SFU Botanical Garden (the abbreviation stands for Southern Federal University) is located in Rostov-on-Don and has been operating for over 80 years. During this time, many plants were preserved, new specimens planted rarely found in the steppe zone were planted. Employees conduct active research and educational activities.
History of creation
The SFU Botanical Garden (Rostov-on-Don) could have been laid back in 1915, when the University of Warsaw was evacuated to the city . But World War I was replaced by the Revolution, and the idea was realized only after the stabilization of the situation in the region. Scientists from the local university took the initiative to create the Botanical Garden, they turned to the authorities, received approval and a land area of ββ74.11 hectares near the Temernik River.
An increase in the garden area to 259 hectares occurred in 1933, and flower beds of the former private farm of the Ramm brothers of Dutch origin were given over for planting. The resulting territory was a well-established economy, there were areas for distillation of early flowers for Easter or Christmas, there were greenhouses, greenhouses and open areas for seasonal plants.
The brothers' vigorous commercial activity was supported by catalogs, distribution of planting and seed material that was grown on the farm or discharged from abroad. SFU Botanical Garden inherited almost all the achievements and material values ββof the Ramm brothers.
Garden arrangement
The first director of the Botanical Garden was Professor V.N. Vershkovsky. With his participation, the design of the territory began, where most of it was devoted to the park area. The plan meant that the park in miniature would reflect a map of the North Caucasus with the corresponding plants characteristic of each locality. But it was not possible to realize the idea, since almost all imported plantations died due to inappropriate conditions of the steppe zone.
The exposition part was occupied by I. E. Chugunov. He divided all the work into several stages. Initially, a forest-type park (30 hectares) and an arboretum (4.2 hectares) were laid on four different slopes. In the same period, a nursery of woody-decorative plants was laid; its area occupied 15 hectares. In the prewar years, the garden managed to collect more than four hundred species of plants rare for the region. During the war, most of the collection died.
Now of the first planted plants, 54 species are in good condition. For example, a rare specimen of large-fruited oak, Amur velvet and many others feel good. SFU Botanical Garden carefully preserves one of the oldest trees in its collection - petiole oak, whose age is estimated at 120 years.
War and the postwar years
At the end of 1928, the garden received the status of a research institution and was transferred to the North Caucasus University, currently it is the Southern Federal University, from where the modern name is formed. The foundations of work and the priorities of activity were laid in the pre-war period. In addition to scientific activities, enlightenment among the population, the cultivation of valuable plants, the preservation of existing species of flora, etc.
During the Great Patriotic War, the city fell into occupation. Most of the garden's collections were lost, greenhouses and open flower gardens were destroyed, many plant species were lost. Residential buildings, outbuildings, office space also suffered from hostilities. The library, laboratories were looted, valuable records, research materials and archival manuscripts were lost.
SFU Botanical Garden began restoration work almost immediately after the victory. In 1953, a collection of thermophilic exotic plants from the tropics and subtropics, appeared in the greenhouse. Further development continued in the 60s. During this period, plots with collections of ornamental plants for the garden and medicinal plants were laid. In the 80s, essential oil, fodder species of flora and endangered plants of the steppe zone were planted in the garden.
Targets and goals
The eighty-year history of the Botanical Garden of the Southern Federal University has become one of the largest domestic bases for scientific, educational, resource and cultural activities. The aim of the work is the preservation and development of the Botanical Garden, the following tasks are also pursued:
- Conservation of the entire biological diversity of the ecosystem within the garden.
- Inhibition of the disappearance of rare plants in the region.
- Fixing the diversity of the plant world in the context of areas of its modern distribution, growing conditions, the influence of negative factors. Reflection of the economic value of existing plants, their distribution in environmental zones, collections.
- Exchange of planting and plant material samples with the world community of botanical gardens, conservation of genetic diversity, distribution of collection plants.
- Research, scientific activity, dissemination and acquisition of knowledge.
- The combination of research, scientific, educational, enlightening activities.
- Formation of public opinion on the protection of the plant world and its value for each person, understanding of threats from civilization processes.
- Modern methods of conducting all types of activities.
- Providing conditions for the development and manifestation of the potential of all employees of the institution.
Modernity
SFU Botanical Garden throughout its history has been actively cooperating with similar institutions, is a member of large Russian and international state and public organizations.
Cooperation and exchange of information, seeds, seedlings are established with 20 botanical gardens of the Russian Federation and with 65 similar foreign organizations of state and private affiliation. There are several unique objects on the territory of the garden, one of them is a source of mineral water, bearing the name of Seraphim of Sarov (revered Orthodox shrine). Also here is a steppe plot of 10 hectares, which is considered the standard vegetation of the steppe zone.
In the international classification, the University Botanical Garden is assigned to the category of multi-purpose gardens, where research, scientific, educational, cultural and educational activities are carried out in the field.
Reviews
Positive feedback from visitors to the Botanical Gardens left in favor of the opportunity to join the nature, without leaving the city. Everyone likes a large territory, traveling through which you can visit different geographical areas, see the whole diversity of local flora. Many liked the greenhouse with exotic plants. The opportunity to buy seedlings and seeds, to go on an excursion and just walk along the paths of the garden was positively assessed.
Negative reviews regret the general impression of the abandoned garden. It is noted that throughout the territory there is a lot of uncleaned garbage, traces from numerous bonfires. Some complain about dogs that have taken root in the garden, who, having gone astray, periodically attack campers. Most of them hope that these problems will be eliminated, and it will be possible to visit the recreation area without fear and with pleasure.
Helpful information
As part of cultural and educational programs, the Botanical Garden of SFU holds master classes in caring for plants, growing plants in the laboratory, plant research at the cellular level, and many others. The plan of excursions includes general educational activities, walks on open and closed ground, in different parts of the garden. A lot of time is given to lecture activities, consultations and examinations.
The Botanical Garden of SFU is waiting for its visitors. His address: Rostov-on-Don, per. Botanical descent, building number 7.
Excursions on weekdays are from 09:00 to 14:00, on weekends - from 10:00 to 14:00. The cost for adults is 150 rubles, a children's ticket costs 100 rubles.
A great place to relax is the Botanical Garden of SFU. How to get here? Shuttle taxis (No. 23, 93, 25, 50, 20) to the garden follow to the Botanical Garden stop. Also follows the city bus route number 15 (stop "Lesoparkovaya").