Velizar Bukhov: The SAC Park is an “oasis”

SAC: Hello, Velizar, what kinds of trees, shrubs, and plants are there in the park? 

V: There is a wide variety of trees and shrubs. You can see both tree species characteristic of the area—poplar, willow, plane tree, and others—as well as those with high ornamental value—liquidambar, magnolia, Japanese varieties of fruit trees, and so on. Also interesting are the ornamental varieties of familiar trees such as:

OAK - Quercus ellipsoidalis

HORSECHESTNUT (RED) - Aesculus x carnea

BIRCH (LACINIATA) - Betula pendula 'Laciniata'

Shrub species such as cotoneaster, thuja, privet, hibiscus, and similar plants are primarily found in large stands that form a perimeter or are arranged in small groups; for this reason, the most hardy and undemanding species were selected (at the time, 15–20 years ago).

Perennial flowering plants are fascinating, and we strive to renew or rejuvenate them using gardening tricks. Lavender is one of the species we try to rejuvenate by pruning it very low in the spring and deadheading it throughout the season.

We also have various types of daylilies, since each variety blooms at a different time. In short, the small-flowered daylily blooms earliest, and the large-flowered one blooms latest. They are most noticeable on the facades of the buildings in the logistics section of the complex, but there are also many flowering daylilies in the park with the pond.

SAC: Tell me about the plants in the FLEX R-lounge coworking space and the Japanese cherry tree on the terrace of the conference room in Building A02.

V: The story behind the FLEX R-lounge coworking space (known as the Winter Garden) is, on the whole, very interesting. The ficus and palm trees we kept after the renovation are the reason we still call it the “Winter Garden.” The space is designed for plants that require year-round moderate conditions—temperature, humidity, and other factors—which allow for the cultivation of a variety of tropical and indoor plants.

With the Japanese cherry tree and the other decorative “Japanese” tree species, in my opinion, a conceptual transition is created to the Japanese koi (Japanese koi (or nishikigoi) are ornamental, highly prized varieties of the common carp) in the pond.

This allows for a smooth and pleasant transition through a small but lively setting: through the “Winter Garden,” past the active zone or the SAC park (with its pond and winding path), to reach the green spaces in the logistics area, which, with its wide lawns and numerous gazebos, is designed for relaxation.

SAC: How do you maintain the park? What are your plans for it?

V: We constantly maintain the park, sometimes even around the clock. In addition to the green spaces and plantings (which require mowing, pruning, and monitoring), we also take care of the paving in the pedestrian areas and the automated irrigation system. A Wi-Fi controller and its accessories enable quick, timely commands and also provide regular updates on the system’s status and water flow, which can alert us to issues such as leaks or malfunctioning valves.

An upgrade to more efficient and water-saving ground-level components - sprinklers is planned. The process will begin with the areas most in need and eventually be fully implemented, incorporating bodies and nozzles that are compatible with future innovations. Quite often, deep excavations and the raising or relocation of sprinkler locations are necessary due to ground settlement caused by the large amount of topsoil.”

SAC: What kinds of animals and birds can be seen?

V: There are “all kinds of animals”!

The Japanese koi carp in the pond were stocked right from the start, which in turn attracted water snakes and, in my opinion, ducks in recent years. The fresh fill contributes favorably to the easy availability of food for various other birds and for moles, which are a gardening problem. The tunnels create unsightly mounds (and sometimes even break the irrigation cables), and during the breeding season, moles can completely change the appearance of the site within 24 hours.

We used to have a whole “flock” of quails; now they’re seen less often. The eggs and newly hatched chicks attract small predators like weasels, and even foxes. Rabbits and smaller rodents are also spotted during quiet hours, and I personally have seen, in the middle of the night, two barn owls (Tyto alba), listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria, Volume 2.

SAC: What is important for visitors to know—what to do and what to avoid?

V: Avoid fishing, swimming in the lake, and vandalism. Enjoy the park, grab a tasty bite at one of the restaurants, because everything is top-notch!

SAC: Why is this park a “green oasis” near the airport?

V: If we consider the asphalt to be sand, the lake a natural body of water, and set aside the fact that much of the vegetation is ornamental, then the SAC park is literally an “oasis.” It’s a truly welcoming place, both for nature’s tiniest creatures and for global investors from various sectors!