“FUTURE IN FLOWERS” FESTIVAL
The festival began on 21 May and ended on 8 July, on the last day of the RUSSIA EXPO. This large-scale flower marathon captured the whole VDNKh area, and unique art objects made of flowers were introduced in several locations simultaneously. Guests could witness more than 100 million flowers, flower exhibits from all 89 regions of the country, and designer flower compositions from institutions and state corporations. Future in Flowers workshop held floristry classes, lectures from well-known plant breeders, and fun trivia games. Visitors were shown the best achievements of national plant breeders: about 400 types of peonies, 140 types of lilacs, 120 types of irises, 250 types of roses, 30 types of dahlias, as well as other flowers and plants of Russia.
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Linden. Lipetsk region
The linden tree is an undeniable symbol of Lipetsk. The city itself is named after this tree. Lindens are everywhere in the Lipetsk region: on the coat of arms of the city and the region, as a steel tree representing Lipetsk metallurgy, and as a symbol of healthy longevity, nature, growth, and progress.
There is a legend that on the grounds of the ironworks in Lipetsk, near the office of Peter I, grew a centuries-old linden tree. According to the legend, the tsar ordered the tree to be preserved during the construction of the factories: "Under the shade of this linden, our work will progress easily and successfully!"
Linden trees live very long—on average 300–400 years, with some specimens reaching up to 1200 years. Thus, the tree also became a symbol of longevity. Linden trees not only adorn avenues but also serve as a source of medicinal raw materials.
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Lingonberry. Leningrad region
Lingonberry (Latin: Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is a small evergreen shrub of the Vaccinium genus in the Heath family. Lingonberry leaves are covered with a dense, glossy skin, and the dark red berries are known for their health benefits and bright, sour flavor.
Lingonberries grow in various regions of Russia, but they are especially abundant in the Leningrad region. In the fall, the forests here are covered with red carpets of lingonberries, and local residents go on quiet hunts for these tasty and healthy berries. The best harvest usually occurs in September when the fruits are full of juice.
In the past, lingonberry infusions and decoctions were used to treat colds and flu, and even today, natural lingonberry juice can benefit a body weakened by fever. Regular consumption of this vitamin-rich berry can strengthen the immune system and help you forget about illnesses altogether.
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Marya's root. Komi republic
Probably every resident of the Komi Republic knows and loves the song "Maryamol," dedicated to the beautiful and rare flower called Marya's root in Russian (Paeonia anomala or anomalous peony). In our country, there are 16 species of peonies, but in the republic, only the northernmost peony grows - Marya's root.
Marya's root is a herbaceous perennial that can reach a height of one meter. This peony has straight stems and large purple-pink flowers. Flowering begins in May, reaches its peak in June, but you can still find the last flowers even in July. This peony was named Marya's root for its unusually large underground part of the bush with a sharp smell and a sweet taste.
Marya's root plays a significant role in the traditional medicine of the region. Its healing properties have been known since ancient times. Infusions are used as a sedative for neurasthenia with increased excitability.
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Lilacs. Belgorod region
The Belgorod region can rightfully be considered the capital of lilacs. For several years, local breeders have been meticulously cultivating various varieties of this beautiful plant.
Today, the syringarium at the Belgorod University Botanical Garden boasts more than 500 varieties. Here, lilacs are not only collected but also propagated using the most modern technologies. The laboratory for micro-clonal propagation of lilacs annually sends more than 5,000 test-tube-grown seedlings to nurseries across Russia for further growth. This means that today Belgorod lilacs grow in every corner of our country. Of course, they also adorn the regional capital and other settlements of the Belgorod region.
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Anomalous peony. Kurgan Region
Anomalous peony, known also as Marya's root in Russian (Paeonia anomala L.) is a rare red-listed plant of the Kurgan region. The name of the flower comes from the Greek word paionios - healing, medicinal, in honor of the ancient Greek physician Peon, who was famous for his knowledge of healing herbs.
Peonies are perennial herbaceous summer-green plants. They bloom in May-June and usually grow to a height of 60-100 cm. Peony flowers are large, fragrant, purplish-pink, 8-13 cm in diameter.
Anomalous peony was bred back in the XVIII century as an ornamental plant to decorate gardens and complement floral compositions. Today the plant can be found wild in the region. Peonies grow under the canopy of the relict forest on the territory of the nature monument “Cherry Island Dacha”, whose unique flora regularly attracts biologists and local historians, as well as many tourists - nature lovers. Peonies can also be admired on the peninsulas of the salt water body of the resort “Lake Medvezhye” in the Kurgan region.
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Rhododendron mucronulatum. Primorye region
In spring in cities, forests and hills of Primorye, delicate pink clouds appear. This is the rhododendron blooming. Its delicate flowers represent both the fragility and strength of nature. The Russian folk name of rhododendron is bagulnik, and it is also called the Primorye sakura.
There are more than 10 species of rhododendrons in the Russian Far East, 8 species in Primorye region, and one species that needs protection in Vladivostok suburbs. It is rhododendron mucronulatum (lat. "sharply pointed").
Since 1994, thanks to the proposal of the outstanding botanist of Russia Sigismund Kharkevich, rhododendron mucronulatum has become one of the two symbols of Vladivostok along with the Amur tiger. By the way, Vladivostok is the only city in Russia that has legally approved natural symbols. And in 2024 this plant celebrates a kind of anniversary.
Along with the RUSSIA EXPO, the flower festival is also coming to an end.
The "Future in Flowers" festival continues at the RUSSIA EXPO, where unique flowerbeds from all regions of our country can be seen at the "Space" pavilion until July 8.
The RUSSIA EXPO concludes on July 8, and with it, the flower festival will also come to an end.
