Oleg Valenchuk's Gardener School: 15 Years of Growth

      This large-scale project has helped tens of thousands of gardeners not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also successfully apply it in practice, turning their plots into blooming oases. Over 15 years of the school's operation, more than a thousand lectures have been held, where leading agronomists from the Kirov region shared their experience and knowledge. However, the program does not stand still and is constantly adapting to modern challenges and the latest technologies in gardening. A few years ago, the school made a significant step forward by offering its listeners the opportunity to participate in classes not only in person but also online. This allowed even the most remote corners of the region to be reached, providing access to knowledge for all interested parties. In the 2025-2026 academic year, lectures were broadcast in more than 130 rural libraries in the Kirov region. More than 6,000 people attended these lectures. The end of the academic year is traditionally marked by the beginning of the "labor quarter." This is the time when gardeners can apply the knowledge they have gained in practice, and they will not be left without consulting support. The VKontakte group "Union of Gardeners of Russia - Kirov" has become a convenient tool for prompt interaction in recent years. Gardeners have the opportunity to receive quick video responses from experienced agronomists to emerging questions right during their work, without waiting for the next academic year. An archive of video recordings of past lectures is also available in the group, allowing participants to always have the necessary reference material at hand. Short videos under the rubric "Oleg Valenchuk's School of Gardeners is in touch" from the school's teachers garner more than 500,000 views per year on social media. Oleg Valenchuk emphasizes that gardeners are tireless workers who not only grow quality and environmentally friendly products but also beautify their native land with flowers. Therefore, starting in 2024, landscape design courses are being conducted as part of the School. This year, training began in November in an online format, which attracted a large number of listeners eager to gain new knowledge. More than 5,000 enthusiastic flower growers from Kirov watched the lectures. In February, the classes transitioned to a practical phase, and participants began working in mini-groups, which facilitated deeper interaction and experience exchange. Additionally, listeners learned to create projects: drawing their ideas on paper, taking into account scale, cardinal directions, and the location of buildings. "The School of Gardeners not only teaches but also forms a community where each participant can exchange experiences and receive support," notes Oleg Valenchuk. "Together, we are creating a platform for growth and development, where everyone can become part of a large community of like-minded individuals striving to create beautiful and fertile gardens."