“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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Artysh (Siberian juniper). Republic of Tuva
Artysh (Tuvan Siberian juniper or Juniperus sibirica) is a genus of evergreen coniferous plants in the Cupressaceae family of the order Pinales.
In the local language, it is called artysh, shaman herb, arsa, archa, shug-pa. Despite its name, its habitat is extensive. In the north, it grows in the Arctic zone, in the temperate zone, and in regions with a warm climate— in mountains at altitudes up to 4200 meters above sea level.
This is a very hardy plant capable of withstanding low and high temperatures. Moreover, its appearance changes little depending on the habitat and climatic zone. It is considered one of the most frost-resistant coniferous species. Among the shrubs of the undergrowth, juniper is the most long-lived. Plants aged 300–400 years are not uncommon.
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Blue spruce. Kabardino-Balkaria
The blue spruce, also known as prickly spruce (Latin: Picea pungens), is an evergreen coniferous tree. The unusual coloring of needles is given by a thick layer of wax covering each needle, which protects the spruce from environmental influences. The natural habitat of the species is the west of North America, from where it was brought to Europe and then to Russia.
Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, is famous for its alleys of silver-blue spruces. It was here that the Soviet breeder Ivan Porfirievich Kovtunenko grew blue spruces, which today adorn various corners of our homeland. In 1918, Ivan Porfirievich started working in a nursery in Nalchik and for the first time encountered blue spruces, which at that time were a rarity for our country. Then seedlings of spruce trees were purchased for further cultivation to serve as decoration of parks and resorts of southern Russian cities.
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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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Apple tree. Tambov region
During the nationwide voting for the selection of plants as green symbols of the country, as part of the environmental campaign "Alley of Russia," over 8,000 people voted for the symbolic tree of the Tambov region. The apple tree received the most votes.
This is not surprising. The history of the Tambov region's symbol is closely linked with the activities of the great scientist, breeder, and biologist Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin.
The first images of Michurin's apples can be found in the pages with sketches of fruits from the scientist's diary. In 1921, Michurin's apples and pears were exhibited in Tambov, and soon they became known in Moscow. Nikolai Gorbunov, the secretary of the Sovnarkom, heard about the self-taught Michurin from someone and told Lenin about him. Throughout his life, Ivan Vladimirovich bred more than 300 varieties of apples, pears, plums, cherries, blackberries, currants, roses, and other plants, and published about 150 scientific works.
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Tulip. Republic of Kalmykia
In spring, the harsh Kalmyk steppe is transformed, becoming covered with a colorful carpet of tulips. During this period, the Tulip Blossom Festival takes place here - it is a vibrant folklore and ethnographic festival that introduces the natural wealth, traditional culture and cuisine of the region.
Many people consider Holland to be the birthplace of tulips. But in fact, it was from the Kalmyk steppes that merchants traveling along the Great Silk Road brought tulip bulbs in the XVII century. The name “tulip” comes from the Persian word “toliban”, which denotes an oriental headdress - a turban, in shape resembling a tulip.
Steppe tulips of Kalmykia are wild. The flowering period usually falls in April-May. The tulip is a delicate flower and chooses its own time for blooming. The miracle of the steppes blooms for almost a week. And under favorable climate conditions it can bloom longer.
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Cowslip primrose. Republic of North Ossetia
Cowslip primrose is a perennial herbaceous plant, a species of the genus Primula in the family Primulaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek primus - early.
It is a light-loving plant, characteristic of areas dominated by shrub vegetation, small-leaved and light-coniferous forests. It is also found in mountainous and dry or steppe meadows. Primrose blooms in May-June. It is a medicinal and honey-producing plant. The species is included in many regional Red Data Books of Siberia.
It is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is also a valuable honey plant.
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.
