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Flowering evergreen climbers


Best evergreen climbers:10 evergreen climbing plants

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Whether you are redesigning your backyard from scratch or simply want to introduce some screening for privacy or shade, it's vital to include evergreen climbers.

Perfect for scrambling up and covering walls, fences and trellises – visually extending your garden's boundaries year-round, evergreen climbers can add much-needed color, texture and shelter for wildlife if trained over pergolas and arches, too.

Best evergreen climbers

These are the perennial climbers are amongst the best climbing plants you can plant.

1. Best evergreen climber for shade

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Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ AGM – Paddy’s Pride is an excellent Persian ivy with large heart-shaped green leaves splashed with lime and gold. It can be used either to clad walls or create ground cover and is perfect if you are looking for garden shade ideas as it will clad any trellis densely.  

‘Hederas are great for shade,’ says Irene Kalina-Jones, landscape designer at Outside Space NYC in New York City. ‘I like ‘Sulphur Heart’, as it is variegated, so gives a bit of light reflection in the shade. I like it against walls or trees, mixed with other varieties. It’s also great in seasonal winter pots.’

Note that some other forms of ivy (such as H. helix) can be invasive in parts of the US, so check what is advised in your area before selecting an ivy. 

Mature plants allowed to climb will produce globes of fall flowers that feed bees, followed by black berries that feed birds. 

This self-clinging climber is best in well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in semi-shade. 

Hardiness: USDA 6-9 (UK H5). 

Hardiness: USDA 6-9 (UK H5). : 20ft (6m).

2. Best evergreen climber for pots

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Sollya heterophylla – the bluebell creeper is an Australian climber that has clusters of beautiful azure bells in summer.  

In warm regions, it can be grown outside in well-drained, moist, fertile soil in sheltered sun. But in cold areas, it’s best in a conservatory; alternatively, young plants can be grown as container gardening ideas, which are overwintered in a heated greenhouse.

Hardiness: USDA 10-11 (UK h4). 

Height: 6ft (1.8m). 

3. Best evergreen climber for scent

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Trachelospermum jasminoides AGM is a superb evergreen climber with glossy green leaves that take on crimson hues in winter and jasmine-like ivory summer flowers that have a strong tea scent – making it one of the best flowering climbers. 

‘Every garden should have a T. jasminoides,’ says London-based garden designer Claire Mee , ‘ – it is without doubt one of the best evergreen climbers. The neat, dark-green foliage can be trained in any manner of shapes: for example, on diamond-shaped wiring to attractively cover walls. It is well behaved and won't drop masses of leaves all over your garden. When in flower during the summer months, the heady fragrance is unbeatable.’ 

Its common names are star jasmine or confederate jasmine (which refers to the Greater Malayan Confederation because the plant hails from Southeast Asia). 

Grow jasmine on a sheltered south or west-facing wall. 

Hardiness: USDA 8-10 (UK h5). 

Height: 20ft (6m). 

4. Best evergreen climber for trellis

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Clematis armandi (syn. C. armandii) – you will smell the marzipan-scented blooms of this clematis before you see them. The white starry flowers open in spring above long, dark-green leaves. 

‘C. armandi is highly perfumed,’ say Chris and Suzy Cocks at specialist clematis nursery Taylors , ‘and it has laurel-like foliage that is great for lots and lots of good, dense coverage. ’ 

When you grow clematis, give this twining climber something to cling to, such as trellis, in fertile, well-drained soil. This variety is among the best clematis to grow. The upper plant needs sheltered sun, but the roots require shade provided by plants in front of them. Prune clematis twice a year to keep in shape. Be aware that the plant is toxic to dogs. 

Hardiness: USDA 6-9 (UK h5). 

Height: 23ft (7m). 

5. Best evergreen climber for flowers and fruit

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Holboellia latifolia (syn. Stauntonia latifolia) – the name 'broad-leaved sausage vine' doesn’t make you sprint to buy, but this is one of the best evergreen climbers. 

As well as large, dense, glossy leaves, it produces purple or creamy-green spring flowers that smell of melon and jasmine, and edible sausage-shaped purple autumn fruit. 

Grow in well-drained soil in sheltered sun or semi-shade.  

Hardiness: USDA 8-11 (UK h5). 

Height: 20ft (6m). 

6. Best evergreen climber for summer and fall color

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Lapageria rosea AGM – the Chilean bellflower is hung with enchanting, big, waxy pink-red blooms during late summer and fall. 

In cold regions, this tender plant can be grown in a conservatory, as long as it’s shielded from bright sun. 

Provide it with something to twine around, such as trellis, in moist, well-drained acid to neutral soil, in sheltered semi-shade or shade. 

Hardiness: USDA 9-11 (UK h4). 

Height: 16ft (5m). USDA 9-11 (UK h4). 

7. Best evergreen climber for walls

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Hedera helix ‘Buttercup’ AGM – this yellow English ivy injects the garden with golden warmth, even in the depths of winter. Being slow-growing and compact, it can be used to illumine the base of a tree trunk or a statue. 

‘I love this ivy variety,’ says Pennsylvania-based landscape designer Nathan Tuno , who works at Roots Landscape Inc. ‘The lime-butter color of the leaf, its trailing habit, and slow-growing nature make it great for containers and small spaces.’ More vigorous forms of H. helix ought to be avoided in the midwest US, where they are invasive. 

The small lobed leaves are rich yellow in sun, but lime green in shade. This self-clinging climber dislikes competition from other plants and thrives in well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. 

Hardiness: USDA 4-9 (UK H5). 

Height: 7ft (2m). 

8. Best evergreen climber for pollinators

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Pileostegia viburnoides is a leafy self-clinging hydrangeas for shade. The tiny ivory flowers open in fleecy clumps in August and fall, above long, glossy green leaves.  

‘Pileostegia viburnoides is a great evergreen climber for shade,’ say the evergreen experts at Architectural Plants . ‘At its best, the lushest, greenest, shiniest, fleshy and exotic thing you’ll ever meet.’

It can take a few years to bloom, but it’s worth the wait. Possessing the nectar power to attract every insect in the area, it is best planted a good distance from seating areas. 

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in sheltered semi-shade or shade and give nitrogen-rich food. 

Hardiness: USDA 8-10 (UK H5). 

Height: 20ft (6m). 

9. Best evergreen climber for winter color

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Clematis cirrhosa var. purpurascens ‘Freckles’ AGM – from November to February, this evergreen clematis is hung with primrose-yellow bells that are heavily speckled maroon and provide food for bees. It is named after clematis breeder Raymond Evison’s daughter Rebecca, who had lots of freckles when she was little.  

‘There is a perfect clematis for each time of the year,’ says Irene Kalina-Jones, landscape designer at Outside Space NYC in New York City. ‘You can pretty much grow them anywhere in the garden. I like them on fences and free-standing trellis.’ 

Being more tender than most other clematis, ‘Freckles’  requires a sheltered south or west-facing wall, in moist, well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. 

Hardiness: USDA 7-9 (UK h5). 

Height: 13ft (4m). 

10. Best evergreen climber for privacy

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Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’ AGM – this Chilean potato tree is a climbing shrub that produces fragrant blue-purple flowers in summer and early fall, followed by inedible yellow fruit. 

Although it is in the potato family, and although it's one of the prettiest evergreen plants, all parts of it are poisonous. Grow in moist, well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in sun and tie in to a wire framework or trellis. Evergreen in warm regions. 

Height: 13ft (4m). USDA 9-11 (UK h5). 

What is a fast-growing evergreen climber?

Clematis armandii is a fast-growing evergreen climber that will happily scramble over trellis, pergolas and arches. It does need to be tied in and pruned a couple of times a year to keep it shapely, but it retains its glossy green leaves throughout the year, and rewards you with star-shaped, scented flowers in spring. Plant the roots in shade and prepare for the stem to get woody over time, so neat training from the start is a must.

What climbing vine stays green all year round?

Our favorite evergreen climbing vine is Trachelospermum jasminoides – which is a superb evergreen for patios and decks. Denser and more sturdy looking that classic jasmine, it has glossy green leaves that take on crimson hues in winter, and jasmine-like ivory summer flowers that have a strong tea scent.

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine. 

20 Best Evergreen Climbers | BBC Gardeners World Magazine

Climbing plants are useful in the garden in lots of ways. They clothe and beautify walls, fences, and buildings, and can be grown on screens, arches, pergolas, and obelisks. They create privacy and mask unsightly features, as well as providing additional interest and wildlife value. Climbers take up little soil space, enabling you to squeeze more plants into your growing space. Evergreen climbers, which keep all or most of their leaves year-round are particularly valuable for screening and interest.

Most climbing plants will need some form of support to grow on, apart from self-clinging types. This can be provided in a range of ways including trellis, mesh panels or strong galvanised wires run through vine eyes (metal fixings that are screwed or hammered into a wall or fence).

Alan Titchmarsh's favourite evergreen climbers

Alan Titchmarsh discusses his favourite evergreen climbers, including chocolate vine, ceanothus and euonymus:

Looking for plant supports for your evergreens? Here are a few suggestions:

Climbing plants climb in a number of different ways. Some 'true climbers' climb by means of self-clinging aerial roots, which stick to walls and fences. They may need support initially but otherwise will romp away without any help. Other true climbers use twining stems to climb, and need support such as a trellis or wires to climb up. Wall shrubs are slightly different as they don’t ‘climb’ as such but need to be tied into vertical support such as a trellis or wires.

Sunny or shady: choosing the right climber

Identifying which direction a wall, fence or screen faces is important as many climbers and wall plants are very particular about the amount of sun or shade the receive. There are plants for every situation, from complete shade to baking hot sun, but matching the right one to the right place is key for success. Walls that get sun for all or part of the day are perfect for growing plants that wouldn’t be hardy elsewhere, because a wall creates a mini-microclimate that has a storage-heater effect to protect plants from the cold.

Tips for planting climbers

Browse our selection of the best evergreen climbers and wall shrubs to grow in your garden.

Chocolate vine,

Akebia quinata

Best climbers - Akebia quinata

This fast-growing climber bears dark maroon chocolate-scented flowers in summer, against attractive light green foliage. Grow in sun or part shade, and shelter in cold areas. in colder regions it may lose some or all of its leaves, but they will grow back in spring.

More like this

Height x Spread: up to 10m x 2m

Californian lilac,

Ceanothus

Best climbers - Ceanothus

This shrub can be trained on a sunny wall, where it benefits from the shelter and protection. Woody stems bear masses of tiny blue flowers in clusters, in early or late summer, against tiny, crinkled, evergreen leaves. Popular with bees.

H x S: 3m x 4m

Clematis armandii

Best evergreen climbers: Clematis armandii

Tis spring-flowering clematis bears large clusters of white or pink-flushed scented flowers that show off well against big, leathery, dark green leaves. Site in a sunny, sheltered spot to avoid wind damage to the leaves.

H x S: up to 5m x 3m

Winter-flowering clematis,

Clematis cirrhosa

Best evergreen climbers: Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica

Winter-flowering clematis are not only evergreen but they flower in winter, too. Varieties ‘Early Sensation’ and ‘Winter Beauty’ are particularly lovely, offering delicate, bell-shaped cream or white flowers against fern-like foliage. Only suitable for milder areas. Grow in sun and shelter.

H x S: up to 4m x 1.5m

Climbing hydrangea,

Hydrangea seemannii

Hydrangea seemanii

Hydrangea seemannii is less common than its deciduous cousin Hydrangea petiolarris, but does offer year-round interest with large heads of white summer flowers and bold, leathery, dark green leaves. Self-clinging but slow to get going.

H x S: up to 10m x 3m

English ivy,

Hedera helix

Best evergreen climbers: Hedera helix

Our native English ivy is small-leaved and versatile, easy to grow in any situation, wonderful for wildlife, and provides attractive, year-round evergreen foliage in a wide choice of varieties and variegations. Mature plants produce clusters of green-yellow flowers in autumn, popular with insects, and black winter berries for birds. Provides excellent shelter for nesting birds and hibernating insects.

H x S: up to 10m x 10m

Euonymus 'Silver Queen'

Best evergreen climbers: Euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen'

This neat, compact self-clinging climber is grown for its attractive foliage. Ideal for brightening up a dark spot with leathery evergreen leaves that are brightly variegated in white and green.

H x S: 1.5 m x 1m

Silk tassel bush,

Garrya elliptica

Best evergreen climbers: Garrya elliptica

As well as evergreen leaves, silk tassel bush bears silvery catkins throughout winter. This wall shrub does best in a shady or part-shaded site and needs training to grow closely against its support.

H x S: 3m x 2.5m

Japanese honeysuckle,

Lonicera japonica

Best evergreen climbers: Lonicera japonica 'Halliana'

Japanese honeysuckle is a vigorous, twiggy, self-clinging twining climber bearing masses of very fragrant flowers in small clusters through summer. Rounded leaves are semi-evergreen and may fall after a hard winter. It's a useful plant for screening or covering unsightly features in natural-looking areas of the garden, being rather untidy in habit. Grow in sun or part shade.

H x S: up to 10m x 4m

Henry's honeysuckle,

Lonicera henryi

Planting Lonicera henryi

Henry's honeysuckle bears clusters of unscented yellow flowers, against long, oval, dark green leaves that are coppery-green when young. May be semi-evergreen in a cold winter.

H x S: up to 10m x 2m

Maidenhair vine,

Muehlenbeckia complexa

Best evergreen climbers: Maidenhair vine, Muehlenbeckia complexa / Getty Images

Maidenhair vine is an unusual foliage climber from New Zealand that produces a mass of slender, wiry, twining stems clothed with tiny dark green leaves. Trim with shears if a neat shape is required. Grow in part or full shade.

Height up to 4m x 2.5m

Passion flower,

Passiflora caerulea

Best evergreen climbers: Passiflora caerulea

This vigorous grower is loved for its large, unusually shaped blue and white or pure white flowers, borne against dark green leaves that may fall after a hard winter. Orange fruits can sometimes be produced after a hot summer.

H x S: 12m x 4m

Persian ivy,

Hedera colchica

Best evergreen climbers: Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart'

Persian ivy is a handsome self-clinging climber with exceptionally large, glossy, lobed leaves variegated with white or lime-green. Greenish flowers can be produced in autumn on mature plants. Excellent for wildlife. An easy climber that thrives in sun or shade.

H x S: 5m x 5m

Climbing hydrangea,

Pileostegia viburnoides

Best evergreen climbers: Hydrangea seemanii

Pileostegia viburnoides has bold, leathery green leaves on self-clinging vines that make an excellent backdrop for its large white flowers in late summer and autumn. Grow in sun or shade but avoid cold winds.

H x S: up to 8m x 1. 5m

Firethorn,

Pyracantha

Best evergreen climbers: Pyracantha

Pyracantha is a thorny shrub that can be trained on wires or trellis to grow closely against its support. Small oval green leaves provide year-round interest, clusters of white flowers are borne in spring, while the bright, autumn berries will attract birds.

H x S: up to 3m x 3m

Potato vine,

Solanum laxum ‘Album’

Best evergreen climbers: Solanum laxum ‘Album’

Potato vine is a fast-growing flowering climber for a sheltered site, bearing masses of white, yellow-centred small flowers in clusters in summer and autumn. Bear in mind that it's only semi-evergreen – it may lose some leaves in a cold winter.

H x S: up to 6m x 6m

Bluebell creeper,

Sollya heterophylla

Best evergreen climbers: Sollya heterophylla

Bluebell creeper is a neat, dainty little flowering climber for a sunny, sheltered spot or a very mild location. Tiny deep blue flowers are borne on slender stems, in summer.

H x S: up to 2m x 2m

Star jasmine,

Trachelospermum

Best evergreen climbers: Trachelospermum jasminoides

Star jasmine bears wonderfully fragrant flowers for a long period through summer and into autumn which, coupled with handsome evergreen foliage and moderately fast growth, make it extremely popular. Grow in full sun or part shade, sheltered from winds, although not suitable for very cold areas.

H x S: up to 9m x 5m

Stauntonia hexaphylla

Stauntonia hexaphylla. Getty Images

This uncommon climber quickly covers a sheltered, part-shaded wall with vigorous twining stems clothed with oval dark green leaflets. Clusters of white, purple-tinged, spring flowers are unobtrusive but are wonderfully scented.

H x S: 10m x 2.5m

Wall germander,

Teucrium fruticans

Teucrium fruticans. Getty Images

This shrub does best in the shelter of a sunny wall, where its slender stems of silvery leaves can be tied in to make a contrasting backdrop to its blue summer flowers.

H x S: 3.5m x 3.5m

Routes to Elbrus from the south

“This is for men — a backpack and an ice axe,
And there is no such reason not to join the game.”

The history of the discovery of Elbrus

For hundreds of years, the handsome gray-haired Elbrus has been attracting tourists and climbers from all over the world with its icy height. Ever since July 22, 1829, during a military scientific expedition, a group led by Georgy Arsenievich Emmanuel made the first successful ascent to the eastern peak (5,621 m).

West Summit (5642 m) was first climbed by Englishman Douglas Freshfield on July 31, 1868. The first person to climb both peaks at once was a Russian military topographer, Andrei Vasilyevich Pastukhov. And it was he who first compiled maps of the peaks of Elbrus. On July 18, 1890, accompanied by four Cossacks, Pastukhov climbed to its western peak, and six years later, in 1896, to the eastern one.

It is interesting that Elbrus, familiar to us in sound, has more than a dozen other names. For example, the traditional Karachay-Balkar - Mingi-Tau - "eternal mountain"; Oshkhamakho, which is translated from Kabardian as “mountain of light” or Adyghe - Kuskhamaf - “mountain that brings happiness”.

And indeed, tears of happiness at the top after many hours of overcoming oneself, through the piercing wind, deep snow and a blizzard in the face, remain in the heart of everyone who “entered the game” for life!

How to fulfill an old dream / test yourself for strength / look at the world from the highest point in Russia and Europe (underline as necessary)? Of course go hiking! After all, nothing is impossible!

Elbrus climbing

Elbrus climbing routes

There are four main routes for climbing Elbrus - from the south, from the north, from the east and from the west. Each of them is special and not like the others. Therefore, you can reach the top repeatedly and each time it will be completely new. According to statistics, almost half of the climbers return to Elbrus again and again.

Climbing Elbrus from the south

The most popular and most comfortable route is climbing from the south to the western peak of Elbrus. It is within the power of any person with good physical fitness. On it you will meet travelers from almost all over the world!

The route has a category of difficulty 1B (snow and ice). It does not represent a technical difficulty, however, climbing equipment such as crampons and an ice ax are a must here! The skills of their use are honed in the course of ice exercises during the campaign.

More than ten years of experience in climbing Elbrus has allowed the PIK Tour Club team to create optimal programs with acclimatization routes for every taste and comfort level, not inferior to each other in beauty and performance.

Climbing Elbrus

early birds

NEW!

Ice climbing in the Elbrus area

Climbing Elbrus with hotel accommodation

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early birds

Climbing Elbrus with hotel accommodation

4.9194 62

early birds

Climbing Elbrus with hotel accommodation

4.9194 62

Elbrus from the south, Adyr-su gorge

The very first, amazingly picturesque and cut off from civilization - with acclimatization in the Adyr-su gorge.

Adyr-Su Gorge

This beautiful quiet corner of the Elbrus region is a famous place of power and pilgrimage. It is here that the mother mountain Ullu-tau is located, famous for the fulfillment of desires and miraculous healings.

Alpine flowering meadows, evergreen forests, turbulent rivers and waterfalls are adjacent to severe glaciers, on which snow lies all year round.

It is almost impossible to walk under a heavy backpack on this route. With him, you have only one transition - to the Kichkidar overnight stays - and then with a minimum number of things.

And after busy days spent in the Adyr-su gorge, you are moving closer and closer to your dream - to the slope of Elbrus to continue acclimatization and the long-awaited ascent!

The total length of this route is approximately 70 km.

Elbrus from the south with a visit to Lake Syltran-Kol

The route with acclimatization in the Syltran gorge is not inferior to it in beauty.


Syltran gorge, lake Syltran-Kol

Here, at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, surrounded by snowy peaks, there is the largest of all high mountain lakes in the Caucasus - Syltran-Kol.

On this route you will have short hikes under a backpack along the picturesque gorge along the Syltran-Su river, overnight stays near the lake and the opportunity to swim in its cold waters. And herds of horses and flocks of sheep will not let you get bored.

After acclimatization in the gorge, the snowy slope of Elbrus awaits you with overnight stays in warm shelters. Incredible sunrises and, of course, climbing to the top!

The length of this route is the same as the previous one, about 70 km.

Climbing Elbrus from the south (standard)

A budget option for strong-willed climbers with mountain hiking experience - a standard route from the south.

Elbrus, tents on the snowy slopes

On the very first day of this route you will climb Mount Cheget, from where, if you are lucky with the weather, you will have a magnificent view of the main character of your trip - Elbrus. Acclimatization will take place in close proximity to it.

All crossings on this route (except for radial exits) - under a backpack, and overnight stays on the slope of Elbrus - in tents. And this only adds value to the path to the cherished peak!

The total length of the route is 70 km.

Scheme of the route of climbing Elbrus from the south

Climbing Elbrus from the south with comfort

If the previous option seems harsh enough, then there is a great alternative - climbing from the south with comfort.

Elbrus region

This route provides accommodation in stationary tents in one of the campsites of the Terskol village and light radial acclimatization trips. Cheget, Mount Donguzorun with the famous Seven Glacier, Maiden Spit Waterfall, Observatory and other beauties of the Elbrus region are waiting for you on the way.

Services of a cook, accommodation in warm "Red Fox" trailers on the slope of Elbrus and a snowcat (for an additional fee) on the day of climbing to the Pastukhov rocks greatly increase the chances of a successful ascent!

The length of this route is the same as the previous ones, about 70 kilometers.

Climbing Elbrus from the south with hotel accommodation

An even more comfortable route is climbing from the south with hotel accommodation.

Elbrus, snowy peaks

The program is similar to the previous one, with the only difference that instead of stationary tents in the Terskol campsite you stay in a hotel or guesthouse in the village. A comfortable accommodation allows you to better relax and recover before the main stage of the hike - climbing.

Climbing Elbrus from the south Elite

And when it seems that you can't think of anything more comfortable - there is an ascent from the south Elite for you.

Accommodation in the village of Terskol in a four-star hotel, and on the slope of Elbrus - in a cozy Italian shelter "Leap Rus". The beauty of the Elbrus region, the services of a cook, a snowcat on the day of climbing to a height of 5100 m. All in order to get closer to the cherished goal - the top of Elbrus.

Seeing the numbers “5100”, many are perplexed: “Only some 542 meters left to climb!” This is not true. Believe me, this is where the main struggle with your inner demons awaits you. You will have something to overcome, something to think about, something to rethink. And this is subject to favorable weather.

The total length of this route is 60 km.

Elbrus, Italian shelter "Leap Rus"

For those who like "hot" Tour Club PIK has programs to climb Elbrus from the north and east, as well as a combined program Kazbek + Elbrus. And we will talk about them in the next article.

So, you have studied the detailed description of hikes on the site and in the Vkontakte group, got inspired by the reviews and decided! It's time to pay attention to the tips on preparing for climbing Elbrus, which we wrote about earlier.

And then...
Forward and upward - with an open heart and pure thoughts - towards the dream!
Let everything work out!


“But there is such a thing, and this way is good,
What you can’t buy elsewhere, you won’t find:
Rise in the morning, fight from morning to the top.
You will find victory over yourself in the mountains.”

Hiking Elbrus

early birds

NEW!

Ice climbing near Elbrus

Climbing Elbrus with hotel accommodation

4.9194 62

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Climbing Elbrus with hotel accommodation

4.9194 62

early birds

Climbing Elbrus with hotel accommodation

4.9194 62

early birds

Climbing Elbrus for beginners

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Elbrus from the south with a visit to the Adyr-su gorge 9Alpagama

Updated: 05/26/2021

The other day, it was decided to go on a hike along the foothills of the Kopetdag with the passing collection of mulberry fruits. Some kind of combination of sports movement and finding along the way the gifts of nature for the family and loved ones.

The path started from a well-maintained park at the foot of the mountains. Flowering trees and shrubs, white yucca inflorescences and a variety of roses, awesome aromas of honey plants - a great start to a camping mood.

Leaving the park, we go deep into the forest belt of evergreen pines. This year the spring was dry, with little rain. By the early summer, the ephemera had time to fade, and the carpet of spring grasses had turned yellow. On the way - a few stunted poppies, but I was pleased with the luxurious flowering of capers.

Capers

The road is gradually going up, the sun is already hot, but the refreshing breeze reminds us that it is still spring. After some time, we meet workers from forest plantations who warn us that there are snakes here. We promise to be careful and move on. Occasionally, among the pines, there are single mulberry trees. We taste the fruits of the mulberry tree, sigh that it is not enough, and move on.

At the seventh kilometer of the route, the trail descends. It is here below that a perfect surprise and reward awaits us - a large mulberry tree, completely strewn with large black berries. Hooray! We decide to stop here. First, we eat plenty of tutoshki, then we begin to collect it, blackening, in reserve, in order to take it home and please our loved ones with black vitamins.

Mulberry tree

Yes, we collected a lot of it, it's time to know the measure. So, with purple tongues and purple palms sticky from sweet juice, we go down to the spring under a sprawling fig bush. We do not dare to drink water - the consequences of applying raw spring water to the tutoshka in our stomachs are unknown. We wash our faces with pleasure and rub our hands in the hope of washing off the stains, which we succeed only slightly - some of the costs of our abundant mulberry collection. We decided that the collection of mulberry trees is over.

Our movement continues in the direction of the nearby village of Bikrova, from where we will go home from the bus stop. Yes, it was not there! On the way we got into new mulberry plantations, and there are a lot of mulberry fruits on the trees here too! It is impossible not to pay attention to them! Tutoshka here is white, and pink, and purple, and black.

Cherry

We walk along the mulberry trees and taste the berries from almost everyone. And the tutoshka is different in taste - sometimes sweet, sometimes moderately sweet, sometimes with sourness, sometimes with a special incomprehensible aftertaste, sometimes small round, sometimes large elongated. Just tutoshny Klondike! While we were walking to the village, we tried it in plenty. And at the end of our route, another pleasant meeting awaited us - young cherry trees with red cherries (it is not yet possible to eat them, they taste bitter and sour, we have tested them). And here is our stop. The campaign is over, it was both sports and procurement. We are women!

P . S . In a couple of days, we plan to walk a different route along the foothills of the Kopetdag. And, of course, we are waiting for new mulberry trees with delicious mulberry. Wait for us, berry!

Elena Kurbanova , photo of the author

Mulberry, mulberry, mulberry tree. Widely distributed in Eurasia, and in particular, in Turkmenistan. Mulberry lives from 200 to 500 years, is sacred to many nations. Her name is the "tree of life", protecting from troubles, bringing health.

Mulberry fruits

Mulberry leaves are fed to silk-producing caterpillars caterpillars silkworms. Turkmen craftswomen weave a unique silk fabric "keteni", silk carpets are especially valued. Mulberry wood is used to make national musical instruments, in particular, the dutar stringed instrument.

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