Молвинский сад

Tucked away on Aptekarsky Island, the Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden, or Molvinsky Sad, whispers tales of resilience and rebirth. This isn’t just a garden; it’s a living testament to centuries of passion and perseverance. Originally established in 1714 by Peter the Great as a humble Apothecary Garden, its purpose was purely practical: to cultivate medicinal herbs. Imagine the rows of fragrant plants, tended by apothecaries in long coats, supplying remedies for the burgeoning city. The Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden officially blossomed into a botanical institution in 1823, renamed the Imperial Botanical Garden. The garden we explore today spans nearly 19 hectares, bounded by the Karpovka and Bolshaya Neva rivers. Within these boundaries lies a world of botanical wonders, including outdoor collections and a series of historic greenhouses. These greenhouses, built between 1823 and 1824, house an incredible diversity of plant life. Picture the vibrant hues of azaleas and other Ericaceae in Greenhouse 6. Imagine the delicate fronds of ferns unfurling in the humid air of Greenhouse 15. Then, step into the arid landscape of Greenhouse 16, where cacti and succulents thrive. The crowning jewel is Greenhouse 26, the Big Palm Greenhouse, reaching a height of 23.5 meters and sheltering a remarkable orchid collection. The Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden also holds a special event each year: the night bloom of the Selenicereus grandiflorus cactus. This rare spectacle, cultivated in the garden since 1857, is a celebrated occasion, announced in the media and open to public viewing. The garden’s journey hasn’t been without its trials. During the Siege of Leningrad, the indoor collections suffered devastating losses, with only a fraction of the plant species surviving. Yet, like the city itself, the Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden emerged from this dark period, a symbol of enduring strength. As you wander through the Northern Yard, surrounded by a vibrant Allium garden, remember the legacy of Eduard August von Regel, whose passion for these plants shaped the collection. His name lives on in over 60 Allium species he identified. The Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden is more than just a collection of plants. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of nature.