Yuri Kalugin, a Candidate of Biological Sciences and Deputy Head of the Botanical Garden of Peter the Great of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has voiced strong criticism against temporary container gardens in St. Petersburg, citing a lack of purpose, poor design, and the introduction of harmful organisms. He believes that these gardens, often referred to as “transformer gardens,” are not meeting the needs of the community and lack the necessary professionalism in their execution.

Kalugin argues that these temporary displays, which he prefers to call “temporary expositions,” often lack a clear purpose for interacting with society. He pointed out that the design and condition of the plants are frequently inadequate, with plants appearing unsuitable for landscaping due to poor preparation, disease, or a lack of aesthetic appeal. He emphasized the importance of using plants that are in perfect condition, with dense crowns and healthy leaves.

A significant concern raised by Kalugin is the import of quarantine objects, or harmful organisms, through these container gardens. He stated that these organisms are massively entering cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, leading to the contamination of land and healthy plants. He considers introducing such temporary structures into historical centers a “very bad story.”

While supporting the idea of well-designed container gardens, Kalugin emphasized the value of permanent gardens over temporary ones. He believes that permanent gardens offer a more sustainable and beneficial environment for plants, avoiding the stress of frequent transplanting. He suggested that temporary gardens, if implemented, should focus on recreation, development, and entertainment, catering to the diverse needs of the community, including children, adolescents, adults, and pensioners.

Kalugin proposed several ways to improve temporary landscaping. He stressed the importance of thematic expositions that are interesting, useful, and educational. Examples included ethnobotanical gardens (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English, French), gardens featuring medicinal plants, and gardens designed for people with disabilities. He also suggested using temporary structures to decorate window sills and balconies.

Kalugin also addressed broader landscaping issues in the city, highlighting the disappearance of vertical gardening and the underutilization of diverse plant species. He noted a decline in the use of large shrubs and a lack of variety in tree shapes and colors. He concluded that a lack of professionalism in biology, botany, and dendrology is contributing to these shortcomings in urban landscaping.