Goderdzi Alpine Garden unfolds its green expanses and diverse ecosystems in Adjara's Khulo Municipality, positioning itself at 1960 meters (6430 feet) above sea level on the southern slope of the Adjara-Trialeti Ridge, a stone's throw away from the Goderdzi resort in the Shkernali area. The garden spans a considerable expanse, covering up to ten hectares (24.7 acres) of land. In the decades past, this expanse was primarily subalpine forest, showcasing the area’s transformation over time.
A patchwork of ecotypes, including forest, meadow, lake, swamp, and rocky areas, paint a vivid picture of the region's natural diversity within the garden's boundaries. In this lush expanse, the stone garden emerges as a noteworthy component, standing proudly as an alpine zone's rocky emblem, a creation that has seen the collaborative efforts of Helmut Wisnet from Munich Botanical Garden and a dedicated team of Georgian specialists.
The establishment of the Goderdzi Alpine Garden took its first steps in 2012, and since then, it has been on a steady path of development and enrichment. The garden's primary mission is to support the collection, documentation, and utilization of high-mountain local plants for a wide array of purposes, ranging from scientific research and educational endeavors to cognitive experiences, all while ensuring the safeguarding of endangered plant species for the benefit of future generations.
Delving into the flora of the Goderdzi Alpine Garden, one discovers a treasure trove of biodiversity. The garden is home to six species of woody plants and approximately one hundred species of herbaceous plants, most of which are indigenous to the region. This collection, rich and varied, is a testament to the garden's commitment to preserving the botanical heritage of the Adjara highlands.
Journeying to the Alpine Botanical Garden of Goderdzi, located 115 km (71.5 miles) from Batumi, visitors embark on a transition from sea and tropical sceneries to the captivating alpine zones of Ajara. Within this botanical treasure, an array of 50 wild plant families, 111 genera, and 161 species find their home across 15 distinct sections, including areas dedicated to mountain rivers, lakes, swamps, rocky ecotopes, as well as spaces for picnicking and camping. A unique 4,000 square meters (0.99 acres) Alpine garden, crafted meticulously by Georgian specialists and a gardener from the Munich Botanical Garden, stands as one of the garden’s highlights.
An exclusive experience awaits visitors in the Goderdzi alpine area, where they can savor wild honey produced in Jara — an Ajarian traditional beehive carved from an entire tree trunk — and delve into the unique traditions of its production. For those planning a visit, the optimal time to explore the garden’s wonders extends from mid-May to mid-October, with the remainder of the year seeing the landscape draped in impassable snow.
