Record-breaking peony planting takes place in the Cherkasy region
On August 4, during the ‘Krutyy Zamis’ (Awesome Mash-up) art festival, the largest flower planting event took place at ‘Peony Valley,’ a popular tourist spot in the Cherkasy region, located in the village of Melnyky near Kholodny Yar. In the spring, thousands of flower bushes from across Ukraine will bloom here.
The initiative to create this location in one of the most picturesque corners of the Cherkasy region was supported seven years ago by Oleksandr Voskoboynik, director of “MHP-Urozhay,” in collaboration with the “MHP-Gromadi” Foundation.
At that time, the first peony bushes were planted during the opening of the art festival ‘Krutyy Zamis.’
“Why did I support this project from the beginning? Because I saw two key components: an environmental initiative and the development of the tourist attraction at the historic Kholodny Yar. As you can see, tourists from all over are already visiting our Peony Valley. Even abroad, people have heard about this wonderful place in Cherkasy, so we’re expecting guests from there as well. We maintained the tradition of planting flowers on August 4, even during the war. Interestingly, since the start of the full-scale russian invasion, people have shown even greater enthusiasm for planting flowers. Thousands of saplings are brought in, and with increased dedication, they help make Ukraine even more beautiful. I call these flowers the ‘Flowers of Victory,'” says Oleksandr Voskoboynik.
“Seven years ago, thanks to the collaboration between business, community, and active residents, an attractive tourist destination was established in the Cherkasy region. Today, it draws attention, continues to grow, and has the potential to become a favorite spot for visitors from across the country. Why is this important for the community? Primarily because it represents a direct investment in its development. Tourism drives demand for services, which in turn fosters entrepreneurship, creates new jobs, and generates taxes for the local budget. This is what makes our communities strong and self-sufficient—the kind of place where people want to live and build their future,” said Tetiana Volochay, head of the Community Development Council at the “MHP-Gromadi” Charitable Foundation.
Yurii Romancha, the head of the NGO “Patriots of the Native Land — Ukraine,” was the driving force behind the creation of this attractive tourist spot on the way to Kholodny Yar. He recalls that flowers were brought not only from the Cherkasy region but from all over Ukraine for the first “Krutyy Zamis” art festival, which took place in 2018.
“The first flowers in ‘Peony Valley’ came from Kolomyia, brought by kobzar Viktor Pashnyk. People don’t just bring saplings here—they plant them themselves, along with their families or communities. In fact, the festival and all its activities bring people together. In fact, the festival and all its events bring people together. We also raise funds for our defenders, specifically for drones for the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade ‘Kholodny Yar.’ Any positive and powerful energy sent out into the world is important for our region, our country, and the planet as a whole,” says Yuriy Romancha, head of the NGO “Patriots of the Native Land — Ukraine.”
Representatives from local communities and guests of the Cherkasy region took part in the environmental campaign.
Seven years ago, Polina Leus from the Kamianka area planted the first flowers in ‘Peony Valley.’ Since then, she, her husband, and granddaughter have participated in the event every year, staying until every bush has found its place. She says that now, with the enemy trying to destroy everything in Ukraine, her desire to plant flowers is even stronger.
“This desire comes from within, from the soul. Even though I’m nearly seventy and it’s not easy, the urge to create beauty and bring joy to others wins out. We come here and plant flowers. You could say this field has grown up alongside our granddaughter. She first came here with us when she was six years old,” she says.
Every year, representatives of the Chervonoslobidska community come to support the initiative. They estimate that they’ve planted around 500 peonies over the years.
“Residents of the community donate flowers for planting, and we even know exactly where our peonies are growing,” notes Oleksandr Lytvynenko, the village head of Chervonoslobidska Territory Community. “I believe initiatives like this should be supported and developed. On the one hand, it’s a chance to create beauty around us and find some peace in a time of constant stress and tension due to the war. On the other hand, it’s a way to mobilize and come together in support of our defense forces.”
The ecological campaign was part of the “Krutyy Zamis” art festival, which aimed to raise funds in support of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade “Kholodny Yar.”