The most prominent part of our surrounding nature is Lake Lohja, which is the largest lake in southern Finland for its area of 122 square kilometers. While the Lohja ridge protects the area from cold sea breezes and Lohjanjärvi stores heat, the annual accumulated temperature of the growing season in the area is higher than in Helsinki, for example. The calcareous soil and the mild climate create ideal conditions for floral growth in the area. The area is also part of a rare oak zone in Finland in which many hardwood trees, rare plants, fungi and insects thrive. Thanks to the favourable conditions, there are plenty of apple trees in the Lake Lohja area, both domestic and commercial apple orchards. The first apple trees came to Lohja in the 16th century and there are many local varieties of rare species in the area.