In a concrete jungle like Hong Kong, the life of a farmer and the abundance of locally grown produce may seem out of reach for city dwellers. Back in the 1960s to 1980s, vegetable farming had its heyday in Hong Kong, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 30% by the end of that period. However, as the city’s economy experienced rapid growth and transformation, the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ vegetables gradually became a rarity.


Yet, there are still local farmers in Hong Kong today, with many of them using organic methods to grow Hong Kong’s very own vegetables. The guiding principle in organic farming is to respect the environment and the laws of nature. Chiu Siu-lai, as one of the organic farmers, firmly believes that this is the key to growing good crops, and preserving the quality of farmlands, making them sustainable. To this end, she grows seasonable vegetables and fruits with organic fertilizers such as peanut cake and plant ashes, ensuring sustainable farming practices.

Veggie bouquets - gifts from nature

Different vegetable species exhibit various shades of green which, when combined with the natural colors of fruits, can create presentable vegetable bouquets. A farmer and a flower arrangement teacher to boot, Chiu has a knack for transforming ordinary greens into eye-catching veggie bouquets. No less alluring than fresh flower bouquets, they make nifty gifts for loved ones, but also subtly give importance to good physical health and beautiful nature. 

Chiu is an advisor to the Agricultural Development Group of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) since 2016. She teaches students how to make vegetable bouquets for their graduation ceremonies. The idea is to reduce waste caused by fresh flower bouquets, promote local organic produce, and ultimately encourage students and the general public to get to know local farming. A few years ago, she set up a farm in Hok Tau, an area in Fanling known for growing the famous local Chinese cabbage, “Hok Tau Pak Choi”. There, she grows vegetables and uses them to make veggie bouquets. 


“Look at these vegetables and fruits. They are fresh and colorful. Only organic farming can lead to such effects!” says a proud-looking Chiu as she brandishes a bunch of vegetables used for demonstration.

Colors of winter

To forge stronger links between human and nature, Hysan invited Chiu to Oscary Art, an art studio in Lee Gardens Area, to host one session of the Urban Talks series around Christmas. The venue, sitting in the heart of the hustling and bustling Causeway Bay, was made even livelier thanks to the fresh organic produce that Chiu brought to the event. Participants were guided to inspect the colors and shapes of the vegetables and fruits, feel their fresh smell, and touch the watery and plump leaves. Slowly but surely, the beauty of nature revealed itself in its mystic splendor.

 

The vegetables presented in the activity included lettuce, Hok Tau Pak Choi, chard, coriander, tong ho, bell peppers of different colors and tangerines. The mix of red, green and other colors, which matched the Christmas spirit, was Chiu’s idea. But the credit also went to nature. “All the veggies and fruits I selected were winter crops. They were different from greens grown in summer. The bouquets wouldn’t be that colorful if the workshop happened half a year later,” Chiu explains.

 

Unlike flowers, vegetables of the same species may have markedly different forms and shapes. During the workshop, Chiu encouraged the participants to use their creativity and try out different arrangements to accentuate the unique charm of their own bunches of vegetables and fruits. In the colorful studio, everyone was busy putting together the fresh produce and decorating their bouquets with matching wrapping papers and ribbons. Many of them were excited to discuss with fellow participants their designs. It was a day of enjoying the fun of making handmade crafts but also appreciating the beauty of nature.

Cultivating an urban oasis in Lee Gardens Community

Urban living does not have to be at odds with nature. For decades, Lee Gardens Area has been taking it upon itself to establish and maintain a community that cares about the environment. Sitting in the heart of Causeway Bay, Lee Gardens Area attaches great importance to the environment. It is constantly on the lookout for elements linked to nature, with the aim of optimizing the quality of life of the Area.

Stay tuned for our events in Lee Gardens Area. Join us to discover the joie de vivre and endless possibilities of day-to-day life.