As already mentioned, the territory of the Botanical Garden is conventionally divided into a scientific collections zone and a public park zone, open for free visit.

The public park of the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and most valuable natural areas in the center of Kyiv. It was founded in 1839 on the slopes between modern Volodymyrska and Hetman Pavlo Skoropadsky streets. The choice of location was dictated by the natural relief: terraced slopes (the height difference of the relief components is in the range from 139 to 178 m above sea level), a variety of soils and the presence of open glades provide favorable conditions for the acclimatization of introduced species, which differ in their place of origin and requirements for growth and development conditions. The first planning work was carried out by architect Vikentii Beretti, who proposed a harmonious arrangement of alleys, terraces and observation platforms. The scientific management of the garden in subsequent decades was carried out by Prof. Oleksandr Fomin, thanks to whom the main dendrological collections and the orderly landscape of the public park were formed. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Garden was repeatedly rebuilt, but the public park preserved its historical structure.

The biodiversity of the public park is impressive with the variety of tree and shrub species that form stable and natural plant community. Among the species: black walnut (Juglans nigra), hawthorn (Crataegus), common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), hydrangea (Hydrangea), daylili (Hemerocallis), meadow geranium (Geranium pratense), eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), ceanothus (Ceanothus), ornamental bulbous plants (tulips, daffodils, muscari), various species of magnolias, three-lobed almond (Prunus triloba), juniper (Juniperus), etc. All these plants form a multi-level structure of the landscape and provide a variety of aesthetic and scientific values.

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a species of deciduous tree in the walnut family, Juglandaceae, native to central and eastern North America (particularly the eastern United States), growing mostly in riparian zones. It was introduced to Europe in the 18th–19th centuries for ornamental landscaping. The tree became popular due to its rapid growth and ornamental appearance. The tree grows to 25–35 m in height, sometimes up to 40 m. Tree canopy is wide, spreading and provides strong shade. The root system is powerful, deep, holds the soil well on slopes and is resistant to wind. The leaves are pinnately compound, up to 40 cm long, consisting of 11–23 leaflets. The tree is dioecious (male and female flowers on different plants). The fruits are large nuts with a hard shell, edible, but harder than walnuts. The fruits ripen in September–October.

An interesting fact is that black walnut secretes juglone — a substance that inhibits the growth of some neighboring plants, which naturally limits competition. It is a valuable plant for landscaping due to its shade properties and decorative appearance. Its wood is also used in the furniture industry. In O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden, this species is well acclimatized and creates a large shade, forming comfortable zones for relaxation and walks.

Of particular aesthetic importance in the garden is the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) — deciduous tree that is one of the brightest in early spring. It is native to North America, mainly the eastern states of the USA. It was introduced to Europe in the 19th century as an ornamental tree for parks and botanical gardens. It is a small tree, usually 6–12 m tall, with a rounded or widely spreading canopy that creates moderate shading. The leaves are heart shaped, bright green, and turn golden in autumn. The flowers appear in early spring before the leaves bloom. The pink or purple flowers are collected in small brushes, which makes the tree very decorative. The fruits are pods 5–10 cm long with several seeds, ripening in autumn. The tree is resistant to urban environments, tolerates transplanting and moderate shading well. It is used in decorative landscaping to create bright accents. In the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden, Cercis forms decorative compositions in combination with magnolias, conifers and other spring flowering plants.

In 1976, the "Magnolia garden" was laid. The number of trees reaches 300. The oldest one was planted in the garden in 1934 and it is still blooming. Magnolias are not only aesthetically appealing, but also have scientific value as long-term introductions that are under constant monitoring.

A special role in the planning of the garden is leading by historical alleys and terraces. Here, ornamental plants emphasize the architectural relief and form harmonious green corridors that connect the traditional park with the modern scientific area. The combination of natural relief with artificial plantings ensures the stability of the slopes and creates an attractive contrast between tall trees and the lower layer of shrubs and herbaceous plants. Such a composition emphasizes the naturalness of the landscape and at the same time allows for the integration of ornamental and scientific elements. The recreational function of the public park provides by comfortable paths for walking, shaded places, fragrant and ornamental plants — magnolias, hydrangeas, bulbous plants that create a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation.

It should be noted that the public park of the Garden also serves as a transit function: you can get to the "Universitet" metro station through the park, which makes it a popular route for locals. However, this is what makes it less attractive for them, because it is associated with movement, not relaxation. While tourists are definitely fascinated by this place.

It is also interesting that in 1908-1913 the first Kyiv zoo opened on the territory of the Botanical Garden. It was founded on the initiative of the Kyiv Society of Naturalists. The first collection of the menagerie included 115 species of animals and birds, with a total number of about 400 specimens. The zoo was financed by donations from patrons and ordinary cityzens who loved nature. Later, the Kyiv city authorities transferred zoo on Shuliavka district.

Thus, the public park of the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden is a combination of historical value, biodiversity, aesthetics and recreational comfort. The diversity of species and the multi-level structure of the landscape not only preserve the scientific and cultural heritage, but also contribute to the creation of a sustainable urban environment.

State of the park

Magnolias garden