Enjoy the Tranquility of M.M. Gryshko Botanical Garden

Established in 1936, the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden is located in Kiev and forms part of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Covering an area of 1.3 square kilometers, the garden features more than 13,000 species of plants from around the world. In addition to being a tranquil and picturesque spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy, the botanical garden is used for scientific research and in March 2010 celebrated its 75th anniversary with an international scientific conference focusing on conservation and biodiversity.

Within the garden are themes focusing on various types of plants, some of which are contained in the huge glasshouse complex. Among the themed categories are Azaleas and Camellias; Tropics; Fruit; Tropical and Subtropical Plants; Orchid House; and Plants of Arid Global Areas. The Orchid House boasts no less than 350 species of these delicate flowers. The garden has numerous coniferous trees, a range of locust trees, and masses of flowers, including roses, magnolias, peonies and lilacs, also known as syringas. Native to Europe and eastern Asia, syringas are now found all around the world and are prized for their spectacular and prolific flowers. Many nature lovers make a point of visiting the gardens at the end of spring when the 21 species of lilacs are in full bloom. Plants that are indigenous to Ukraine are displayed together as they would be found in the wild, and visitors can enjoy the flora of the Ukrainian Carpathians, Plains of Ukraine, Crimea, Caucasus, Central Asia, Western Siberia and Altai in terrain typical of each region.

In addition to the bountiful natural beauty to be found in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of Kiev, visitors can view the historic Vydubychi Monastery and Trinity Monastery of St Jonas, which are located within the grounds of the gardens. The Vydubychi Monastery was built by Vsevolod, the son of Yaroslav the Wise, in 1077 and has withstood the test of time remarkably well. The monastery is currently under the care of the Kiev Patriarchate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Trinity Monastery of St Jonas dates back to 1864 and features a 110 meter tall bell tower. The monastery was closed in 1934 and is now in the care of the botanical gardens.

In a city with countless attractions, visitors to Kiev who appreciate nature, history and culture, may want to include a visit to the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden to their itinerary.