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Head of operations Denis Kotsan, at Imperial Garden Farm, with his team in the greenhouse.
Imperial Garden, established in June 2023, is in the Ukrainian village of Dymer, near Kyiv. It is a thriving peony farm on 24 hectares, including a state-of-the-art 5,000-square-metre greenhouse.
FCI interviewed the investors, Maksym and Vadyslava Fursov, husband and wife, after being introduced to them through Arno Klijbroek, a Dutch tulip entrepreneur and founding member of the humanitarian mission of the De Leeuw Kyiv Foundation. Here is their story.
The husband and wife team, Vadyslava and Maksym Fursov are the investors in Imperial Garden.
Vadyslava Fursov: “Why open a business now if not to save this world? The Imperial Garden farm is not just a business venture for my husband, Maksym, and me; it’s a deeply personal mission. Our vision is to create a thriving business that not only produces high-quality peonies but also revitalises our home region of Dymer.
The Russian occupation here was for one-and-a-half months. Many people in this community were killed, abducted, and the trauma continues to this day. The decision to establish the farm here was driven by a desire to support the community and create local employment opportunities. We are the investors at the helm, and Denis Kotsan manages daily operations and a workforce that fluctuates between 30 and 100 employees depending on the season.”
Head of operations Denis Kotsan (second from right) with his team in the greenhouse.
“Everybody needs something beautiful to look at. In such a difficult time for Ukraine, when there is a war, peonies give pleasant emotions, beauty and love.
Imperial Garden cultivates 38 types of peonies, including popular varieties like Sarah Bernhardt, Angel Cheeks, and Red Charm. Notably, Sarah Bernhardt peonies make up 60 per cent of the crop, favoured by us for their beauty and ease of cultivation.
The suppliers of the peony roots are European companies, one of the main companies is Green Works International BV. As for tulip bulbs, Mr Klijbroek is our reliable partner who introduced us to StoKolex. Arno is such a reliable and responsible partner, as well as a sensitive, wise and educated person. Our company, as well as our country, is receiving stable financial and moral support from him. The farm employs advanced techniques similar to the Netherlands, with peonies planted in double rows 70 cm apart. This careful spacing ensures optimal growth conditions.
The growing process begins without fertilisation to allow the roots to adapt naturally. In autumn, fields are treated for weeds and fertilised using a drip irrigation system. The final step before cutting involves removing side shoots to enhance the central bud. Key to our success are robust planting materials, an efficient drip irrigation system, and, of course, the fertile Ukrainian soil.”
Peonies growing in the open fields of Imperial Garden.
“The farm’s greenhouse, was constructed with the assistance of Dutch technology. It covers 0.5 hectares and features a hydroponic system, diode lighting, automatic ventilation, and adjustable blinds. Maintaining a constant temperature of +16°C during harsh winters, when temperatures can drop to -30°C, is a significant challenge. Pest control is managed innovatively, with battery spraying in the greenhouse and drone spraying for field crops.”
Construction of the 5,000m2 greenhouse.
“Since the war began, the entire country has been working in extremely difficult conditions. The main challenge is the fundamental human need for security. Imperial Farm is supporting the workers from our local communities, and their perseverance serves as a beacon of hope and strength during these troubled times.
We are also continuing to work and bolster the Ukrainian economy, thanks to the bravery of the Ukrainian armed forces.”
Security and camaraderie for the local community of workers at Imperial Garden.
“Future plans for Imperial Garden are ambitious. Our clients today are all of Ukraine. Our target is the Baltic States and the UAE.
In production, we aim to expand our peony fields further and include a further eight hectares of greenhouse space. Additionally, we want to introduce three to four hectares of space for tulips and roses into the greenhouse operations to achieve complete energy autonomy.
Innovations like the autonomous weeder, capable of destroying 100,000 weeds per hour with a laser (both day and night—and is not afraid of rocket fire), are part of our vision for an ecological and innovative future.”
Imperial Garden Quick Overview
Head of the Company: Denis Kotsan
Investors: Vadyslava and Maksym Fursov
Location: Dymer, Kyiv Region, Ukraine
Established: June 2023
Production: 24 hectares, including a 5,000m² greenhouse
Employs: 30-100 workers depending on season.
PEONIES:
One of the largest growers of peonies in Ukraine, it cultivates 38 types of peonies, including popular varieties like Sarah Bernhardt, Angel Cheeks, and Red Charm.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURES
Winter -10°C
Summer +18°C
Preparing peonies for winter is an extremely important process because the winter temperature in the Kyiv region drops to -20°C or sometimes to -30°C.
This article was first published in the July-August 2024 issue of FloraCulture International.
