Flowers, flavors and the element of flamenco. Crowds at "Remember the gardens"

It attracted attention, delighted, drew and absorbed. We are talking about the Wały Chrobrego garden, which over the weekend - like a magnet - attracted crowds of Szczecin residents and tourists. Those who were not tempted by the tree lilies and rhododendrons, clematis or climbing hydrangeas, were awaited by honey, cheeses and breads made according to traditional recipes, home-made bigos from the pot or skewers from the grill. The whole thing was spiced up with a touch of exoticism, i.e. a flamenco flash mob.

On the main terrace of Wały Chrobrego, one of the most anticipated, valued and popular exhibition events in Szczecin has moored - the garden fair "Pamiętujcie o ogrodach" and the accompanying market of not only regional food, ph. "Wałówka z delicakami". And even the exceptionally capricious weather, i.e. rain with gusts of strong wind, could not discourage the regulars of this exceptional "garden of the senses". This one in its spring version. That is, with a predominance of blooming perennials, arranged by the exhibitors in colorful carpets: marigolds, begonias, bacopa, geraniums, peonies, lobelias, alyssum. Next to decorative leaves of coleuses, mosquitoes and helichrysum.

- We are walking through the fair alley for the third time. Half of the trunk is already filled with flower pots with a mix of flowers that will be hung on the terrace. But my wife is choosing more: clothes, bells, blankets and something else, because she has dreamed of a rock garden by the house - said Mr. Krzysztof, one of the participants of the weekend event.

Mrs. Irmina decided to create a corner with herbs on the sixth-floor balcony at Czesława Street. She hung pots on a trellis, and wanted to match them with appropriate seedlings.

The fair is the perfect opportunity to supplement your home greenery. No time wasted, because everything is almost at your fingertips. And the choice of species and varieties is enormous, so... I have a problem now, because I came to buy mint, among other things, and there is a ton of it: chocolate, lemon, Moroccan, orange, peppermint, fragrant, apple, Corsican, Corinthian, etc. It is hard to decide what to choose. Especially since basil is similar: different colors, scents and flavors. And I dreamed of a simple herbarium with rosemary, thyme, tarragon, lovage - she commented.

Among the nearly 100 stands at the fair, the offer of trees and shrubs was equally diverse - ornamental and fruit. The latter - especially old varieties - have recently seen a significant increase in demand.

- It's not just about finding the taste of childhood. Old varieties are more resistant to diseases, pests, even to difficult local conditions. Just a few minus lines won't freeze them - assured one of the growers.

Home gardeners were also offered a wide range of tools: from shovels and hand trimmers, through self-propelled mowers, to mini-tractors. Those who wanted could order furniture, planters, fountains, recycled surfaces for bridges or terraces, and even equip the plot with a water treatment system or photovoltaic panels.

Along with the flowery colours, the offer of not only regional food was tempting. Queues formed at the stands with cheeses, breads and butcher's products, made according to traditional recipes. In addition to craft beers from mini-breweries, you could taste the classic Szczecin paprykarz. It was impossible to resist smoked meats and grilled skewers or sausages. Similarly, home-made cakes or sweet Turkish delicacies.

Many were surprised - although it was announced - by the breakdance show or the flamenco flash mob. The lively exotic, as well as outdoor yoga, were the accompanying attractions - on the second day "Remember the gardens". We will have to wait until September for the next - this time autumn - edition of this event. ©℗

Text and film: A. NALEWAJKO

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