Bananas, figs, and citrus fruits are grown at the "Abuzerye" agro-estate in the Chashniksky district, reports a BELTA correspondent.
Exotic fruits ripen in a greenhouse covering 12 ares. As the owner of this tropical oasis, Larisa Ivanova, explained, it all started in 2010 with simple and traditional Belarusian plants – tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens were grown in the greenhouse. But then they gradually began to populate the area with exotic species. Currently, the facility houses several dozen types of plants, including fruiting ones such as oranges, calamondins, lemons, figs, bananas, and coffee trees.
Giving us a tour of her tropics, the owner talks about bananas. "It turned out that they are quite unpretentious. They feel great in our greenhouse and don't require much attention. As you know, a banana is a herb. From the moment the ovary appears until the fruits ripen, it takes 4-5 months. After harvesting, the plant is completely cut down, and new shoots begin to grow from the roots," said Larisa Ivanova. "The taste of our bananas is different from those we buy in the store. They are more aromatic, sweeter, and have a slightly different texture."
However, citrus fruits require a bit more effort. In addition to watering and fertilizing, the trees need pruning, and the leaves and fruits must be constantly wiped (otherwise, dust accumulates and sticks to them). "Orange trees are long-livers. They can bear fruit for several decades. Propagation is not difficult – they grow from cuttings. I've already tried it, and it all works out," shared the owner.
In addition to plants, a canary (or rather, a male canary, as it's a male) thrives in the greenhouse. There is also a rabbit and a cat. "The presence of these inhabitants is due to the fact that our agro-estate is focused on family recreation. We welcome children from a very early age, and therefore we have a children's menu, a playground, entertainment, and animators work on holidays. In winter, children mainly spend time in this winter garden – there is plenty to see, they can play, and observe the fish in the pool," said Larisa Ivanova.
Most often, families from Moscow and the Moscow region are guests here, followed by Minsk and St. Petersburg, and then Vitebsk. Guests have the opportunity not only to admire exotic fruits but also to taste them. The owners also plan to expand the assortment: their dream and plans include growing a fruiting pineapple in the greenhouse.