“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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Cherry tree. Vladimir region
The history of the appearance of the cherry tree on the Vladimir land has several versions, but all of them say that the cherry tree came to us from Byzantium together with Orthodoxy.
According to one version, the first saplings of the southern tree were brought by Andrei Bogolyubsky, according to another - by Athonite monks, according to the third - the cherry was brought in the wagon of the Kiev Metropolitan.
Delicate blossom, exquisite fruits - a tree unseen in Russia was a rare curiosity.
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Stankevich pine. Sevastopol
Stankevich pine, also known as Sudak pine, grows on the slopes in the east of Crimea and the southwest, in the Balaklava area. It is a relict endemic species listed in the Red Data Book. The pine is named after the scientist Vaclav Stankevich.
This tree, reaching up to 25 meters in height, has a sprawling, uneven crown with an unusually whimsical shape, resembling mythical creatures. The branches are horizontal, twisted, and resistant to strong winds. The pine is undemanding to soil, surviving even on rocky cliffs and tolerating salty sea water.
This species of conifer is found only in Crimea. The largest grove of Stankevich pine on the peninsula is located in the "Novy Svet" nature reserve, with about 5,000 specimens.
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Taraxacum leucoglossum dandelion. Murmansk region
At first glance, what could be more ordinary than a dandelion? However, the Taraxacum leucoglossum dandelion (or white-tongued dandelion) is a unique plant. It can only be found in the Murmansk region, on the shores of Turiy Cape in the White Sea, and nowhere else on Earth!
Unlike the common dandelions, its flowers are snow-white rather than yellow, and its leaves are whole and somewhat thick rather than dissected and thin. Incidentally, what we call a dandelion flower is actually a flower head, an inflorescence composed of small ray flowers. The leucoglossum dandelion blooms in June, and by the end of the month, its "parachutes" — greenish-grey seeds with a long white tuft — are dispersed by the wind. This dandelion settles on the slopes of coastal cliffs, in crevices, on narrow ledges, and on steep escarpments a short distance from the water.
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Narrow-leaf fireweed (Ivan-chai). Tyumen region
Narrow-leaf fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop.) known in Russia as Ivan-chai (lit. Ivan-tea) is a perennial herbaceous plant, the type species of the genus Chamaenerion, belonging to the family Onagraceae. It is often considered part of the genus Epilobium. Commonly known as "Koporye tea" and "field tea," in Russia, it has been used to produce tea as a substitute for expensive Chinese tea since the XVIII century.
Fireweed is widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the forest zone of Siberia, where it is one of the main honey plants. In the Tyumen region, it grows in the Tobolsk district and the Antipino area. Look for Ivan-chai on forest edges, ravine slopes, and riverbanks. This plant can quickly cover large areas in clearings and burnt-out areas due to its rapid vegetative reproduction, which helps restore soil fertility. Due to its ability to grow in fire-damaged areas, it is also called fire herb, garevik, pozharnik in Russia.
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Alpine Bearberry. Kamchatka Region
From late spring to mid-autumn, the plant life of Kamchatka astounds with its multitude of colors and diversity. The geographical location of the peninsula, its humid oceanic climate, and active volcanism influence its formation. The bright, delicate, and resilient flowers of Kamchatka withstand cold sea fogs, extreme temperatures, and strong winds. One of the symbols proving the vitality of Kamchatka’s nature is the Alpine bearberry.
The scientific Latin name Arctous alpina (L.) Niedenzu comes from the Greek Arctous, meaning "northern". This low-growing deciduous shrub, standing 10–50 centimeters tall, is found in the vast tundra and on the rocky slopes at the foot of volcanoes. The resilience of this little brave northerner is highlighted by Kamchatka botanist and researcher at the Kronotsky State Nature Reserve, Maria Otkidach.
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.
