Farming project offers chance to enjoy nature's simple pleasures
By Victoria Fei |
August 8, 2009, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
Guan Youzhen, who recently bought an apartment at Lanjun Minyuan, a residential area at Waigang Town in Jiading District, has never done any farming before.
She is surprised to find that she could adopt 50 square meters of land on which she can plant anything she wants.
The land is free as long as she doesn't leave it idle. She can plant vegetables, fruits and flowers, anything she would like to within the year. If she wants, she can extend it to another year.
It is part of a program running at Lanjun Lohas Farm, a backyard of 3.86 hectares at Lanjun Minyuan.
According to the program, all house owners at Lanjun Minyuan can apply to adopt 50 square meters of land. The only requirement is that the adopter promises to take care of and make use of the land.
Late last month, the first batch of about 100 house owners adopted land. The application for the second batch will start at the end of this month.
"It is estimated that land could be provided to 600 people," says Yan Yingying, a staff member from the organizing committee of the program.
"The second batch will open to the public. As long as you can promise to take care of the land, you can apply for it without regards to where you are from. If not, the land will be taken back within two months."
Many city people look forward to having land of their own on which they can grow vegetable and fruit.
People's wish to enjoy the simple pleasures of growing their own produce can now be realized.
Currently, Guan grows a variety of vegetables.
"Since our family hasn't moved to the new house yet, we come here at each weekend to do farming," Guan says. "It is much different from planting flowers in a flowerpot. It is really amazing that we grow things on the real earth."
The garden is aimed at providing a platform for both residents and those from afar to have close contact with nature to help them relax from the hectic beat of city life.
"You can plant the melons and vegetables you like and experience the traditional farming life. By the time they get ripe, you will enjoy the harvest as well," says Yan.
"If an adopter is too busy to take care of his own land properly, experienced farmers are available to help them. They can entrust the land to the farmers. Currently, the service is free.''
At Lanjun Lohas Farm, free tools are provided as well. The infrastructure, such as drainage ditches, ridges and restrooms, is already in place.
Home, sweet home
"Although we haven't moved into the community, we've completely taken it as our home now," Guan says. "The small piece of land ties the relationship between neighbors and staff from property management company. I like the big family."
An online blog is available to adopters at blog.sina.com.cn/lohasfarm. The organizing committee's Song Ying gives daily updates on farming knowledge and growing conditions.
"It is simple land without too many fancy elements. It is real nature," Song says. "I've received several calls from those who don't own a house in the community. I believe more people will come here to adopt land."
The farm is to hold seasonal events such as a harvest and seeding festival.
The project is a part of Waigang Town's plan of building the town into an urban farm.
"The town is planned to be built into a life community highlighted by high quality townhouses, natural living style and enjoyable farming," Yan says.
"A return to the farming life that our ancestors experienced is rewarding for our future development."
She is surprised to find that she could adopt 50 square meters of land on which she can plant anything she wants.
The land is free as long as she doesn't leave it idle. She can plant vegetables, fruits and flowers, anything she would like to within the year. If she wants, she can extend it to another year.
It is part of a program running at Lanjun Lohas Farm, a backyard of 3.86 hectares at Lanjun Minyuan.
According to the program, all house owners at Lanjun Minyuan can apply to adopt 50 square meters of land. The only requirement is that the adopter promises to take care of and make use of the land.
Late last month, the first batch of about 100 house owners adopted land. The application for the second batch will start at the end of this month.
"It is estimated that land could be provided to 600 people," says Yan Yingying, a staff member from the organizing committee of the program.
"The second batch will open to the public. As long as you can promise to take care of the land, you can apply for it without regards to where you are from. If not, the land will be taken back within two months."
Many city people look forward to having land of their own on which they can grow vegetable and fruit.
People's wish to enjoy the simple pleasures of growing their own produce can now be realized.
Currently, Guan grows a variety of vegetables.
"Since our family hasn't moved to the new house yet, we come here at each weekend to do farming," Guan says. "It is much different from planting flowers in a flowerpot. It is really amazing that we grow things on the real earth."
The garden is aimed at providing a platform for both residents and those from afar to have close contact with nature to help them relax from the hectic beat of city life.
"You can plant the melons and vegetables you like and experience the traditional farming life. By the time they get ripe, you will enjoy the harvest as well," says Yan.
"If an adopter is too busy to take care of his own land properly, experienced farmers are available to help them. They can entrust the land to the farmers. Currently, the service is free.''
At Lanjun Lohas Farm, free tools are provided as well. The infrastructure, such as drainage ditches, ridges and restrooms, is already in place.
Home, sweet home
"Although we haven't moved into the community, we've completely taken it as our home now," Guan says. "The small piece of land ties the relationship between neighbors and staff from property management company. I like the big family."
An online blog is available to adopters at blog.sina.com.cn/lohasfarm. The organizing committee's Song Ying gives daily updates on farming knowledge and growing conditions.
"It is simple land without too many fancy elements. It is real nature," Song says. "I've received several calls from those who don't own a house in the community. I believe more people will come here to adopt land."
The farm is to hold seasonal events such as a harvest and seeding festival.
The project is a part of Waigang Town's plan of building the town into an urban farm.
"The town is planned to be built into a life community highlighted by high quality townhouses, natural living style and enjoyable farming," Yan says.
"A return to the farming life that our ancestors experienced is rewarding for our future development."
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