This lovely, thoroughly revamped gardens is Moscow's chief source of flower power and that's a not a cultural metaphor. It really is full of flowers, as well as shade and dozens of inviting benches. Established in 1706, the garden was originally owned by the Moscow general hospital to grow herbs and other medicinal plants – hence the name, which translates as Pharmacy Garden.
Visitors can wander along the trails, enjoy an exhibition of ornamental plants and explore three greenhouses containing plants from various climate zones. There is a choice of restaurants with verandahs facing the garden to linger over a meal or a bottle wine. During weekends, Aptekarsky Ogorod becomes a venue for concerts, fashion shows and craft fairs.
