Billionaires often indulge in some unusual hobbies, but one wealthy Georgian has taken his passion for nature to a whole new level. Forget about private islands or exotic pets—this man has been quietly shipping entire trees across the sea. You might be wondering why someone would go to such lengths. The answer is both simple and shocking: for his private garden.
Trees on the High Seas: An Unbelievable Sight
For years, locals in Georgia have witnessed an unusual sight on the waters of the Black Sea: massive shipments of magnolia, baobab, oak trees, and other incredibly rare plants making their way across the waves. This isn’t a quirky botanical exhibition—it’s the personal project of Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister of Georgia and one of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
Each week, these trees are carefully transported by barges across the sea, and as they float past, the Georgian people watch in awe. But instead of appreciating them as part of some artistic effort, most don’t know that the trees are headed for Ivanishvili’s growing private collection. Over the years, more than 200 trees have been carefully selected and uprooted from various villages and dense forests around Georgia. The goal? To populate Ivanishvili’s vast private park on the coast of the Black Sea.
But the task is far from simple. Moving these enormous trees requires extensive planning and coordination. Roads are often too narrow to accommodate the trees, and houses, fences, and even other trees have to be cleared out of the way to make room for the massive plants. For some, this might seem like an extravagant and unnecessary expense, but to Ivanishvili, it’s an obsession that reflects his deep affection for nature.
Money Can Move Trees—Literally
Bidzina Ivanishvili made his fortune in Russia, where he built a banking and metallurgical empire during the post-Soviet era. With an estimated net worth of around $6 billion, his wealth has allowed him to pursue projects that most people would consider out of reach, including the movement of trees across international waters.
Even though Ivanishvili no longer holds an official political position, having served as Georgia’s prime minister from 2012 to 2013, his influence in the country remains significant. His private park is a testament to his presence, a massive undertaking that serves as a symbol of his power. As Salomé Jashi, a Georgian filmmaker who documented the saga of the floating trees, puts it, this bizarre hobby goes beyond a love for nature: “To me, a floating tree was a symbol of power, desire, of wanting something at all costs.”
His private park is not just about indulgence—it’s also a form of legacy. Since its opening, it has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors, many of whom admire the park for its beauty and Ivanishvili’s generosity in making it open to the public. However, the project hasn’t been without controversy. Environmental groups aren’t too thrilled about the idea of uprooting trees from one place only to plant them in another, especially considering the potential long-term impact on local ecosystems.
A Legacy of Power, Nature, and Influence
Bidzina Ivanishvili’s tree-transporting obsession reflects much more than his personal wealth—it represents his silent, powerful presence in Georgian society. While he may no longer be involved in politics, his influence on both the landscape and the people of Georgia is undeniable. Whether admired or criticized, his actions highlight a unique combination of philanthropy, power, and a very personal connection to the land.
The surprising decision to ship trees across seas for his private park speaks volumes about how some billionaires choose to use their wealth, often in ways that leave a lasting impact. As for Ivanishvili, his park is a reminder that nature, like power, can be both a symbol of control and a legacy for future generations—if not a bit controversial along the way.
