A Green Oasis in the Heart of Yakutsk: Natalya Tsyukun's Landscape Architecture
Landscaping's success relies more on a strategic approach than financial investments, according to landscape designer Natalia Tsykun.
In the frosty heart of Yakutsk, nestled amidst the permafrost, a vibrant green oasis blooms. This is the handiwork of Natalya Tsyukun, a Yakut entrepreneur and landscape architect who has been transforming the city's landscapes for over 15 years.
Tsyukun's work is not just about flowers, but about the overall architectural appearance of the city. Properly developed projects and quality control of their implementation are essential to her vision. Her projects can be found in various locations around the city, including the territory of "Surgutneftegas", "ALROSA", "Komdragmetall", the "Tuimada" shopping center, "Gazprombank", the entrance areas of the Government House, and the Il Tumen building.
The Secret to Thriving Green Spaces in Yakutsk
Maintaining such plantations in Yakutsk can be expensive due to the cost of planting material and the meticulous care required. However, Tsyukun's success lies in her understanding of the unique challenges posed by the climate and her innovative solutions to overcome them.
Successful greening projects in Yakutsk require careful selection of hardy plant species, proper soil preparation, innovative landscape design, and community engagement. Tsyukun uses native and cold-resistant plants like Siberian larch, dwarf birches, mosses, lichens, and Arctic willows. She also creates raised beds or mounds to improve drainage and soil warming, and uses organic mulches to insulate roots and retain moisture.
Tending to the Tiny Territories
Urban container gardening is a promising direction for regions with short summers and challenging soil. Tsyukun plants decorative woody plants in large pots, such as decorative leafy coleus, salvia, verbena bonariensis, petunias, calibrachoa, alyssum, and sweet potatoes. She also chooses frost-tolerant varieties for trees and shrubs grown in large pots.
Maintaining plants grown in large pots requires constant care, especially in Yakutsk's harsh climate. Timely watering, fertilizing, and other care are essential. Tsyukun uses slow-release fertilizers like osmocote, basacote, and zion when planting for excellent results.
A Green Vision for Yakutsk
From early June to late September, the flower beds and lawns under Tsyukun's maintenance require constant care. This includes preparing plants for the harsh winter with mulching and protective coverings, pruning and soil aeration during the short growing season, and installing efficient irrigation systems adapted to freezing temperatures.
Tsyukun's work is a testament to the power of green spaces in transforming cities. Her projects not only beautify the city but also contribute to its resilience in the face of extreme weather conditions. As she continues to create new flower beds every year, Yakutsk's urban landscape is set to blossom even more.
In Natalya Tsyukun's work, the focus on landscape architecture extends beyond just flowers, reaching into the realm of home-and-garden, where gardening plays a significant role in her vision for the city's overall appearance. Tsyukun's dedication to urban container gardening, particularly in regions with challenging climates, showcases her creative approach to home-and-garden lifestyle, utilizing hardy plant species and innovative techniques for growing plants in large pots.
