Information
Landmark: Mykola Hryshko National Botanical GardenCity: Kyiv
Country: Ukraine
Continent: Europe
Mykola Hryshko National Botanical Garden, Kyiv, Ukraine, Europe
Overview
The Mykola Hryshko National Botanical Garden, part of Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences, ranks among Eastern Europe’s largest and most varied, with winding paths shaded by ancient oaks.In Kyiv’s Pechersk district, it stretches across more than 130 hectares, with winding paths lined by vibrant blooms from every corner of the world.Blending scientific research, education, cultural heritage, and leisure, it’s one of Kyiv’s most beloved green spaces-where you might hear children laughing near a fountain under the shade of old chestnut trees.🌿 General Overview Full Name: National Botanical Garden named after M. M. Hryshko (Ukrainian: Національний ботанічний сад ім.М.М.Гришка) Founded: 1935 Founder: Mykola Hryshko – a prominent Ukrainian botanist Supervised by: National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Size: ~130 hectares Number of species: Over 13,000 from around the world 🌍 Geographic and Botanical Zones The garden is organized into floristic zones , each replicating the natural landscapes and ecosystems of specific regions.🌿 Overview: The National Botanical Garden named after M. M. Hryshko, known in Ukrainian as Національний ботанічний сад ім., greets visitors with winding paths and the scent of fresh pine.M. M., the sound of initials that snap like chalk against a blackboard.Founded in 1935 by Mykola Hryshko, a renowned Ukrainian botanist, the 130-hectare garden-home to more than 13,000 plant species from every corner of the globe-is overseen by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and arranged into floristic zones that mirror the sights, scents, and terrain of distinct natural landscapes.In these zones, you can wander among plants from every corner of the globe-orchids from the tropics beside pine from the mountains-all in one place.The Ukrainian Carpathians Zone brings to life the rugged highland slopes and the fresh, wind-swept plants of the subalpine region.You’ll find conifer forests whispering in the wind, bright mountain meadows, and rare species found only in Western Ukraine.Number two.The Crimean and Mediterranean region is home to drought-hardy plants like junipers, tall pines, and the papery-petaled rockrose.It mirrors the warm, dry air you’d find in southern Ukraine or along the sun‑baked hills of southern Europe.Three.The Caucasus is lush with rhododendrons, chestnuts, and towering oaks, their leaves whispering in the mountain breeze.It highlights vibrant plant life from one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, where orchids spill color across the forest floor.Number four.The Central Asia and Altai Region hold a mix of steppe, semi-desert, and alpine plants-grasses that ripple in the wind, thorny shrubs, and blooms clinging to rocky slopes.It mirrors the tough conditions of the eastern mountains and the dry, wind-swept plains.Five.Far Eastern Forests showcases unique species from the Russian Far East, Korea, and Japan, from the rustle of Korean pines to the flash of a Japanese crane’s wings.It’s known for a mix of unusual shrubs, delicate ferns, and tall deciduous trees that rustle in the breeze.🌸 Key Garden Features 🌺 Lilac Garden One of the most famous areas.Number six.🌹 Rose Garden Contains hundreds of rose cultivars, including both wild and hybrid varieties.Western Siberia mirrors the boreal forest, with its dark pines and crisp, resin-scented air.🌳 Arboretum An expansive collection of trees and shrubs from various continents.It features species such as larch and the dark, resin-scented Siberian spruce.🌼 Magnolia Garden A highlight during April.🌸 Key Garden Features 🌺 The lilac garden, with its soft purple blooms and sweet spring scent, is one of the park’s most beloved spots.🌴 Greenhouse Complex Open year-round.More than 200 varieties burst into bloom between April and May, filling the air with a sweet, heady scent and drawing thousands to wander among the vibrant fields.🌹 The Rose Garden holds hundreds of rose cultivars, from untamed wild blooms to carefully bred hybrids, their petals brushing softly in the breeze.From the first warm days of June to the crisp air of October, flowers open in bursts of color.🏛️ Cultural and Historical Sites Within the garden’s territory are two important historical monasteries: Vydubychi Monastery – founded in the 11th century, situated on the slopes near the Dnipro River.🌳 Arboretum - a wide-ranging display of trees and shrubs gathered from continents near and far, from cedar-scented groves to bright maple leaves.Known for its towering oaks, graceful elms, and the bright red leaves of ornamental maples.🧪 Scientific Role and Research The Botanical Garden serves as: A center for botanical research and conservation.🌼 Magnolia Garden bursts into bloom in April, its creamy petals catching the morning light.Several magnolia species burst into bloom with massive, sweet-scented flowers that can fill the air with their perfume.🌴 The Greenhouse Complex stays open all year, even when snow dusts the roof.🧭 Visitor Information Address: 1 Timiryazevska Street, Kyiv, Ukraine Metro Access: Closest station is Pecherska , followed by a short bus or taxi ride Opening Hours: Outdoor Garden: 08:00–21:00 (in spring and summer) Greenhouses: 10:00–16:00 (weekdays), 11:00–17:00 (weekends) Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays for greenhouse maintenance Tickets: Very affordable; available at the entrance and online 📸 Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) for magnolia and lilac blooms; summer for the rose garden.You’ll find tropical and subtropical areas, with palms swaying in the breeze, bright banana clusters, and the glossy leaves of citrus trees.Cactus and succulent house: vibrant plants hailing from Africa and the Americas, some with spines sharp as tiny needles.Orchidarium: more than 350 orchid species thrive here, each basking in carefully tuned light and gentle, misty air.Inside the garden’s grounds stand two notable monasteries, including Vydubychi, founded in the 11th century and perched on the green slopes above the Dnipro’s slow, silver water.The Holy Trinity Ioninsky Monastery, built in the 19th century, rests quietly among the garden’s greenery, where lilacs sway in the breeze.
