Hey lovely people!
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Rashkovo village, near Botevgrad, with Misha and Philip. Our destination was the home and future LAND center of their friend and member of GSV Lyubo Durankev, who recently acquired a plot of land there. Lyubo, his lovely wife, and their incredibly energetic and friendly dog greeted us warmly, making us feel right at home.
Lyubo is deeply passionate about trees—especially sweet chestnuts—and his enthusiasm is contagious. He gave us a tour of the property, where it was clear he’d been hard at work. His efforts in yard maintenance and tree planting stood out, but what impressed me most was his knowledge and dedication to natural living and gardening. From tree species to grafting techniques, Lyubo has a wealth of expertise and approaches his work with careful planning and thoughtfulness.
During our conversations, I learned about the challenges he faces—how even with the best preparation, planting and grafting don’t always succeed, and you often need to start over. But for Lyubo, this is just part of the process, and he embraces it with patience and determination.
The land Lyubo envisions as a future LAND site is a bit removed from the village, adding unique challenges. For example, water supply is inconsistent, especially in summer, which makes strategic planning for planting critical. His plot also includes several old buildings, though they are in disrepair. While maintaining them isn’t feasible right now—especially with a baby on the way—Lyubo sees potential in repurposing materials in the future. These old structures hold valuable resources for someone as resourceful as him.
One of the highlights of the visit was learning about grafting. For those unfamiliar, grafting is a technique where a branch or bud from one plant is attached to the root system of another, combining the strengths of both. Lyubo uses this method to pair the hardy root systems of local trees with desirable fruiting species, often ordered online or sourced from donor trees he keeps on his land. Seeing this process firsthand and understanding its nuances was fascinating.
On the second day, we got involved in the hands-on work of planting several trees. This wasn’t just digging holes—there was careful preparation involved: untangling roots, planting them properly, and ensuring the area was ready with mulch and water. We were fortunate to have sunny weather that Sunday, making the work both productive and enjoyable.
Spending time with Lyubo was a truly enriching experience. His passion and knowledge inspired me, and it was wonderful to see Misha and Philip reconnect with an old friend. Exploring his land and hearing his plans for its future gave us all a sense of excitement and possibility.
The location is serene yet close enough to Sofia—about an hour’s drive—that it holds great potential for future projects. Lyubo’s vision for this place is ambitious, but with his determination and thoughtful approach, it’s clear he’s on the right path. We’re all cheering him on and looking forward to seeing how this dream unfolds.
Here’s to nature, growth, and supporting friends in their endeavors! 🌳
