Philharmonia ParkBuilt in 1830 in an area adjacent to fortress walls of Icheri Sheher, the Philharmonia Garden was the only leisure center of old Baku for a long time. In 60-70s of XIX century the area of this garden was considerably expanded. With the construction of today’s Philharmonia Building in this area according to the Decision of City Duma at the beginning of the last century, then Governor’s Garden gained more popularity as a leisure corner. This 4.5 ha garden was first named Governor’s Garden, then Mikhaylov Garden. At that time more attention and resources were allocated to this garden than others. Because the thick greenery in the garden was the pride of City Duma. The first renovation works after the garden was built were implemented in 70s of the past century. Traversing a long development history this park has suffered neglect several times. Visiting the area in May, 2007 President Ilham Aliyev gave instructions for implementing renovation and reconstruction works in the garden. As a result of implemented works, fountain, pavilion and kiosks in the garden were reconstructed. Characteristic plant cover of the garden was preserved and more attention was given to extend the greenery strip during the reconstruction stage. An original fountain designed by “Inter Art” firm of France was built in the garden. At the same time, for the first time in Baku classical music is played in this garden. There are rose bushes brought mainly from Turkey and Italy and they are planted next to the trees and linked to the trunks. In this case the rose bushes grow 7-8 meters tall twining around the trees and look like ivy. This kind of rose can only be seen in Philharmonia Garden. The roses bloom in May. Chrysanthemum flowers (golden-daisies) planted next to trees bloom in October and don’t wither for 2-3 months. Lilies, gardenias and palms planted in the Philharmonia garden are specially looked after in winter months and are wrapped up against cold. One of the oldest trees in the garden is Khan plane tree. Besides this, there are firs, elms, ilexes, stone-oaks, ciders, cedars, magnolias, oleanders, willows and other plants in the garden.