suited to the local climate, and taking care not to bring home invasive species such as slugs.
The site will host a new academic and research complex. The first phase includes streets, paths, a 300-space car park and a robotics and drone hall; work on the main building is expected to begin in summer 2027, housing four institutes with around 500 staff and 1,000 students.
