Nestled near the resort town of Shekvetili, along the picturesque Black Sea coast of Georgia, lies a magnificent dendrological park. Spanning over 60 hectares, this lush enclave is home to more than 1,000 species of plants, making it a true botanical treasure. Strategically positioned between the towns of Ureki and Shekvetili and in close proximity to Kobuleti, the park attracts visitors from around the globe.
The creation of this botanical garden is attributed to the local oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. The park’s story began in 2016 when Ivanishvili decided to build an exquisite villa accompanied by a sprawling garden by the sea. However, news leaked that unique trees were being uprooted for this private residence. To quell potential public outcry, the billionaire opted to present his project as a public dendrological park. While the authenticity of this narrative remains uncertain, it is the most popular explanation among locals.
The park’s establishment did not come without controversy. Notably, 43 rare trees, including giant magnolias and tulip trees, were uprooted and transported, a process that violated ecological norms. Branches were trimmed along the route, damaging power lines and water pipes. The most shocking incident involved the drowning of the oldest tree during transportation; although it was later retrieved, it failed to thrive in its new location and soon perished.
It’s worth noting that the dendrological park not only features local rare trees but also specimens from around the world, including those from Africa, where similar controversies arose over the uprooting of ancient plants.
The official opening of the dendrological park took place in 2020, during the pandemic. Photographs showcasing the challenges of transporting some plants further highlight the issues faced within the park. Many of the towering trees are supported by special cables, as their roots have yet to firmly establish themselves in the soil of their new home.
Bamboo Grove: Imagine yourself in an exotic locale where towering bamboo stalks sway above your head. This picturesque spot is ideal for capturing beautiful photographs. After Batumi Boulevard, it is the second bamboo grove of its kind in Georgia.
The Grand Lake: This artificial lake adds a unique charm to the park. The trees reflected in the water appear lifelike, yet they are also artificial, crafted from concrete and metal. The pink flamingos on the island are particularly captivating, as are the friendly pelicans that show no fear of visitors. A significant downside is that the flamingos are located on an island in the center of the lake, making them quite distant.
Meet the Lemurs and Birds: Who would have thought you could see lemurs in Georgia? Or toucans? The park is also home to a variety of parrots, ostriches, deer, and even peacocks with their magnificent crests in some enclosures. And that’s not all; storks, ducks, cranes, and herons also inhabit this little zoo!
Giant Trees: Have you ever seen eucalyptus, ginkgo, or evergreen sequoias? Perhaps coniferous trees from the Himalayas? Here, you’ll have the chance! Many trees are accompanied by photographs detailing their journey to the park, most of which were transported from Batumi and Tsikhisdziri.
The Bridge: Take a stroll among the treetops on a wooden-style bridge. This is yet another intriguing photo opportunity.
Undoubtedly, the garden has become a popular destination for tourists. While it may not rival the Batumi Botanical Garden in terms of floral diversity, the presence of animals and free admission make it a compelling reason to visit the dendrological park near Shekvetili and Ureki. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the entire park. There are no cafes within the park, so it’s advisable to bring snacks. Fortunately, there are plenty of drinking water fountains throughout the area. Afterward, you can leisurely head to the beach, but keep in mind that you cannot access it directly from the park; you’ll need to walk around for about 20 minutes.
The park opens at 10 AM. It is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. Admission is free (surprisingly, this is still the case). The operating hours of the Dendrological Park vary by season:
Entry stops one hour before closing.