The Peter the Great Botanical Garden in St. Petersburg, which began as a small vegetable garden founded by Peter I, has transformed over three centuries into a vast park-museum. Here, one can stroll along shady alleys lined with old oaks, birches, linden trees, and maples, visit greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants, and see ponds with exotic water lilies. It is the largest botanical garden in the north, housing plants from around the world, including those that survived the blockade.

The history of the garden began with beds for medicinal herbs, cultivated during the time of Peter's father, Alexei Mikhailovich. By Peter I's decree, such gardens appeared in St. Petersburg on Voryony Island, later named the Apothecary Island. The first mention of the garden dates back to 1713. Over time, the garden expanded and was renamed the Medical Garden. Under the guidance of the German Sigizbek, it became a serious scientific institution with collections and greenhouses for exotic plants.

Catherine II respected the garden, and during her reign, a wooden house for the managers was built. The first directors were foreigners, but they made significant contributions to the study of Russian flora. In 1798, the garden was renamed the Botanical Garden. In the early 19th century, it fell into decline due to lack of funds but was saved by Count Viktor Kochubei, who envisioned making it a scientific center. Thanks to his efforts and the support of Alexander I, the garden became Imperial, received funding, and was enriched with new plants and seeds.

In the 19th century, the garden flourished, and its collections were replenished through expeditions across Russia and the world. Famous travelers, such as Przhevalsky and Turchaninov, brought plants from Mongolia, China, Siberia, and other regions. Ivan Stuart delivered plants from his round-the-world voyage. By the end of the 19th century, the herbarium collection became one of the largest in the world.

In 1913, the garden was named after Peter the Great. During the Soviet era, it became the Main Botanical Garden of the RSFSR, then the USSR, and in 1931 it became part of the Botanical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

During the war, the garden endured difficult times. The first bomb fell on it at the beginning of the blockade, damaging the greenhouses. Staff saved plants by moving them to heated rooms and their apartments. Nikolai Ivanovich Kurnakov, a gardener, saved many rare cacti and was awarded a medal for his efforts. After the war, the garden was restored and continues to thrive.

Today, the Botanical Garden in St. Petersburg offers tours of tropical and subtropical plants, aquatic inhabitants, and the dendrarium. Here, one can see rare and exotic plants such as blooming cherry blossoms, giant water lilies, and carnivorous plants. The garden hosts celebrations dedicated to the blooming of cherry blossoms and other events. The botanical museum houses samples of woods, fruits, seeds, and fossil plants, as well as old photographs and documents. The park-dendrarium covers more than 16 hectares and is an oasis of freshness in the city center.