Botanical garden in Solovki, Botanical garden on Solovetsky Island, Russia.
The Botanical Garden on Solovetsky Island lies within a depression sheltered by high hills on three sides, which creates a special microclimate. The site spreads across several terraces with different plant zones that allow southern species to grow 165 kilometers beyond the Arctic Circle.
Monks founded the garden in 1822 and developed growing methods that allowed southern plants to thrive in the difficult environment of the Russian High Arctic. Their techniques were passed down through generations and formed the foundation for the current garden project.
The garden is part of the Solovetsky Museum-Reserve and shows how monks have long cultivated plants in this northern region. The growing methods reflect monastic practices adapted to the harsh local conditions.
The garden is best reached by boat from Kem or Belomorsk during summer, with travel time between 2.5 to 4 hours. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and wear warm clothing, since temperatures stay cool even in summer months.
The microclimate of the depression allows watermelons and other southern crops to grow here despite the far northern location. Many visitors are surprised that such subtropical plants can thrive under these extreme geographical conditions.
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