Gardening in a War Zone | First Look
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- Опубликовано: 6 дек 2023
- Alla Olkhovska is a gardener, writer, photographer, and clematis seed grower living in Kharkiv, Ukraine and is the subject of our first-ever documentary film, Gardening in a War Zone. Alla was unable to leave the country when the war broke out and now supports her family with the seeds she collects from her garden. This short video shares a bit of backstory on how we came to know Alla, her passion for sharing beauty, and why this project matters so much.
RELEASE DATE
December 12, 2023
If you’d like to support Alla and her family, here’s how:
PURCHASE A COPY OF ALLA’S E-BOOK
shop.floretflowers.com/produc...
DONATE VIA PAYPAL
standwithkharkiv@gmail.com
List “humanitarian aid” in the payment field description
SUBSCRIBE TO PATREON
/ allaolkhovska
FOLLOW ALLA ON SOCIAL MEDIA
/ allaolkhovska
/ allaolkhovska
/ @lindengrovegardens4570
VIDEO CREDITS
Executive Producer: Erin Benzakein
Director: Rob Finch
Editors: Rob Finch, Sarah Bourscheid
Producer: Rob Finch
Directors of Photography: Oleh Halaidych, Chris Benzakein
Additional Cinematography: Alla Olkhovska, Vitaliy Olkhovskyi
Color Correction and Sound Mix: Rob Finch
Production and Post Support: Chris Benzakein, Jill Jorgensen, Laura Davis, Melissa Reese, Angela Strand
Music: Soundstripe
Copyright Floret LLC
Read a full written interview with Alla here: www.floretflowers.com/the-far...
Sign up for our newsletter: www.floretflowers.com/newslet...
Website: www.floretflowers.com/
Instagram: / floretflower
Facebook: / floretflowers
Pinterest: / floretflwrfarm
Subscribe to our channel: / @floretflowerfarm
@lindengrovegardens4570
#floret #floretoriginalfilm #flowers #clematis #flowerseeds #specialtyseeds #erinbenzakein
"Pressed, but unbroken," her last words in this video are just so beautiful and painfully true. Thank you for sharing her story.
Yes, that was beautiful!
Beauty will prevail over the ugliness of war, something productive and creative will prevail over the destruction always. Alla the love and care you show for you flowers will find its way back to you.
Thank you so much to Erin and the team for making this documentary and featuring Alla! I can't wait to see it! It means so much to me as a Ukrainian and a gardener. Gardening, planting, and growing flowers is about the future. When you sow a seed, you must have patience to reap the fruit of your labor. I planted peony roots this fall. I hope I'm alive and still have a country by the time they first bloom. So please, don't forget about us, pray about us, tell your friends about what is happening in Ukraine, and call and write to your representative. I hate asking for help, but the truth is, we are not strong enough to survive on our own. We need your help! All we want is to live on our land, speak our language, grow our families, work, and grow our gardens in peace. Thank you for your support!
Alla's resilience and the beauty she cultivates amidst adversity are truly inspiring. Her story touched my heart deeply as tears flow down my cheeks. Thank you for sharing this incredible glimpse into her life.
Alla is such a brave and amazing woman. She will say she is doing what she must. Love and hugs to Alla
I am awed by Alla's strength. Thank you Erin for sharing her story.
Two days ago I purchased my climatis seeds and ebook from Alla . I have had this on my wanted-list ever since I found her account through you , Erin. And oh boy! I should have done it earlier! Alla's Climatis book is a master piece! It provides the most detailed and very informative explanations about everything around climates. As a non-English-nativ speaker it was very understandable and easy to read for me! While I was reading the book I could only think that Alla should have the support of the whole floral industry!!! Finding your documentary & seeing this short film makes me insanely happy! Thank you for sharing Alla & Thank you for providing the platform Erin!
What a beautiful spirit, like a wildflower pushing through the rubble and distruction of ruins. May God bless her, and keep her safe as she continues to be a light in such darkness.
Erin, thanks for sharing this story and supporting Ukraine. Dear Ala, I am sending you my warmth and love from Tbilisi, Georgia. spring is coming! Victory is coming! More flowers and glory to Ukraine! 💙💛
WOW😮!!! What an inspiring story of HOPE & RESILIENCE!!! Alla is obviously a very profound and loving woman who preserveres despite a horrific situation ! 😢 ! I sincerely pray she survives as she has so much to share and teach the world ❤!!!! Thank you, Erin, for showing we spoiled Americans how much we take for granted every moment of every day...humbling to say the least.
What she dosen't know is that she is extraordinary. She is a motivator, a ray of sunshine in a hellish landscape and her love permeates all she touches. She touches me.
Pressed, but unbroken indeed!
I got my clematis seeds right after watching this mini doc. It was very moving. I think my seeds are stateside and on their way to me and I am so excited. Alla is lovely and I have corresponded with her a bit. I hope to stay in touch with her.
Thank you so much for sharing this. You bring so much beauty to everyone who follows you… God bless you and your family, your countrymen. May this war end soon!
Flowers will survive and heal the world.
💐
Thank you for bringing us this story! Powerful, beautiful, and UNBROKEN!
My heart is breaking, yet hopeful. With tears in my eyes, Alla, I am praying for you and for Ukraine. Keep pushing forward; keep seeing how beautiful this work that you are doing is. Do not lose hope.
So beautiful, I am weeping. Thank you, Ala, for your story, and thank you Erin for being her champion. I look forward to the full doc. ❤
Ala is a blessing to this earth and everyone involved with bringing her story to us are blessings as well! Thank you! 💐🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🥰❤️
i cry watching this video ❤ warm words of support from Warsaw Poland, full of ukrainian refugees
'"Mesmerizing" is the right word for the photos she takes 🌷🌸👍🏼 I also hope that the world sees her and and what' she's doing 🎋🎋🎋
Thank you for sharing and cherishing the beauty and goodness of the world 🤍
What a beautiful person ❤ makes me be thankful for everything around me , and to remember what a privilege it is to live where I do and have the life I have
Oh Erin thank you for bringing us Alla!❤
Thank you for sharing.
“Pressed but unbroken “
I'm crying and have so much gratitude for such a beautiful soul. Thanks for telling stories, they are so powerful. Good to see Rob too =)
Wow. I am moved to tears. Her energy is so beautiful. And her story is incredibly inspiring. What a gift she is to this world during this time. And what a gift you are Erin in bringing her story to us.
Wonderful introduction to Alla. Thank you for bringing her to us. Her seeds look beautiful in the packets. Looking forward to watching the rest.
Wow, such a powerful and emotional story. Thank you Ala for all that you do to bring beauty into this world, and thank you Erin for sharing her story.
The macro photography is amazing and the story is beautiful. Very moving
Beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Will we ever be able to stop crying? TY Ala...thank you Erin.
So beautiful and devastating! thanks Erin for sharing such an incredible courageous story!
That short film is Lovely! It really makes you think.....
Thank you so much for sharing her story!!!!
This is so hard and beautiful. Thank you for sharing her story. God speed!
“…..motivate me to stay alive.” What a statement! For most of gardening is just for personal enjoyment. Alla, 🤗 💕
Love God's grace and the story
I cried from the first moment of this. Alla is a beautiful soul and the love she shows for her seeds is heartwarming. It breaks my heart that she and her people are going through the war. I can't wait to watch the whole documentary. Alla is sharing her love of her flowers to the world, thanks to you Erin! My neighbor grows Clematis, and I will definitely be buying some seed for her to grow. I can't wait to watch the whole documentary. Thank you, Erin!!
Erin, thank you so much for using your platform to share Alla's inspirational story of resilience and how she is maintaining beauty even in her war torn country. It's so hard to imagine what life is like in a War Zone, but by telling this story you have opened our eyes to another perspective of the day to day struggles of the Ukrainians. We are praying for Alla, her family and all of Ukraine.
Erin....your work is masterful in every way. I beg you to send this first look to Congress and the Senate so that the lawmakers can see what help to Ukraine means. I am so glad you found the amazing Alla, and thank-you for seeing she had an incredible story to tell, and you are telling it!
Alla you are amazing! Your hard work matters for your family and across the world. Don't let your amazing light dim. Your story brought me to tears- you matter.
Love you Alla 💕
Thank you for bringing this poignantly beautiful story to light.
Thank you, Erin, Alla, for who you are, and for all the seeds of light you plant ✨♥
Beautiful and brave in every way! I will be purchasing a book for sure.
Oh my goodness, I had to dry my eyes before I could type this comment! This is so wonderful! Thank you for creating this and posting this. I will follow her and buy seed from her! "Pressed, but unbroken"
Wow! Beautiful girl!
This was beautifully done and so heartfelt. To see someone so far away and in such dire circumstances focused on the requirements of her garden is remarkable. To see how Alla supports her family, by meticulously gathering and labeling her seeds in the extreme weather and writing a book by candlelight shows a lot about her character and will to survive this war. I'm truly touched. Thank you so much, Erin for bringing this story to us.
I loved hearing from Alla, what an amazing story. My husband’s family is from Ukraine and it hasn’t been easy, especially with family still there. Hearing from Alla felt like hearing from their home, truly wonderful. 🥰
Oh my gosh. So very touching.
Wow! Thank you so much for opening our eyes to what it's like in a war zone country. Sitting in my peaceful country and gardening, planting the last of my daffodil bulbs I'm ashamed to say I have never thought of gardening, and having a gardening business in war time. My eyes are opened now and I'm grateful for that. I will absolutely support and follow her journey. Thanks Erin, et al for bringing this to our attention.
Thank you Erin and Alla for sharing the beauty that is life in such turbulent times. I love flowers and gardens and believe that spending time with and in them brings healing. Looking forward to seeing the whole documentary.
Wow, what a beauty. ❤
Wow, can’t wait to see the whole film!
This is so lovely. For us to have another friend inseed, on the other side of the world. Thank you to Erin and Alla❤️
Wow, thank you so much for sharing. My worries seem so trivial after watching this video and this is a reminder that we need to remember those that are struggling day to day for basic things like heat, food, etc.
I love the human stories that bring us together. Wherever we are in the world. Erin, again, thank you for bringing Ala’s story to us. I would love to see more of this interaction.
❤ I’m going to support her. Thank you 🌸
You are such a wonderful person for sharing this important story! Cannot wait for the full documentary…until then.❤
I look at her way of life as it exists now during this war and think of the hardship she endures, but yet finds beauty and hope in her garden. She is truly an inspiration and example of graciousness .
Дякую за відео про мою Україну. Дуже страшно постійно бути під обстрілами, але любов до рідної Батьківщини перемагає. Хочу просто бути вдома.
omg, this is beautiful. thanks, for sharing her story, can't wait to see the film.
This was an absolutely beautiful story! With a Ukranian background it was extra special to me. Thank you, for taking the time to share this story with the world! Sending Alla the warmest hug!
What an amazing young woman. When so many would have just given up, she continues to find the positive in her garden. I do so admire her strength and courage to carry on. What an inspiration.
I look forward to hearing more of this story.
❤❤❤❤
Very inspiring & emotional story, Thankyou for sharing, am looking forward to the rest of the story ❤
"Pressed but unbroken".
Isn't this the perfect description for living through our trials of our life on this earth?
Thank you Alla so much for your example that speaks to the truth that we sometimes don't have control over what happens 'to' us, but what really matters not only to us, but to those learning from our example; is what we 'do' with the unspeakable actions of others.
You have chosen to spread beauty among the ashes that others have created in your beautiful country!
God blesses those of His children who uplift others through times of trouble!
Thank you for blessing our lives in another part of the world! May you and your family prosper because of your great efforts to spread beauty and joy!
Where can I buy your clematis seeds in Washington, USA?
Wow, every film you and your team produces makes me cry somewhere because the message is so touching. Thank you Erin for all that you do! Flowers and beauty are IMPORTANT in our world! Blessings to you all. I look forward to the film and following Alla.
This brought tears to my eyes, I am mesmerized by her delicate and intentional touch to each of her seeds. Really looking forward to hearing the rest of this story.
Oh wow! What a beautiful video! I want to support her, thank you!
Thank you for sharing Alla’s story. I think people are hungry for more stories like this. Lemon Tree Trust is an organization that helps people displaced by war to garden in their refugee camps, and they’d be a great partner in any effort to tell stories of gardeners seeking beauty and peace amidst war.
I bet there is not a dry eye after watching this. Bravo ladies. You both make the world a much better place. Thank you.
Thank you for bringing this amazing story of strength and beauty.
Truly very inspiring
Holding Love and Peace in my heart and mind for these beautiful people ❤❤❤❤❤
Is it not wonderful how small things like flowers can connect us all. What a lovely happenstance that you found Alla online, Erin. Alla, thank you for sharing your story and be safe. Wishing you both peace and joy.
Thank you, Erin and team, for finding Allá and bringing her story of light and beauty and hope to this broken world we live in. Can’t wait for the documentary!
so impress with this video thank you for sharing!
Erin , thank you for supporting Ukraine and share Alla’s story to the world 💙💛Алло, сил вам і натхнення продовжувати ділитися красою та бути незламною. З любовʼю зі Львова💛
So much to learn here❤
I am so glad I took the short time to watch this. I am not a crier. Tears are trickling as I type this. What a beautiful woman. What a devastating yet uplifting story. Thank you.
This brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, Erin for using your platform to amplify Alla and her hopeful work. I am looking forward to the film.
How beautiful. Thank you, Erin and Alla!
Alla, your story is inspirational. So many things going on in our lives to fuss about. You demonstrate such strength and determination. ❤
Dear Erin, this is simply beautiful. Thank you
Oh my! I am moved to tears. Thank you for sharing Alla’s story. Powerful message. I sit here in quiet awe.
Wow on every level. Thank you Erin for elevating the stories of people and especially a woman with so much soul, fortitude, love and beauty. I cried my eyes out into my breakfast and was so moved by Alla. Incredible that you two found each other. So beautiful.
thank you for sharing her story. We as a country get so caught up in our "stuff". Her persistence to gather and write is amazing and a good lesson for all of us!
❤
Just incredible. Alla is a bright light in a stormy night. You are important Alla!
I truly enjoyed watching this and was just amazed at her and all that she is doing .
So very cool ❤
Thank you for sharing Alla's story! This is such an incredible testimony of strength, love, beauty and heartbreak. I will be following, praying and buying. Thank you so much Erin!
Even after the darkest night, the sun will rise again. it is so strong, that people can find beauty even in the darkest days💙💛
Such a beautiful story. I can’t wait to hear more.
What a beautiful story and film. Looking forward to the full documentary and to follow you, Alla, going forward. Thanks so much to you both for sharing this story!
Wow! Alla has such a beautiful heart and resistant soul. Crying as I watch this
This is a beautiful and amazing story of a very dear Ukrainian woman. Thanks for sharing this during this very difficult time for Ukraine! So inspiring!
I'm so thankful for people like you- that have a large platform, that you choose to show stories like this! You could bery well just keep it about yourself & your seeds, & never tell the backstory of your seeds... but you choose to let us see amazing & inspiring things such as this! 🥰🙏
Alla and Her Family are in My Prayers 🙏🙏