A former lecturer from Ukraine, Iryna currently looks after the flower gardens at Malverleys in Hampshire. Portrait: Andrew Montgomery <\/p>
Earliest gardening memory<\/strong> 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.<\/p> You may also like<\/strong><\/p> First plant love <\/strong>Sunflowers<\/a>. I love their tall stalks and bright, cheerful petals. They have a strong cultural significance in Ukraine, symbolising fertility, prosperity and a good harvest. <\/p> 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.<\/p><\/blockquote> Who has inspired your career the most?<\/strong> My mother. She instinctively knew gardening would become my passion and suggested I study horticulture.<\/p> Who are your horticultural heroes?<\/strong> 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.<\/p> Favourite garden<\/strong> 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.<\/p> Three most worthwhile tips for every gardener <\/strong>Know your plants \u2013 understanding the specific needs of plants you are growing is crucial. <\/p> 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.<\/p><\/blockquote> Regular care and maintenance is essential <\/strong>if you want a thriving garden. Keep learning and experimenting. Don\u2019t be afraid to try new plants, techniques or tools. Gardening challenges can be great opportunities for growth and improvement.<\/p> Dream plant destination<\/strong> Georgia. It has a diverse ecosystem and is known for its rich botanical heritage, including a variety of wildflowers<\/a>, medicinal plants and endemic species. <\/p> Favourite planting style<\/strong> 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. <\/p> 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. <\/p> Favourite \u2018weed\u2019 you\u2019re happy to have in your garden<\/strong> Daisies (Bellis perennis<\/em>), especially on a lawn<\/a>. They add a charming, natural look to a lawn, giving it a wildflower appeal. <\/p> One easy thing every gardener can do to be more sustainable.<\/strong> 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. <\/p> In what direction do you see horticulture heading? <\/strong>It seems to be moving towards more sustainable practices<\/a>, and increased automation, such as maintenance by drones and smart sensors. There\u2019s also a growing interest in native plants, biodiversity conservation and organic gardening. <\/p> Contact Instagram @boboshko_iryna<\/a> A former lecturer from Ukraine, Iryna currently looks after the flower gardens at Malverleys in Hampshire. 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