Early Bloomers at Aptekarskiy Ogorod Botanical Garden

March and April in Moscow may be difficult months, since spring is already here, but the cold wind, the grey skies and patches of snow still linger. Admiring some flowers is always a great way to boost the spirits, and there is a place in Moscow that is already abloom.

Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

Aptekarskiy Ogorod botanical garden was founded in 1706 for the cultivation of medicinal herbs (hence its name, Aptekarsky Ogorod, which means ‘Pharmaceutical Garden’ in Russian). It is Russia’s oldest botanical garden and is maintained by Moscow State University.

This year, the first bloomers (snowdrops, or galanthus) appeared in Aptekarskiy Ogorod on February 27, and are still in blossom.

In addition, a ‘Tropical Winter’ festival is taking place at the greenhouse until April 1, with lots of orchids, carnivorous plants, and succulents.

Address: Aptekarskiy Ogorod Botanical Garden, 26 Prospekt Mira, Building 1 (Prospekt Mira metro), see the map.

Opening times: 10 am – 9 pm (ticket office closes at 8.30 pm).

Tickets (cash only!): RUB 300; students RUB 200.