My Ukrainian gardening traditions, with Olia Hercules

In this episode of the BBC Gardeners World Magazine Podcast, Claire Venison speaks with chef, author, and gardener Olia Hercules about the significance of gardening in her life and her Ukrainian heritage. Olia shares nostalgic memories from her childhood in southern Ukraine, highlighting the abundance of fruits and vegetables her family grew, including cherry trees, gooseberries, and a vast range of herbs and vegetables. Gardening was an essential part of her family's life, deeply rooted in traditions and folklore.

Olia discusses her family's history of growing food, particularly the influence of her grandmother, who cultivated a large garden and sang to her plants. Meals were a communal affair, with family gatherings centered around homegrown produce, offering both nourishment and storytelling.

The conversation shifts to the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which forced her family to flee their home. Cooking familiar dishes like borscht for her parents is described as a way to evoke warmth and memories of safety. Olia emphasizes that continuing to grow food, even under dire circumstances, reflects Ukrainians' resilience and connection to their land.

Listeners learn about Ukraine’s rich biodiversity and the significance of preserving its natural environment amidst the destruction caused by war. The episode also covers Olia's journey in the UK, where she started growing both traditional Ukrainian crops and new varieties, along with her passion for fermentation, which she encourages as a way of preserving heritage and food culture. She expresses a strong desire to continue and share these traditions with future generations, emphasizing the therapeutic and unifying power of gardening.