Against the backdrop of high mountains and scorched fields along the Osh — Batken highway, passing drivers and passengers may unexpectedly come across a stunning sight — a flower alley full of bright roses, benches, and stork figurines. This creation belongs to the local family of Boldukan eze, who decided to do something kind for people.
Journalists from 24.kg found out what inspired the couple to create such beauty and what the symbolism of the stork means to them.
“We just wanted to make people happy”
Located in the village of Zhany-Zher, in the Kadamjai district, along the road from Osh to Batken, one can see how the harsh nature gives way to a blooming alley. Bright flowerbeds and white stork figures serve as a true greeting for tired travelers.
This flower alley, stretching almost 300 meters, was not created with funding from government agencies or international projects — it is the result of the work of an ordinary family, which invested just 1,000 soms and a lot of love into creating this corner of beauty.
At the flower arch surrounded by roses, we met Boldukan eze, a modest and kind woman who happily shares the story of her creation, which took several years to develop.
“We live nearby; this is our plot — about ten hectares. Together with my husband and children, we have turned it into a garden over ten years. We grow pomegranates, grapes, and apricots. We started with three thousand apricot seedlings, of which some, of course, did not survive. Apricots here are inexpensive — about 80–100 soms per kilogram, and grapes are sold right by the highway,” she explains. The family also raises fish in a pond covering about 300 acres.
But the flowers along the road are what delight the eye the most. The idea to plant them belongs to Boldukan eze's husband. “We wanted passersby to see something beautiful. It inspires. We planted the first flowers 6–7 years ago. Every spring, we refresh the soil, fertilize it, and trim the plants. The flowers please the eye until New Year,” she adds.
On the opposite side of the road, they also planted paulownia trees so that the alley could continue to grow.
How much labor beauty costs
When Boldukan eze is asked if it is difficult to care for the alley, she smiles and replies, “No, it’s not difficult. It’s already part of our life.”
Initially, about 200 flowers were planted in the alley, costing 5 soms each — in total, around 1,000 soms was spent on flowers.
“But the main thing,” she emphasizes, “is not the money. Flowers calm the soul. When you go out in the morning and see such beauty — it inspires.”
Many people stop to take photos against the backdrop of blooming roses and ask the friendly hosts questions. Thus, the alley has become a small attraction in the area.
“We learn from each other”
Boldukan eze's husband also joins the conversation, proudly showing his plot: “Here on six acres, I planted the ‘Usun’ grape variety. It’s a common market variety, but it grows well.”
He recalls how the plot used to be empty and how he decided to transform it: “There used to be a slope here; I filled it with sand, leveled it, and planted flowers to make it pleasant for people. Many stop, ask how to take care of it, and then also plant along the roads. We learn from each other.”
The white stork figures installed along the alley are not accidental. “Every summer, real storks come to the fields near our garden. We see them all the time. For us, they symbolize purity and well-being. We wanted to convey this mood to those around us,” explains the hostess.
These figures have become one of the most popular photo spots for travelers stopping on the road to Batken.
Personal matters they usually don’t talk about
When we asked if everything was okay with them, Boldukan eze paused for a moment.
“My husband participated in the cleanup after the Chernobyl disaster. Health problems, of course, make themselves known. He needs care and treatment. I would like him to be sent to a sanatorium. To feel cared for...” she quietly said.
Nevertheless, the family does not complain or ask for help. They continue to work, grow their garden, and make the lives of passing people a little brighter.
