The oldest park in our city was originally called the Military Garden and was founded in 1848 to promote horticulture and viticulture in the Black Sea region. By the order of Prince M.S. Vorontsov in 1846, an experienced gardener from Yalta, Yakov Bikelmeyer, was invited to create the garden. He planted 25 species of trees and shrubs that had not previously grown in these areas: honey locust, catalpa, cypress, plane tree, tulip tree, hazel, acacia, and pyramid poplar. Seeds and seedlings were brought from the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, while grapevines and fruit trees came from the Crimean gardens of Count Vorontsov.

Thanks to the efforts of the first gardener, the military garden became the first nursery in the North Caucasus, where new plants successfully took root, and later their seeds and seedlings were distributed throughout Kuban. Over time, the need for such a large urban nursery diminished, and in 1864, part of the garden was opened for recreation and walks. Ten years later, it was fully transferred to the city's residents and was renamed the City Garden. Here, the Hall of the Noble Assembly, a reading room, children's attractions, and playgrounds were built.

The main cultural attraction was the summer theater, where troupes and artists from other cities performed. The voice of Fyodor Shalyapin could be heard here, ballerina E.V. Geltser performed, and chamber singer I.P. Yaunzem graced the stage. In 1898, the entrance to the garden was adorned with wooden carved gates, ticket offices, and kiosks designed by architect Ivan Malgerb.

For sports enthusiasts, paths for cycling and horseback riding were equipped, as well as a bowling alley and a wooden rink for roller skating. Entrance to the garden was free, and in the summer evenings, the military orchestra played here. A tram line ran to the gates, making it accessible from any part of the city.

Our park has experienced different times, but the residents of Krasnodar still love it and enjoy strolling through its shady alleys. The park has its secrets, which I reveal during the tour "Being Here for the City!"