Surviving the War in Ukraine
Through Solace in the Soil & Your Help
Sad News From Alla
Dear Friends,
I have terrible news… the granny passed away… The war finally killed her, after one of the missile attacks she had a heart attack…
I called ambulance but they didn’t want to come – they have lots of calls and are very reluctant to come to such elderly people, I was in panic and finished by crying over the phone, I just didn’t know what to do, so finally they came. She was taken to the intensive care unit, I gave money so that they find a place for her despite everything and also bought all the necessary medicines. I stayed with her all the day, but I couldn’t stay longer for the night – it is prohibited and we have curfew, I had to manage to come home before it. They called me the next day and said that she passed away… I was terrified… I even couldn’t stay with her… I know that she would have lived many more years if we hadn’t had this war… I can’t image how I will live without her…
The mother-in-law and my husband do not feel well… My husband Vitaliy frightened me a lot as he suddenly felt bad…
I feel exhausted and killed… Will need some time of silence as I’m unable to post about plants… I’m so sorry for my irregular posting, but these are the hardest times in my life…
Thank you so much for not leaving my family, I lack words to express all my gratitude to all of you! This regular support on Patreon is the most important, it allows us to buy food and medicines and I know I have to post more as gratitude to all of you and I will continue doing my best.
With big gratitude,
Alla
Winter in Kharkiv, Ukraine (again)
It has been over 660 days since Russia invaded Ukraine. Winter is here again in Kharkiv, 30 miles from the Russian border. Snow is on the ground. The bitter wind is cruel.
Tough decisions have to be made again by Alla Olkhovska. When to run the generator – fuel is expensive. Medicines are crucial for her loved ones. They are budgeted first along with food. Winter brings darkness with the constant blackouts. No light means no Internet as well as other utilities. Air raids are incessant.
All hope is not lost. Alla does have her garden and her clematis seeds that she sells. She has her camera that creates a much needed stillness in a world surrounded by chaos. She has her 89-year-old Granny and her husband, Vitaliy, who still battles long Covid. And hope, most of all she has hope.
Hope that her country will win the war. That she will rebuild her city with all of her loved ones by her side. And that her garden will thrive.
How You Can Help
This is where you can help. This site has a store selling Alla’s photography with 8×10 mats. Along with access to buy her book, CLEMATIS. Unfortuantely she has sold all her seeds for 2023.
All proceeds will go to help Alla and her loved ones survive the winter in Kharkiv
If you would like to make a monetary donation, we have a couple of options. Alla has a GoFundMe page where 100% of the donations goes to Alla and her family.
Alla also has a Patreon account which has three monthly subscription levels: snowdrop ($5 USD/month) clematis ($10 USD/month), and peony ($25 USD/month). With your subscription you will get weekly messages from Alla along with her photography.
How Far We’ve Come
In almost two years, we have raised enough money for house repairs due to nearby shelling, a generator, replacement appliances that were damaged during first blackout, along with critical medicine and food.
Current needs are fuel, firewood, food and medicine, as well as future house damages.
As the war continues its destruction, we will continue to help.
We can’t do this alone.
Thank you so much!!
Gardening in a War Zone
A Original Floret Film
Earlier this year, Floret Flower Farm discovered Alla and her unique seed catalog. They created a beautiful film about Alla, her garden and the war in Ukraine.
