If you attend DeSSerT 2010 you will have the possiblity to join your fellow researchers on the following social events:

National dendrological park of Ukraine "SOFIYIVKA". The dendrology park "Sofiyivka" of Ukraine's National academy of Science, which is situated in the town of Uman, Cherkasy region, is well-known far away out of the borders of Ukraine as one of the most famous masterpieces of world landscape gardening of the end of XVII – beginning of XIX centuries. This park stands at the same level with other examples of park construction of Europe, such as Balbi Garden in Florence (Italy), San-Susi Park in Potsdam (Germany) and Versailles (France).

In the first quarter of the XVIII century, Umanshchyna belonged to Franciszek Salezy Potocki, member of one of the richest and aristocratic Polish families. In 1796 his son and heir Count Stanislaw Szczesny (Felix) Potocki married Ms. Sophie de Witte. Sophie was said to have exclaimed on seeing the scenery of one of her husband’s estates, “What a wonderful park it could be!” The park was built in 1802. Similar to some other famous parks of that time Sofiyivka was largely planned in the Italian Baroque tradition with themes from the myths of Greco-Roman antiquity in full representation. Sofiyivka has its own Elysian Fields, its own River Styx; statues and busts of Socrates, Platon, Aristotle, Apollo, Mercury and Venus grace the alleys and groves. The new, “English style” ideas in landscaping were also used with “wild sections” added in good measure.

An alley leading from the main entrance and along the lively River Kamyanka is lined up with horse chestnuts. In what looks like a forest, the eye is entertained by dark firs, tender and light birch trees, peaceful meadows and moss-covered rocks. At the end of the alley, the Flora Pavilion appears suddenly and unexpectedly. The alley turns to the right but from the steps of the Pavilion a pond comes into view. The pond with a dragon sitting in the centre of the pond and “vomiting water” high into the sky is surrounded by grim rocks with ivy reaching down to the water. Oaks, maples, linden, elms and black poplars in the dense wood give way to a more open space as the alley climbs to the top of a hill with a Chinese-style arbour welcoming the weary stroller. A stroll through the park opens new vistas and new wonders almost at every step you take. Gazebos, statues, arbours, ponds, columns, grottoes, islands, exotic plants in the conservatory, chirping birds, meandering alleys and trails soothe the soul, rejoice the heart, and fill you with wonder — you cannot help being amused, amazed and fascinated by the artistic ingenuity and natural variety you will find in Sofiyivka, a beautiful park named after a beautiful woman.