A. It is amazing to find this nice and quiet place in the centre of a megapolis. Only 200 metres that separate the busy metro station Prospect Mira from the entrance to the large and beautiful garden, Aptekarsky Ogorod. People can easily get there by car or by public transport as the bus and trolleybus stops are right in front of the main gate. Aptekarsky ogorod is open all year round, from 10.00 to 20.00.
B. Aptekarsky Ogorod tops the Moscow parks and gardens in popularity. And it is the oldest Botanical Garden in Russia. It was established in 1706 by Peter the Great and in 2018 it celebrated its 312th birthday. Aptekarsky Ogorod boasts its collection of really ancient plants – some palms and cycads are believed to be more than 200 years old. The glasshouses are a piece of historical heritage too! Some of them still have parts that date to the end of the 19th century.
C. Now Aptekarsky Ogorod is a large and very well-groomed green space. If you want to make the most of your visit, it is recommended to take a guided tour. There are more than 2000 types of trees as well as a great number of bushes, herbs, flowers and ferns. Some of them are rare and even endangered species. Amazingly, in one place, you can see water-loving tropical plants and cactuses that can survive on very little water. Delicate orchid flowers contrast with fir trees that can live in very harsh weather conditions. There are glasshouses with plants from different climatic zones!
D. In fact, Aptekarsky Ogorod is famous not only for its plants. It offers the visitors wonderful theatrical and fashion shows, concerts, exhibitions, and craft fairs. Music lovers appreciate the unique classical music performances which are held in the tropical garden, among exotic palms, flowers and vines. The concerts are sometimes held at night time, which enhance the romantic atmosphere of the garden.
E. Originally, Moscow’s oldest botanical garden grew herbs and other medical plants. It belonged to the Moscow General Hospital and the herbs were used to make the medicine for the patients and to train the doctors and medical students in botany. In those times the doctors used herbs a lot to cure colds, infections, and all sorts of diseases. The local people started to call the place Aptekarsky Ogorod which means Pharmacy Garden.
F. Since 1805 till now, Aptekarsky Ogorod has belonged to Moscow State University as a part of its Botanical Garden. It provides the students of the Biology Faculty with a unique opportunity to study and experiment with a great diversity of plants from all over the world. Over the years, many famous researchers have worked there and have made new discoveries in botany, medicine and pharmacy.
G. According to some historic researchers, one of the trees in Aptekarsky Ogorod was planted by Emperor of Russia Peter the Great. In fact, some historians insist that Peter the Great planted three trees but only one of them is still living today. It is a large larch1 , which is about 250 years now. It is one of the landmarks of the garden and tourists never miss it!
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