Tropical oasis in northern Moldova: Meet the man growing kiwi, persimmon, and figs in Drochia
He has transformed his yard into a small tropical oasis. In Drochia, Veaceslav Zuza is successfully cultivating persimmon, kiwi, pomegranate, fig, and even passion fruit.
It all started ten years ago with a single shrub, but after the first harvest, his passion blossomed into a veritable exotic garden.
In Veaceslav Zuza's yard in Drochia, the cold does not deter the exotic trees. Fig, persimmon, pomegranate, and kiwi thrive here—varieties that few would dare to cultivate in the country's northern region.
"I don't give them special protection. I just apply mulch around the trunk by gathering the leaves in the autumn to shield them. If the soil warms up, the root senses the heat, and the sap starts flowing. They are most vulnerable in the spring; if the plant is 'awakened' too early, it risks dying," the man explains.
Veaceslav Zuza has left a few persimmon fruits on the branches, especially for curious visitors. One pomegranate variety that the enthusiast cultivates was even brought to him by a friend from Tajikistan.
"In the future, I want to bring in more fig and persimmon varieties. I'm personally curious to see what grows elsewhere that we can successfully try here," the enthusiast says.
Few would have the courage to plant such varieties due to a lack of knowledge. However, Veaceslav studied each plant meticulously. He overcame his fears and the uncertainty, and today he enjoys a true dream garden. And his plans don't stop here.
"I have many things planned. I would like to have akebia; I already have Passiflora edulis (passion fruit), one variety of maracuja, and I want to collect other varieties. I have so many plans, but they won't all fit in my garden. Still, I plant them; if they don't bear fruit, I'll remove them and keep only the ones I truly like," the man recounts.
For now, the exotic fruits from Veaceslav Zuza's garden are not sold commercially. He says that the work in the garden is first and foremost a passion, not a business, and he shares the bounty with his loved ones and curious visitors.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
