The Park of the Sokil Sanatorium

Of course, we all love the sea. But the park at the Sokil sanatorium does not merely draw the eye but enchants you with the beauty of its greenery.

The Arabat Spit. The park of the Sokil sanatorium

About 1,200 diverse plants, whose homeland is not Ukraine but the countries of Asia and South America, have been planted over an area of 10.8 hectares.

The Arabat Spit. The park of the Sokil sanatorium

And to do so there was no need to destroy the local flora.

These exotic specimens grow in harmony with the poplars, acacias and silver alder familiar here (which is known locally as 'maslyna', the olive).

Beside each building, individual green corners have been arranged.

The alleys through the grounds are laid out so that every plant can be examined from all sides.

In May the roses were not yet in bloom.

The first to catch the eye, with their bright little lights, were the multicoloured petunias.

One can only imagine what a riot of colour will blaze forth in June.

The phytoncides of the young pine shoots and the scent of the flowering jasmine, wild rose and chestnuts created a wondrous aroma that you wanted to fill your lungs with.

In the evening the light of the lamps lends the park an air of mystery.

At sunrise the trills and chirping of the birds invite you to a morning promenade.

In the afternoon heat, where else is there to rest but in the shade of the birches and lindens.

Or in the gazebos entwined with sophora.

Even between the paving slabs, sage and chamomile have broken through.

I liked that they had not been shaved off for the sake of tidiness on the pavement.

Undoubtedly such beauty is the long, hard labour of the gardeners and landscapers, who, like little bees, circle over the plants all day long with their scissors, hoes and hoses.

I did not manage to speak with the designer of this little corner of paradise.

And so I do not know the names of many of the amazing plants, nor the peculiarities of growing them in our environment.

But judging by the fact that they bloom and please the eye, they are comfortable here.

I too was comfortable, and it was fascinating to stroll through this wonderful park, to admire and to revel in this beauty. And my impressions I share with you.

Address: Kherson region, Henichesk district,
Arabat Spit, the village of Strilkove,
Berehova Street, 12, the Sokil sanatorium.

Telephones: +380 55 346 88 83; +380 95 836 66 54

Coordinates: 45°54’33"N 34°53’5"E

Related stories: The "Sokil" guesthouse on the Arabat Spit · Bloggers' Forum "Arabat Spit 2016" · Henichesk. A town by the sea · The Arabat Spit. If there is a paradise on earth, it is here · Biryuchyi Island. Mysterious and astounding

This story is also available in Ukrainian: Парк пансіонату «Сокіл»