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A cozy garden with nearly a thousand plant species, greenhouses, a conifer collection, and rare trees – a wonderful walk for guests who want to explore Nalchik at a leisurely pace and with interest.
Why Visit
The Botanical Garden is one of Nalchik’s most atmospheric places for a peaceful stroll. It features an impressive plant collection: nearly a thousand species are represented in the garden, 55 of which are listed in the Red Data Book of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation.
This wording aligns with AZIMUT’s official English description of the Nalchik Botanical Garden, which also refers to its collection of nearly a thousand species and its 55 Red Data Book plants.
History of the Garden
The Botanical Garden celebrated its 70th anniversary and remains a scientific and educational facility of Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov. In the 1960s, it was actively involved in acclimatizing plants from different parts of the world.
Today, the garden appeals not only to botanists: it is a living park where visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk, photograph flowering plants, and discover unusual trees. A visit pairs well with a stroll through Atazhukinsky Garden or a trip to other attractions in the city.
What to See in the Greenhouses
The greenhouses feature more than 105 plant species. Be sure to look for the metasequoia – a true “living fossil,” a coniferous tree that originated in the forests of the Cretaceous period.
The metasequoia has an unusual feature: in winter, it sheds not only its needles but also entire small branches. This phenomenon is called “branch drop,” and it makes the tree one of the garden’s most memorable exhibits.
Blue Spruces from Nalchik
The Botanical Garden is connected to an important chapter in the history of Russian horticulture. It was in Nalchik that botanist Ivan Kovtunenko developed a technique for growing blue spruces from seeds. From the local nursery, these trees were then distributed throughout the country.
Today, the garden’s greenhouse displays young blue spruces in various shades. They are propagated by cuttings and grafting, preserving the tradition that helped make these trees popular in Russian cities and parks.
Rare Plants in the Open Air
No less interesting species grow in the garden’s outdoor areas:
- Paulownia tomentosa (Empress tree) – an imperial tree with large leaves and spectacular flowering.
- Smoke bush (Cotinus) – a fluffy “wig tree” covered with airy flower clusters in summer.
- Golden chain tree (Laburnum) – a plant with the poetic name “Golden Rain.”
- Jujube (Ziziphus) – the Chinese date, a fruiting shrub unusual for European travelers.
After the Botanical Garden, we recommend continuing your route through Nalchik: visit the Atazhukinsky Garden and Zoo, the city’s temples and squares, and the picturesque surroundings of the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria.
