In the garden of Lyudmila Mingaleeva, a resident of Zainsk, hundreds of species of flowers grow.

      The story of how a child's admiration turned into a beloved pursuit and a source of inspiration.

      In the rhythm of modern life we often forget to stop and look around. Meanwhile, true beauty and harmony grow literally under our feet — in gardens, in flower beds and in the souls of the people who create that beauty. The story of our heroine Lyudmila Mingaleeva is precisely about such a transformation of the world, which began with a love of nature instilled by her father and a single school bouquet that led her to the yard of an extraordinary woman.

      "They called her Baba Lena, but to us she was 'Grandma Flower.' I met her on the eve of September 1. I needed flowers, because in those days there were no flower shops, and bouquets for teachers were mostly made from flowers that grew in the garden. So the gate opened, my mother and I went into 'Grandma Flower's' yard, and at first glance I was stunned and delighted that it was entirely full of flowers. A riot of colors, a garden filled with fragrance... It was then that I decided: in the future I will also grow a flower garden," said Lyudmila Mingaleeva.

      She kept her word. The first marigolds were planted at the age of 12. And now, during a single season, hundreds of kinds of flowers bloom in her garden. Particularly dear to the gardener's heart are the delicate lilies and buttercups, the dainty little roses, the majestic delphiniums and the airy baby's breath.

      "I like them all," she admits, "because I care for each one equally."

      For her, floriculture is not just caring for plants. It is a philosophy, a path to harmony and self-expression.

      "A person is a creative being. When he creates something beautiful and sees the result, he comes into a state of harmony, and he wants to give that beauty to others," the gardener shares her thoughts. "What does floriculture give me? First, flowers transform the space and create coziness in the garden and the home. Second, it is creativity and self-realization through landscape design. And third, it is tranquility, although such a hobby requires a lot of effort and patience, because to see the flowers of some plants you have to wait years."

      Lyudmila Mingaleeva demonstrates her creative talent not only in the garden. By profession she is a cultural worker, and her whole life is permeated with service to the beautiful. The creative energy she gives people at work finds its continuation within her home walls, where she is a caring wife and mother, a wonderful homemaker. Her home is as cozy, filled with color and love, as the garden.

      And the garden is not only an ornament but also a living pantry. Calendula, chamomile and lavender go into fragrant teas, healing oils and cozy aroma pillows. And the magnificent floral arrangements created by Lyudmila Mingaleeva's hands become a true decoration of district celebrations.

      She generously shares her experience and beauty on the social network VKontakte. On her page is a whole world of creativity: embroidery, culinary masterpieces, decorative-applied arts and, of course, a sea of flowers.

      "When I post photos, I don't just write which rose I have grown, I also briefly post the most interesting facts about particular flowers. A person visiting my page will not only see a lot of beauty but will also learn many interesting and useful things," she says.

      For those who only want to try their hand at floriculture, she has a simple but wise piece of advice: "You can plant anything. But you must remember that plants cannot wait until you are in the mood or have free time: if you don't water them on time they will wither, if you don't take care of them they won't reward you with abundant blooms. You need to spend a lot of time with them, but in return they will generously gift you fragrant and magnificent flowers."

      Lyudmila Mingaleeva's story reminds us that the most important things often begin with small acts: a walk in the forest with her father, the kindness of a neighborly grandmother, and a little girl's decision to make the world more beautiful. And she, without a doubt, succeeds.

      Photo from Lyudmila Mingaleeva's personal archive.

      Irina Smirnova

      More news about the event:

      In the garden of Zainsk resident Lyudmila Mingaleeva hundreds of species of flowers grow

      The story of how a child's admiration turned into a beloved pursuit and a source of inspiration. 10:56 31.08.2025 Zainsk-Inform — Zainsk

      In the garden of Zainsk resident Lyudmila Mingaleeva hundreds of species of flowers grow

      The story of how a child's admiration turned into a beloved pursuit and a source of inspiration. 10:17 31.08.2025 News of Zainsk — Zainsk