Brylevka. "Ivanov Khutor" Botanical Garden.

Krasnopolye district is one of the most affected by the Chernobyl accident. Dozens of villages have disappeared from the map forever, going underground or overgrown with forest. But in the almost deserted village of Brylevka, time seemed to follow a different scenario. Here, among the Polesie landscapes, is the "Ivanov Khutor" — a botanical garden created by the hands of one person.

Linden tree "for happiness" and the work of a lifetime

The history of the garden began in 1936 with a beautiful gesture: little Vanya Zotov's grandfather gave his grandson a lime sapling with the words: "Plant it for yourself for good luck". Decades later, this linden tree turned into a huge tree, and Ivan Izotovich Zotov turned into a talented self-taught botanist.

Working in the Moscow region, he spent every vacation in his homeland. But he returned not to rest, but to work: from each business trip to the USSR, he carried seedlings of exotic trees. What started with a few acres at my parents' house has grown into a unique 10-hectare arboretum over the past 60 years.

Exotic despite the climate

The uniqueness of "Ivanov Khutor" is recognized even by UNESCO experts. On this land, Ivan Izotovich was able to tame plants that, according to all the laws of nature, should not survive in eastern Belarus.

Today, about 80 species of trees and shrubs grow in the garden, including:

• Coniferous giants: Siberian and Korean cedars, Canadian and European firs, larches, Rumelian pine and blue firs;
• Rare deciduous trees: American red oak, Oriental beech, Manchurian aralia and Caucasian boxwood;
• Curiosities: Lemongrass and even acclimatized exotics that have begun to reproduce by self-seeding are a rare phenomenon in our country.

The garden was conceived not as a strict park with paths, but as a piece of wild taiga. There are no paved sidewalks, but there is a feeling of a pristine forest, ponds and a cozy gazebo.

The drama of the monument during his lifetime

The fate of the garden today is a complex topic. Ivan Izotovich, who is now over 90 years old, has been fighting for decades to preserve his brainchild. The garden has the status of a natural monument of local importance, but in fact it is based on the enthusiasm of the creator.

Brylevka is almost extinct, and "Ivanov Khutor" has remained the main guardian of life in these places. Unfortunately, the garden sometimes suffers from barbarism: rare trees are dug up for private cottages. Nevertheless, this place remains a "magnet" for those who appreciate real deeds and natural beauty.

What to see in Krasnopolye district?

If you have reached Brylevka, take the time to other iconic places of the area.:

• Monument to the displaced villages: At the entrance to Krasnopolye. A poignant reminder of the Chernobyl tragedy and 53 disappeared sites;
• Dmitry Rostovsky Church (village of Vydrenka): A 19th-century wooden church in the neo-Russian style, which survived the whirlwinds of history;
• The "Yasenyovy Guy" tract: A landscape reserve with the purest spring;
• Paluzhskoe reservoir: A great place for fishing and relaxing by the water.

Bottom line: Is it worth going?

"Ivanov Khutor" is not a place about entertainment, but about contemplation and respect. It's worth coming here to:

1. To see the impossible: How one man turned an ordinary field into a botanical paradise;
2. Feel the silence: Brylevka is a place of solitude where nature takes its toll;
3. Take unique photos: The combination of exotic cedars and authentic Belarusian countryside looks very cinematic.

How to get there?

• Location: Brylevka village, Krasnopolye district, Mogilev region. About 10-12 km from Krasnopolye;
• By car: The journey from Mogilev will take about 1.5–2 hours. Please note that the village is almost uninhabited, the road may be rural, but there is usually a passage.

Tips from the author:

• Respect for work: If you are lucky enough to meet Ivan Izotovich himself, be sure to chat. He is a living legend. But remember that you are visiting a private (albeit public) garden. In any case, do not break or dig up anything.;
• Wildlife: Since the garden was created as an imitation of the taiga, there may be ticks and wildebeest here. Dress appropriately and take repellents.;
• Eco-etiquette: The issue of radiation safety is still relevant in the area, so it is better not to collect mushrooms and berries here outside the garden without a dosimeter, but to take all the garbage with you.;
• Keepsake photo: Be sure to find the very "linden tree for happiness" — it is huge and is located near the foundation of Zotov's parental home.