Own little garden

In 1771, a Large Meadow over 200 meters long with paths along the sides was arranged in front of the southern facade of the palace. In 1856, the part of the landscape park adjacent to the palace was fenced off with a low cast-iron railing adorned with gilded bronze decorations and three gates, designed by the architect Vidov. Finally, in 1865, Vidov laid out the Personal Garden here by order of Alexander II, intended for members of the royal family and their closest circle. It combines elements of both regular and landscape garden-park styles and is of interest as an example of the design and layout of intimate palace gardens of the mid-19th century. A fountain with an octagonal basin and a tall vase made of Carrara marble at the Peterhof Grinding Factory was installed in it; picturesque flower beds were planted around the fountain, winding paths were laid out, and sculptures were installed. At the same time, a Pergola — a veranda in the Italian style — was built, which blocked the view of the Kagul Obelisk and the green meadow from the palace windows and divided the Large Meadow into two parts. Thus, one of the best perspectives of the landscape part of the park was lost.

The Personal Garden contains marble sculptures: "Ganymede," of Venetian work from the early 18th century, a copy of one of Canova’s "Dancers," and "Nymph" by Zabello, created in the 19th century.

The southern facade of the Zubov Wing of the Great Tsarskoye Selo Palace opens onto the Personal Garden. On the second floor of this wing were the apartments of Catherine II. The first floor housed the empress’s favorites, and later the personal rooms of Emperor Alexander II were located there. These interiors, destroyed during the Great Patriotic War, have not yet been restored.

Sources:

https://pushkin.spb.ru/encycl/parks/sobstvennyiy-sadik.html

https://www.tzar.ru/objects/ekaterininskypark/landscape/personalgarden