Perhaps, your green thumb is itching. Maybe you are craving a connection with nature. Well, you have come to the right place. Welcome to Sai Sha Garden Farm.
Sai Sha Garden Farm offers a tranquil escape. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of local agriculture. This farm is more than just a garden. It is a testament to Hong Kong’s agricultural spirit.
In 2016, TV Yuen, a veteran Hong Kong farmer, founded the agricultural magazine “Planting Hong Kong”. His goal was to deepen public understanding of local agriculture. Yuen highlighted the threats to Hong Kong’s farmland. He noted that development led to more and more abandoned farmland. He saw the situation worsening. “Planting Hong Kong” aimed to address these complex issues. It sought to promote deeper discussions about the land culture life politics economy food and taste.
“Planting Hong Kong” magazine focuses on visual expression. Meaningful illustrations and photographs accompany each chapter. Art critic Cha Ying Lam described it as having a light literary flavor. It focuses on visual expressive agricultural discussion.
The magazine also presents the changing times through people’s stories. It shares the story of Uncle Chun. He is a farmer who has been farming in Ma Shi Po Village for over 60 years. It also features Chan Kwok Wa. He owns Chan Kun Kee Seeds Co in Yuen Long. His story is a testimony to Hong Kong’s agriculture. It grew from nothing to prosperity then to decline.
Before the war, Hong Kong agricultural products were popular export goods. Rice farmers in the New Territories produced top-grade rice. It was exported to New York. Tomatoes were also a famous export product.
However, agriculture in Hong Kong has faced many changes. After 1997, cheap vegetables from mainland China flooded the market. The production cost for Hong Kong farmers was relatively high. Many farmers had no choice but to give up.
Despite these challenges some farmers persevered. They adopted new techniques and found new ways to sustain their livelihoods. They prove that planting can still earn a living.
The magazine also addresses misconceptions about agriculture. It clarifies misinformation about kale. The Conservancy Association has launched a plan for the conservation of grass sparrows in Long Yuen. They employ farmers to grow aquatic crops. These include rice arrowhead and Chinese water chestnut. This provides migratory and resident birds with a rich environment.
Sai Sha Garden Farm embodies this spirit of resilience and innovation. It is a place where you can witness firsthand the dedication of local farmers. They are committed to preserving Hong Kong’s agricultural heritage.
As you wander through Sai Sha Garden Farm consider the stories of these farmers. They are the keepers of Hong Kong’s agricultural traditions. Their hard work connects us to the land. They provide us with fresh local produce. Their stories offer hope for the future of agriculture in Hong Kong.
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and bounty of this garden. Reflect on the importance of supporting local agriculture. Sai Sha Garden Farm is a reminder of the deep connection between the community and the land.