Botanical garden in Yerevan

Yerevan Botanical Garden

Երևանի բուսաբանական այգի
1935 FOUNDED
91 YEARS OLD

The Yerevan Botanical Garden offers a serene escape within the Avan district, stretching across 80 hectares of land. It serves as a living library of Armenia's natural beauty, housing hundreds of species of flora from around the globe. Visitors can explore various sections dedicated to Caucasian, North American, and East Asian plants, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the garden acts as a crucial research hub for the National Academy of Sciences, focusing on the preservation of rare species. A walk through these grounds reveals a resilient ecosystem that has weathered historical challenges to remain a verdant sanctuary for the city. It remains a peaceful spot to learn about the intricate relationships within nature while enjoying a quiet afternoon.

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History of Yerevan Botanical Garden

Established in 1935, the Yerevan Botanical Garden began as a vision to create a scientific haven for the nation's diverse plant life. By the mid 20th century, the garden had become a scientific powerhouse, associated with the Institute of Botany. It flourished into a vast collection, bringing together unique flora from the Caucasus and distant continents alike, turning a semi desert landscape into a flourishing centre of botanical study. The late twentieth century brought a period of profound difficulty. During the energy crisis of the 1990s, the garden suffered immense physical losses as its trees were harvested for heat. This era marked a dark chapter where the survival of the collection was threatened, testing the dedication of the researchers and botanists who had nurtured the grounds for decades. Today, the spirit of the garden remains unbroken as restoration efforts continue with renewed vigour. Scientists and staff work diligently to repair the collections and expand the greenhouses, ensuring that the legacy of this green space thrives for future generations. It stands as a testament to the resilience of both nature and the scientific community, inviting everyone to witness the ongoing recovery of this vital Armenian landmark.

Events spanning 57 years

YEAR 1935

The Founding of the Garden

The garden was officially founded in the north eastern part of the city, marking the start of a significant scientific project.

YEAR 1938

Establishment of the Institute of Botany

The Institute of Botany was opened, cementing the role of the gardens as a primary centre for plant research in the country.

YEAR 1944

Greenhouse Expansion

A new, larger greenhouse was constructed to support the growth of various tropical and subtropical plant species.

YEAR 1992

The Hardship of the Energy Crisis

The site suffered significant losses as trees were harvested for heat during a severe period of national energy shortages.

Fun Facts

  • Dedicated research teams at the site investigate why certain woody species grow at accelerated rates in specific local conditions.
  • During the 1980s, the greenhouse collection held an impressive 1240 species and garden varieties.
  • It maintains a collection of over 200 endemic and endangered plant species.
  • It remains the primary headquarters for plant collection research for the entire country of Armenia.
  • Significant collections represent diverse global regions including Siberia, East Asia, and the Caucasus.
  • The garden covers 80 hectares of land that was originally semi desert terrain.
  • The garden includes a specialized fernery and a beautiful orchid section.
  • The garden once distributed house plants to local factories and schools to improve the wellbeing of workers and pupils.
  • The site faced severe hardship during the energy crisis of the 1990s when the plant life was heavily impacted by the need for heating fuel.

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