Residents of the Oryol region have discovered yet another unusual planting in an unexpected place—this time, a flower bed at the entrance to the “Dubrava” sanatorium. Instead of traditional ornamental flowers, the bed was filled with neatly grown potato plants. What caught locals’ attention most was the well-maintained appearance of the improvised vegetable patch: no weeds, no litter, and clear signs of regular care. While no one knows exactly who came up with the idea of planting potatoes right in front of one of the region’s main health resorts, some jokingly suggest that the sanatorium is simply transitioning to homegrown eco-friendly produce for its guests.
This is not the first time Oryol has seen potatoes sprouting in public green spaces. Recently, a post about potato beds appearing near Gorky Park went viral in local social media communities. Some users playfully speculated that the mayor himself plants them at night to showcase the region’s agricultural heritage to tourists. The truth, however, turned out to be far more mundane: it was revealed that on May 1st, animators and children planted the potatoes as part of a festive activity. While no one seriously expected a harvest, the plants have taken root and are now growing, promising an actual crop from what was meant to be a playful experiment.
