Solutions from Ukraine: Kyiv’s Expocenter VDNH to plant more than 12,000 plants in Therapeutic Garden
What is the problem?
Therapeutic gardens are a practical way to help soldiers and civilians hurt by Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukraine's rehab system is under heavy strain: there aren't enough specialists, waits are long, mental health care still carries stigma, and some facilities are damaged. Time in well‑planned green spaces can lower stress, calm the body, lift mood, and improve sleep. Simple tasks like planting and caring for flowers help people rebuild daily routines and confidence.
What is the solution?
16 more trees will be added to the 27 trees that already grew at the location, as well as 688 shrubs and almost 12,000 perennial plants will be planted.
Among them are apple trees, bruslin, geranium, helenium, thyme, rosemary, sedge, brunnera, pachysandra and many others.
The Therapeutic Garden's planting palette is designed to engage all five senses, combining varied fragrances, colors, and textures to invite observation, sound, touch, and scent—an approach intended to deepen therapeutic benefits.
At the entrance, trees and shrubs will create vivid seasonal accents: maples, rowan, and Amelanchier lamarckii (serviceberry) for autumn color, with lilacs providing spring blooms.
Sunny meadows of perennials will be located in the central part, and dense shrubs will be planted around the areas for conducting therapeutic practices, which will create an atmosphere of comfort and security. The general principle of landscaping recreates natural conditions: sun-loving plants will grow in the center, and shade-loving plants will grow around the edges, while the arrangement does not imply clear symmetry or lines.
To ensure year-round appeal, the Therapeutic Garden features staggered bloom and foliage cycles so the space remains expressive in every season.
The aroma will also change every season: from spicy oregano and sage in the summer to delicate shades of lavender that last until late autumn.
Planting trees and other plants is an important stage in creating the Therapeutic Garden, which will continue until its opening. Currently, geodetic and earthworks have been completed, an inclusive coating has been selected, and lighting and irrigation networks have been laid. The Garden is scheduled to open in the fall of this year.
For reference:
VDNH is implementing the project with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs under the National Strategy for a Barrier-Free Ukraine, an initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska. The garden is being designed by the Big City Lab urban bureau in partnership with the PUPA architectural bureau. Corporate partners supporting the project include Visa, PrivatBank, Work.ua, and Expolight.
In August, the updated Orangery was put into operation at VDNH. Now the space is barrier-free. In particular, the team equipped a ramp to the entrance to the pavilion, installed a two-level administration counter, updated the flooring of the exhibition halls in partnership with the construction company Intergal-Bud, expanded the aisles for convenient movement and maneuvering, and also redesigned the restroom in accordance with the standards of inclusion, taking into account the needs of children, people in wheelchairs and other groups of visitors with limited mobility.
The Therapeutic Garden will feature a specialized lighting system designed to support emotional recovery and help regulate psychophysiological responses. The project, developed at Kyiv's Expocenter of Ukraine (VDNH) in partnership with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Big City Lab urban bureau, is intended for service members, veterans, and the wider public. The lighting concept was designed and implemented by Expolight.
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18 of September 2025
