Nadezhda was born in 1971 and currently lives with her 12-year-old son in a rented house. Her passion for gardening began in childhood when she was enchanted by the process that transforms tiny seeds into green sprouts and then into blooming plants.
“From a young age, I was fascinated by plants. I always thought it was wonderful how little seeds sprout into shoots that eventually become strong and beautiful flowers. At that time, I lived with my parents in an apartment and could only experiment with houseplants. I managed to grow any seed — it was enough just to plant it in the soil. I also loved spending time at my grandmother's dacha, helping to gather berries and fruits, although we only visited her once a year. When I started living independently, my dream was to have a house with a large garden,” Nadezhda shares her memories.
In her garden, special attention is given to bulbous plants.
“I plant a lot of bulbs: tulips, daffodils, lilies, hyacinths, fritillaries, and crocuses. These perennials, in my opinion, require little care and do not take up much space, and they become more beautiful every year. I also have many other plants that bloom at different times. I adore peonies and have about 30 varieties. Additionally, I grow ornamental shrubs with bright foliage and flowers, such as barberries, spireas, and ninebarks. And, of course, roses — they are simply essential! I like unusual and rare plants,” she says.
Over the years, Nadezhda has learned which plants grow best in her region.
“In Karakol, in my opinion, almost everything grows, except for those species that require acidic soil. However, even they can grow quite well with a little experience. We even successfully grow some tropical plants, although not all of them survive the winter,” she emphasizes.
Nadezhda does not force flowers for holidays — her plants find their buyers naturally. She sells her excess and exchanges with other gardeners to expand her collection. Her main goal is not just to sell a plant, but to pass it into caring hands.
“I mainly sell my excess. Over time, I have gathered a decent collection of interesting plants, and people show interest. Prices depend on the market, but since I grow them myself, I can offer lower prices than in stores or large nurseries,” she explains.
Nadezhda believes that plants can “speak” about their needs, and it is important to be able to understand them.
“Each plant requires individual conditions for successful growth. Some need a lot of sunlight, others need shade and frequent watering. It is important to remember that plants can only survive in certain conditions, and in extreme heat, they require additional protection. It is also necessary to periodically treat them for diseases and pests and to fertilize them, especially during flowering. Caring for plants is like caring for children, and sometimes it requires even more attention. People often ask me where I got so much knowledge about plant care. Honestly, I don’t know. Perhaps the plants themselves hint to me what they need, and I try to create comfortable conditions for them. In return, they delight me with their beauty and abundance of blooms,” she adds.
Nadezhda's son helps her by acting as a translator, as he speaks Kyrgyz fluently without an accent.
