Greenhouse of rare plants: how Shymkent takes care of its green heritage
06.08.2025 14:19:09 859.png)
In early August 2025, large-scale work began in Shymkent on the territory of the Asanbay Askarov Arboretum to care for a unique area — the Greenhouse (Tukymbak), which occupies an area of 1.5 hectares. This area is not just part of the park — it is an open-air scientific and botanical laboratory where rare and ornamental plant species are grown, adapted, and preserved.
Coniferous and deciduous trees, rare species brought from other climate zones, as well as plants used in landscape design grow here. Many of them undergo the process of acclimatization - this means that they are adapted to local natural conditions in order to be subsequently planted in other areas of the city or used for scientific research.
Today, seasonal agricultural activities are carried out on the site: loosening the soil, fertilizing, watering, sanitary pruning of shrubs, mowing the grass. Each plant, whether a young seedling or an adult tree, receives individual care. Particular attention is paid to varieties that require increased attention due to their capriciousness to humidity, soil or temperature fluctuations.
A distinctive feature of this season was the active introduction of modern agricultural technologies. The irrigation system was modernized on the territory of the greenhouse - now drip irrigation is functioning here, which allows saving water and at the same time maintaining stable soil moisture. Given the climatic features of the south of Kazakhstan, where summer is often accompanied by prolonged heat, this innovation became vital for preserving the collection.
Also, specialized specialists are involved in the work in the greenhouse - agronomists and landscape designers, who constantly consult on care issues and monitor the condition of the plants. It is interesting that, within the framework of cooperation with scientific institutions from Almaty and Taraz, students and postgraduates of biological faculties are sent here to conduct practical classes and field research.
Such attention to plant diversity is not accidental. The arboretum, founded in 1979, was originally conceived as not only a recreation area, but also an educational, enlightening and research facility. However, for many years, many areas of the park did not receive proper care. Only in the last 4-5 years has a gradual restoration begun - the alleys were put in order, irrigation systems were installed, and plant records were resumed.
If we compare the current work with previous years, significant changes are obvious. For example, in 2018, the Greenhouse consisted of just a few beds with seedlings of ornamental trees and shrubs that were planted on the city's alleys. Outdated methods were used in care - watering from hoses, manual pruning. There was no plant inventory database, no systematic scientific approach.
Today, the Greenhouse is a complete ecosystem. It catalogues all species, records growth dynamics, determines flowering periods and adaptation features. Rare specimens such as Japanese sakura, Himalayan pine and rock juniper are of particular pride. These trees are not typical for the climate of Southern Kazakhstan, but with the right approach they began to take root and develop.
The arboretum administration also places a bet on environmental education. It is planned to open a small visitor center, where lectures, master classes and excursions for schoolchildren and students will be held. Thus, Teplitsa will become not only a scientific platform, but also a center for environmental education.
It is worth noting that interest in the project is growing not only among scientists. More and more city residents are taking part in volunteer campaigns, helping to care for green spaces, participating in clean-up days and collecting seeds. Such activity indicates the formation of a new level of environmental awareness in society - an understanding that clean air and shade from trees depend on everyone's efforts.
It is planned that by 2026 the territory of the Greenhouse will be expanded, and its capabilities as a scientific base will be strengthened. As part of the project development, plans are being developed for the exchange of seed material with botanical gardens in Central Asia and Europe. Thus, the Shymkent Arboretum can become an important center for international cooperation in the field of biodiversity protection.
In conclusion, we can say that the development of the Greenhouse in Shymkent is an example of a competent synthesis of science, ecology and urbanism. This project not only improves the appearance of the city, but also helps to preserve the natural wealth of the region, to raise a new generation of citizens who respect and protect the environment. The future of green Shymkent begins right here - with each tree grown in the shade of care and science.