The concept of a city garden originated in the 19th century and has since become an integral part of harmonious urban living. Inspired by traditions from England and Europe, this idea significantly influenced art, architecture, and fashion. Throughout Kyiv’s history, various gardens—monastic, parks, and squares—served as places of restoration, inspiration, and connection to nature, supporting the cultivation of valuable plants and cultural greenery. Over time, this tradition expanded to include notable sites such as the Krister Garden, Fomina Botanical Garden, Hryshko Botanical Garden, Merchant’s Gathering Garden, Meringa Estate, Sirets Dendropark, Volodymyrska Hill, Tsarsky Garden, Shevchenko Park, Zolotoverhyi Square, Rose Valley, Anosiv Garden, and Tershenko Estate Greenhouse. These spaces became gifts to the city, fostering its integration with the natural environment and inspiring generations.

 

A garden is a microcosm, a human-made landscape shaped by individual imagination but continuously enhanced by nature’s physical processes, bringing it to life. Observing this miniature universe reveals a unique ecosystem: bees, butterflies, grasshoppers, dragonflies—create a lively, self-sufficient environment. Every plant, tree, vegetable—pumpkins, zucchinis, cabbage, carrots, eggplants, and fruits—forms a lush, vibrant jungle that nurtures new life each year.

 

The exhibition features paper appliqué art created with gouache, forming multilayered compositions. These works captivate with vivid colors and textured depth, revealing small scenes of nature—bees landing on flowers, pollen gatherers, tiny water circles, and insects flying from flower to flower—evoking theatrical moments that unfold before the viewer’s eyes.  

 

Additionally, textile prints in various techniques highlight stylized botanical motifs, used in furniture and fashion embroidery. This approach echoes the decorative use of plant imagery from the 18th century, which is experiencing a modern return. The exhibition also showcases upcycled pieces—repurposed old items transformed into new objects—creating a sensory, home-based garden atmosphere that inspires and calms.