Surprise, amazement and genuine delight The team of the editorial board "Gardening" journal is experiencing every time, coming to a feast of harvesting to a hospitable family of gardeners of Romanovs. Neighboring plots are buried in the swamp, and here - a rustling of life: in beds! Lying unprecedented pumpkin sizes, it is not suggested on the sun of watermelons and melons, inclined under the weight of the fruit of apple trees, plums and pears, and circular flowers, flowers, and ... flavors!

Indeed, being here, under Kolpino, as if you feel somewhere in the Krasnodar Territory or in Stavropol, because only there (so it seemed to us) it is possible to grow tomato weighing almost with a kilogram, ripe watermelons and sweet melons in open soil. But it turns out, there is nothing impossible. And the point is not at all in the fertility of the soil (the Plot Romanov got "worse-no)), and in relation to this very earth.

"First you need to grow land, and then everything else is already" - the main postulate of the site of the site - Boris Petrovich and Galina Prokopyevna. It is not believed that not a single machine of the Earth was not delivered to this site for 20 years. The fertile land they "raised" themselves - from the manure, chips, sawdust, hay and the horse bedding. And it is later, "blood" and ... warm water. "The legs must be kept in warmth, and the head in the cold - this is all the well-known sayings and the growing of plants," says Boris Petrovich, "therefore we water the plants only with warm water."

After publication in the February issue of our magazine Articles "How to get 100 kg of cucumbers with 1 square meters. Meter »Many gardeners began to arrange mini-greenhouses according to the drawings of Romanov. And all the crops of cucumbers were high. It is a pity that the cherished dream of Boris Petrovich was not coming true - the manufacturers became interested in his mini-bed. And then it could be done by the collapsible. "Such beds are suitable not only for growing cucumbers, but also for growing melons and watermelons. But this year we were clearly not the watermelon, "the owner complains," the moles thus destroyed us a whole ridge with watermelons. And summer was very rainy. Watermelons in the open soil rose not very large, but but sweet. "

The secret of the success of Romanov also lies in the fact that for each plant they create optimal growth conditions. And every year special attention is paid to any one culture - as an experiment or to obtain a record harvest. So, last year there were especially good watermelons and melons grown in the open soil. It was something to show our gardeners now.

Galina Prokopyevna led us to "Fishke" of this season - a bed with 18 (!) Basil varieties, which represented a solid carpet from various shades of green and purple flowers. And what fragrance! Fragrant pepper and tea, nail-mint, carnations and laurels, lemon and anise.

"Every evening I come here to make a breath with the smell of these spicy herbs, they calm me very much and raise the mood," says the hostess, gently spending his palm on the leaflets of plants.

It is a pity that it was impossible to demonstrate this bed at the exhibition "Agro.", where she would certainly be a "nail" achievements of our northern gardening. After all, it is not easy to grow this culture - it requires fertile, well-water and breathable soils, does not endure frosts and is distinguished by increased demanding to light. But Galina Prokopyevna believes that this spice can be grown even on the balcony if there will be the sun at least four hours a day.

Boris Petrovich also has something to show. Last year, he attached a small, covered with a plastic film to the house (this construction can also be called a canopy) - so that you can receive guests outdoors. This time, the owner went further: attached to the south side of the improvised terrace - from two sides of the entrance - two high gauges of thermos, in which seeds of watermelons, melons, cucumbers and beans were planted. And now we, guests, in this gazebo-greenhouse terrace - disappeared growing right above the cucumbers and beans, admiredly pouring melons and watermelons.

Another novelty of this year was demonstrated by Boris Petrovich - the greenhouse of the day off. On how to build such a greenhouse, he will still be sure to tell the readers of our magazine.

The main feature of this greenhouse is that the plants growing in it can be possible only on weekends, and the rest of the time to give this caring to rain. Open all rain and winds from the south, it is almost closed from the north. The main culture grown in the greenhouse is tomatoes, and in the ends, covered with a film, the cucumbers grow perfectly.

Boris Petrovich and Galina Prokopyevna are constantly experimenting with various varieties and cultures. This year they staged us a real vegetable "Masquerade" from tomatoes and peppers. On the tasting, we were offered 17 (!) Varieties of tomatoes - from bright yellow to almost black, from 1.5 to 13 cm in diameter! And every variety had its own unique taste.

Especially I want to tell about the unique varieties that have seen here, having original appearance and sophisticated taste.

Sort Mushroom Lukoshko - Fruits with a very exotic appearance, they seem to consist of individuals and more resemble a purified orange than a tomato. They have a gentle pleasant taste and very interesting look both on the bush and on the table.

Nature mystery is a variety with large sugar-sweet fruits of bizarre yellow-pink color. The fruit we was tasting, weighed 850 g! And it was not the most outstanding instance.

The biggest weight was urged by tomato variety pink honey - 980. The name of this variety completely reflects its color and taste - it is bright pink and with a honey flavor.

Chernomor is another interesting variety with large and sweet fruits of unusual brown-burgundy and the same unusual similar to potato, leaves.

And wonderful little frods (weighing up to 30 g) of a variety of honey drops we picked like seeds. It was impossible to break away from them. They are very sweet - have the greatest content of sugars among all famous tomatoes, and very cute on appearance. For a buffet table, it's just a find.

But most of us impressed the look and taste of Tomato Malachite box. In full maturity, they are emerald yellow-green and have an extraordinary taste for tomatoes that resembles a melon.

And which Romanovs were gone peppers - large, fleshy, brightly painted, - in the greenhouse and on the table look like in the picture!

Different colors and shapes: Brown Hannibal; Golden-yellow Cuboid Raua and Earlie; Light yellow white gold; Extra-cubic green atlantic; Red - Prism-like Jeepsi and Marato, Cuboid King Arthur; Orange pebble southern tan. And all the taste of everyone!

And, as always, the romance of the program of the harvest has become the tasting of watermelons and melons. The watermelon variety for us is a gift of the north was very juicy and sugar. These watermelons always ripen before all. Growing in the gazebo, right above our heads, watermelons of varieties of Sorento and earthlings of the owners decided to leave. By this time, one watermelon already looked at fifteen kilograms. The composition was supported and eight melons of Roxolant and Gerd varieties.

We really liked the taste, and the appearance of all the melons we needed are varieties of Gerd, Bela, Cinderella and Zlatto Scythians. Fragrant and juicy, they are not inferior to their southern brethren. In a complex greenhouse, we counted to forty melons - golden, striped, dark green. And this is not counting those that grow in the open soil.

And under the melons in a large greenhouse at that time, "blue" - so the people are often called eggplants. In fact, they can be white, brown, and purple, and almost black. We have seen eggplants with long cylindrical fruits of Milady and Valentine varieties (up to 30 cm!), And rounded varieties of chloride (up to 500 g and almost without seeds). But the cultivation of these vegetables can only be real gardens - due to their long growing season.

Another test for gardeners can be the cultivation of beans and ... artichokes. Artichokes Galina Prokopyevna decided to grow this year for the first time. And, probably, the only one in the northwest. "Unfortunately, this year," the mistress does not work, "we will not be able to try his fruits, the variety was not entirely chosen - the average ripening time. Next year I will glad early time maturation. By appearance The artichoke resembles an ordinary thistle, but has larger blue inflorescences. Very popular in Europe, we have a big rarity.

And we really liked the beans - edible and decorative at the same time. The pods of asparagus beans are vigor (Grandfather's grade) were almost a meter long (it grows in the guest gazebo).

And with the help of the curly beans, Golden nectar Galina Prokopyevna has reeling the game area, in the center of which a decorative swamp was formed with his Flora. Now the heroes of the tale "Golden Key" live here - Turtle Tortilla and Pinocchio, - with whom he loves to play grandson Sasha.

The romanian family is small, and 2/3 of the crop they simply distribute. Until now, in our edition, 35-kilogram pumpkin and 8-kilogram watermelons are presented in our edition. And this is not the most outstanding copies. The biggest grown by Romanovs this year, pumpkin (grade Russian size) weighed 50 kg. And in previous years they managed to and even larger specimens: pumpkins weighing 60 kg and watermelons up to 18 kg!

Unfortunately, in one article it is impossible to describe everything seen on this site. Only flowers, herbs and cereals here are more hundreds of species - an accurate number even does not know the hostess. Collection of colors I. decorative shrubs constantly replenished. Galina Prokopyevna promised in the autumn-winter period to engage in the "inventory" of his flower farm and then write a detailed article. Well, we will wait.

As always, we left for generous owners, loaded with packages with fresh greens, fruits and vegetables. Most familiar Boris Petrovich and Galina Prokopyevna simply do not understand why they grow such a big harvest. Pure utilitarian goals - grow eco-friendly fruits and vegetables for their family - for the spouses of Romanovs are not the most important. It is important for them to show that our land, heavy and not quite fertile, is always ready to repay with a storm behind the diligence, disinterested dedication and love.

Olga Waida

They play the thrones and lead army into battle, swear kings or declare themselves, swear in loyalty and betrayed, an incredible courage and nobility, or amazed with meanness and treachery. They are Lords Westeros, a magnificent world created by George Martin.

Great houses are the highest to know the continent of Westeros, where the main part of the events of the "Songs of Ice and Flame" George Martin takes place. It is not even families, but entire clans that depended, depend on and, most likely, the whole life of seven kingdoms will depend. Each of the houses has a rich and unusual history, as well as distinctive features that carefully worked in an inimitable Martin. Briefly tell about each of them.

Some of the houses were previously the royal dynasties, but their representatives lost to the conquerors of Targarians, and to avoid death, they sworn frankness to loyalty. From Targarey and let's start, because it is the seven kingdoms that they are obliged to be their birth: they united all the states of Westeros into a single integer.

Flame and blood

Targarynev comes from ancient valor, their ancestors survived with the death of the Great State and made their stronghold a small island off the coast of Westeros - dragon stone. It is said that the blood of dragons flows in the veins of Targarians. True, this or a beautiful legend, of course, is unknown, but it is undoubtedly what the dragons are obliged to target with their authorities over the family kingdoms.

With a small and not particularly well-armed army, two sisters and three dragons, Eiyekon Targaryan, the conqueror went war against all the ruler of Westeros. The dragons turned out to be a crucial force, providing the owners victory. For many years, power over the continent passed to Targarians.

Eihegon married his sisters, and this tradition, who came with their Praodina Valiria, was often respected in their family. It was believed that thereby they retain blood purity. In part, it was true: most Targarians were distinguished by an extraordinary beauty, and in addition, the healing led to the fact that among them there were both great people and real madness. Rather, either one or others - no "golden middle".

The dynasty sunset began with the death of the last dragons. True, Targarians managed to stay in power almost a half hundred years. The king of Aeris II was a madman, which made several lords raise an uprising against him, which turned out to be successful. The king himself, his eldest son and grandson were killed, and only two Targarians managed to escape.

One of them - Veris - turned out to be a vain and weak man and was killed later. And at the moment, only his sister Daeneeris does not give a proud tie of the genus - the Red Trot down dragon - the fall finally. She managed incredible - to return to the world of Westeros Dragons, and now it has a powerful army, which significantly increases its chances in the war for the return of the throne.

We are fury

Barateon House is the youngest of all the great houses. As it is believed, this genus is derived from the side branch of Targarey. During his conquest Eyegeon Targaryen, attaching the king of the storm, presents the ownership of the defeated Lord to his relative. So baratons became the lords of the storm limit. Black-haired, strong and most of their cheerful barathels for a long time remained faithful to Targarians, which were obliged to many and with whom they were associated with relatives. But with Eeeris II, everything changed.

Stannis, Last Barateon

Senior from Barateon, Robert, hated the genus Targarey. The reason for hate was walking primarily in a woman, his sister his nearest friend, whom he did not share with the heir of the throne, Rieghar. Robert became one of the leaders of the uprising, and after the victory, he climbed the throne, thereby taking advantage of the semi-more relative relationship with Eihegon's conqueror.

Not bad, in general, a person, he turned out to be a nickdy ruler and too much depended on the environment, primarily from the powerful family of his wife - Lannister. Lannister and set up the death of Robert - he was killed by Kaban during the hunt, - after which their influence on the throne and heirs (by the way, the children were not the latter) was almost limitless.

Two younger brothers Robert, Stanis and Renley, immediately declared their claims on the throne and tried to reinforce their weapons. But the brothers clung to each other, which in the end led to the death of Renley and the defeat of the troops of Stannis. The latter, at the time of the end of the "swords of swords," is the only alive man from the kind of baratonov. He continues to fight for the crown of Westeros, but goes along the blade of the knife and at any instant risks the fall of the victim of not ambition even, and the reckless faith in his right.

Hear my Ryv.

Lannister, no doubt, the richest genus of all the great homes. The blonde handsome hands ruling by Western lands and beaver clutches, according to legends, occur from Lanna smart, one of the greatest legendary heroes of Westeros.

Lannister's blooming must first of all the hectares of Lord Tywin, who carefully and confidently kept his race in the steps of power. Tywin joined the uprising against Eigeon and as a result he became the test of the new king. And the eldest son Tywin, Jame, who served in the guard of Eijekon, killed the old king, for which he received a contemptant nickname "Tsaryubyza". In addition, Jame was a lover of his sister Sernei, who married Robert Baraton (all her children, allegedly being the heirs of the throne, truly from Jame). Tywin has a third, unloved child - a cunning dwarf Tyrion.

After the death of King Robert Lannisters capture power in seven kingdoms. And, despite the fact that with rivals, you have to fight for several fronts, this power is held. Thanks to the gold, strong army and unexpected tricks. True, not without loss: Jame becomes crippled and begins to change, Tyrion declared a criminal and runs from the state, before that killing his father, even before that, the senior heir dies, obviously someone poisoned.

So, despite the victories, the future of Lannister seems far from cloudless. After all, Jame is not a politician, and Sersa, with all his tricks and cunning, is not too smart. And Kivan, Brother Tywin, while remains a large extent to the "dark horse".

Winter Is Coming

The first great house, with whom the reader gets acquainted, taking into the hands of the Game of Thrones, is starks. The unchanged Lords of the North, the generation of which was not interrupted for thousands of years, since their legendary ancestor, the Builder's brandon erect the wall that defended the seven kingdoms from other.

During the conquest of Westeros Eijekon, the then ruler of the North Torrhen Stark showed prudency and, instead of fighting Targaryne, squeal to loyalty. If we were talking about another house, this act could consider cowardice, but not as storks. They are cold as the lands that they rule are hard, like the walls of their generic castle of Winterfella, and are dangerous as Lutovolki, who are mounted on their banners.

Among the other great houses, Stark were always partly strangers. Perhaps because of its coldness, possibly due to the ancient times, perhaps, due to the fact that they are the only worship of the old gods. Or maybe it's all about the amazing loyalty of starks, which, obviously, was unpleasant the rest. However, this loyalty came the end: when Robert from the house of barathemon raised the uprising, Eddard Stark supported the old friend. Many years later, he became the first adviser at the new king; As a person, honest and bold, showed himself as a short-sized politician and was killed by Lanniser after his king.

Pay for the mistakes of the father had to his children. Senior, Robb, took over the unbearable burden of power and, being proclaimed by the King of the North, began the war with southern Lords. Two of his younger brothers had to flee from the devastated Winterfella. One of the sisters, Arya, in an incomplete ten years turned out to be alone with all the horrors of the country's arms of the country, and the eldest, Sansa, became a pawn in political games. It is worth noting that each of the children Eddard had her Lutovolk, a semi-per-end creature, different from the ordinary wolf to the same extent as the wolf differs from the dog. The relationship of starks with letovolki explicitly indicates an outstanding (probably magical) potential of children to whom still have to be manifested in the future.

Starks are perhaps the most involved in the plot of the house. Each of them can be called central and, probably positive (as far as this word can be used to Martin's heroes) a cycle character. Loyalty, honor, straight, courage is their strength, for it you can love and respect them. But it is these qualities of them and lie. At the end of the "swords of the swords", the only adult offspring of male starks remains the illegitimate son Eddard John Snow, and the lands of starks or looted, or in the hands of strangers.

High as honored

One of the most ancient clans who remained on the expanses of seven kingdoms is Arrena, the eternal Keepers of the East. Before the arrival of Targaren, Arrena were kings of the mountain and the valley, subsequently these land remained behind them, but already as a lanyland.

During the dynasty of the Targarians dynasty, the mad king of Aeris II demanded from Mighty Lord John Arrena to issue his pupils, Eddard Stark and Robert Baraton. The answer to him was raised by the Luna and Sokol on him and the beginning of the uprising, which led to the end of the dynasty. After the victory, John became a handicraft, that is, the first adviser to the new king. And he married Lisa Talley, whose sister's husband, Catylin, became Eddard.

After the death of her husband, Lisa fled from the capital and got out with his little, painful and spoiled son in the genital castle of Arrenes. This fortress, referred to as the eagle's nest, is considered to be the most impregnable in all seven kingdoms. Most of the war of war between other houses passed Lisa and her little son. They themselves chose to pretend that their hut with the edge. Yes, and could hardly be a thing of people. However, such a "policy of non-interference" had the opposite direction: Little Robert Arren has undermined under the influence of insignificant in origin, but the inaccier Lord Petira Baelis. And hopes for the fact that the once-a great house will be able to rise again, less and less.

Uncomplicable Arrene Citadel - Eagle Nest

Family, debt, honor

Talley, although they differ in considerable wealth, have never been, unlike most other great homes, kings. Their fertile lands are located on the border of the Southern and Northern regions of seven kingdoms, and the castle of Riverran at the crosshair of three great rivers, called the trident, allows Talliel to control the lion's share of trade.

Talley received power over river lands thanks to Eijegon, since the first of the river lords joined him. Their motto is not just a set of loud words: it is these concepts that are always true to Talley, and such loyalty is rare among the highest nobility.

After the fall of the Targarein Dynasty, the Huster Talley has so much with his comrades, giving them (Eddard and John) to their daughters. Rodality from Talley turned out to be very big luck for Robob Stark, when he declared himself as the King of the North and entered into a war with Lannernis. It was on the river lands that most of the fighting was walking, it was thanks to the promotion of their parents of Talli and their vassals, the chances of Robb to win were high.

The betrayal changed the balance of strength. Now the son of the Hoster's Lord, Edmar, captive, and the army is scattered. But this does not mean that Talley is defeated finally. The most experienced and dangerous of them is Sir Brinden, Hoster's brother on nicknamed black fish, still controls Riveran. Let it be surrounded by enemies from all sides, but, while Brinden is alive, it does not mean defeats.

Growing - growing

Others may be richer, cunning, brave, more correct or insidious, but no one comes with Tirellas in the number of subjects. And what could be more important in wartime? Tirellov land is perhaps the most grace edge of all seven kingdoms. Here fertile landHere it is warm, but, unlike more southern lands, there is a place and coolness, and these lands are under the Lena of the Mighty Family.

Once, before the coming of Targarenov, Tirelles were ordinary nobles, even though their genus, which was rooted in the era of heroes, was distinguished by antiquity. But the previous Master of Vladyka died in the fire of the dragon, and his steward, the ancestor of the current Tirelles, passed the Castle to the conqueror. For his act, he received a high title, and his family entered the circle of great houses. Over the years, Tirelles have supported the hostility with their southern neighbor, Dorn, also part of the seven kingdoms.

Never former kings, Tirelles are ambiguous and thirst for power. But the current head of the house, Mais Tirell, never ventured his own game. Despite its indisputable power, he supported other applicants for the role of the Supreme Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. The conclusion of the unions led to the fact that his daughter, Margery, had already buried his grooms twice. I wonder if there will be the third?

There are two representatives of Tirellov, which can be called significant figures in the confrontation of houses. Larats, young and too hot knight, until he can be considered a noticeable politician, but all the deposits become such with him. But his grandmother Lady Olenna, no wonder the name of the queen of spikes, despite the seemingly unassuming, perhaps is one of the most dangerous participants in the struggle for power.

Unbendable, unreleased, intimidating

Maretella. Eternal opponents of Tirelles. The rulers who call themselves do not kings, but princes - the princes of the southern of seven kingdoms, Dorna. They exist sufficiently isolated from all their northern neighbors, which allowed them to preserve their traditions, customs and special southern flavor in almost the priority form. The main difference of Dorn from other kingdoms, no doubt, is that only him could not conquer Eihegon. Accession took place only after many years - and not rightfully, but thanks to the political agreement and marriage.

Elia, the sister of the current Lord from the genus of Martellov Doragan, was the wife of the heir to Targarey. Lannister people killed her brutally. Brother Prince, Obserin Red Snake, avenged the killer sister and he himself broke up with life. With the exception of these two deaths, the war, broke out after the death of Robert Baraton, was practically not touched upon Dorn. It is logical to assume that Maretella will eventually come into confrontation with Lannnishers, but a careman is careful, and an open war is not foreseen.

We do not eat!

The last of the great houses, no less separate than Maretella, is Grayjoev's house. Their genus is rooted in the depths of centuries as far as Stark, and the same time lasted a feud of two houses.

Grajoi and their subjects long ago deliced \u200b\u200bon the fruitless iron islands and were forced to do piracy. However, "forced" - hardly the right word: the robbery came to taste, and now they no longer think of their lives without him, despising all other classes.

The aggressive policy of the inhabitants of the Iron Islands ended with the arrival of Targarey. But it was worth the lords of the dragons to fall, as grazing took up the old one. Having barely won in the uprising, Robert Barateon and Eddard Stark collided with the Mary of Greyjev. And when a new confusion began in the seven kingdoms, Grazi simply could not stay aside. Again, speaking yourself for themselves, they strive to snatch everything that lies badly.

Theon Griad - a treacherous bombard of a treacherous family

On the Iron Islands nothing but power does not matter. Their population is more likely several pirate gangs than an organized state. And it is impossible to vouch that soon in the fight for power they do not drive into the throat of each other. However, from this gradi does not become less dangerous for the rest, because their cruelty is in the blood.

* * *

The amazing attractiveness of the noble houses created by the imagination of Martin, sometimes makes you think, and did Lannister or Targarynen existed in reality? Even if the world of Martin's books from magical intrigue, the opposition between great houses would challenge the readers to the cycle. Great houses, no doubt, one of the main raisins of the "Songs of Ice and Flame".

If you have found a typo, please select a text fragment and click Ctrl + Enter..