Liliya Zhirnova Across the green avenues and urban parks of Ashgabat, sharp-eyed observers in late autumn often notice an intriguing sight: amidst broad, heart-shaped leaves, tall clusters of tan, velvety buds stand erect against the clear sky. These are the dormant flower buds of the Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa or its fast-growing hybrids), preparing to unleash a … [Read more...]