Southern Federal University's botanical garden, University botanical garden in Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Southern Federal University's botanical garden spreads across 200 hectares in the Temernik river valley of northwestern Rostov-on-Don, displaying a varied collection of plants from the region and distant lands. The site holds over 6,500 species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, with specialized greenhouses housing around 1,600 tropical and subtropical varieties.
The garden was established in 1927 when professors V. F. Chmielewski and V. N. Varshavski created the first botanical institution in South Russia's treeless zone. Starting with 74 hectares, it grew into a major center for plant research and conservation in the region.
A mineral spring named after St. Seraphim of Sarov sits within the grounds and serves as an Orthodox shrine that visitors can see. The spring draws people who come to pause and reflect at this spiritual location.
The garden is large and requires time to explore, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to walk through the different areas. The paths are well-laid, and there are greenhouses to visit, but the grounds are extensive, making it helpful to plan your route in advance.
The garden's layout follows a map of the North Caucasus, with pathways designed to represent the region's railway network and create a geographical representation through landscaping. This thoughtful planning turns walks into a hidden journey through the region's topography.
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