Earliest gardening memory My grandparents had a big vegetable garden and I used to help them plant potatoes, sow seeds, weed and water. I vividly remember feeling the rich Ukrainian soil between my fingers.
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First plant love Sunflowers. I love their tall stalks and bright, cheerful petals. They have a strong cultural significance in Ukraine, symbolising fertility, prosperity and a good harvest.
The Ukrainian farmers and gardeners who have continued to cultivate crops, to plant trees and flowers, and preserve plant species despite the disruption of the war.
Who has inspired your career the most? My mother. She instinctively knew gardening would become my passion and suggested I study horticulture.
Who are your horticultural heroes? The Ukrainian farmers and gardeners who have continued to cultivate crops, to plant trees and flowers, and preserve plant species despite the disruption of the war.
Favourite garden Before I came to work at Malverleys, my idea of what made a garden beautiful was very different. I thought a beautiful garden should be planted in a formal style, a monoculture with a lot of trees and shrubs. Malverleys has opened my eyes to new possibilities and shown me a different way to experience nature.
Three most worthwhile tips for every gardener Know your plants – understanding the specific needs of plants you are growing is crucial.
Naturalistic planting also has a calming effect and can evoke a sense of tranquillity and peace. It offers a retreat from our busy daily lives.
Regular care and maintenance is essential if you want a thriving garden. Keep learning and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try new plants, techniques or tools. Gardening challenges can be great opportunities for growth and improvement.
Dream plant destination Georgia. It has a diverse ecosystem and is known for its rich botanical heritage, including a variety of wildflowers, medicinal plants and endemic species.
Favourite planting style A naturalistic planting style resonates with me because it combines beauty, ecological consciousness and a sense of harmony with nature. This style shows the inherent beauty of plants and their interaction in a way that feels deeply connected to the natural world.
Naturalistic planting also has a calming effect and can evoke a sense of tranquillity and peace. It offers a retreat from our busy daily lives.
Favourite ‘weed’ you’re happy to have in your garden Daisies (Bellis perennis), especially on a lawn. They add a charming, natural look to a lawn, giving it a wildflower appeal.
One easy thing every gardener can do to be more sustainable. Choose plants that are native to your region. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, require less water and maintenance, and provide habitat for local wildlife.
In what direction do you see horticulture heading? It seems to be moving towards more sustainable practices, and increased automation, such as maintenance by drones and smart sensors. There’s also a growing interest in native plants, biodiversity conservation and organic gardening.
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