Gardening enthusiasts sow the seeds of happiness

Mighty oaks grow from tiny acorns. Similarly, a horticultural group at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital that began with the seed of an idea planted has blossomed into a fast-growing community of green-fingered colleagues with a shared passion for gardening. It was originally intended to relieve pressure. But the coordinators found that the cooperation among participants and their happiness are the greatest accomplishment after all. “The happiness of a successful harvest by colleagues cannot be compared to anything else. We found happiness in others’ success,” says coordinator and Senior Occupational Therapist Sanne Fong.

The group is based on the fourth floor of the hospital’s Tower A where colleagues tend to the plants before and after work and during lunchtimes. Each gardening class spans four months during which participants cultivate flowers and vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and wild pansies.

“We held a melon party after harvesting watermelon and honeydew melon,” recalls another coordinator and Consultant of Haematology and Oncology team Dr Dennis Ku. “More than 20 people shared a palm-sized honeydew melon with only a small portion for each person, but I cannot describe the happiness and deliciousness of that moment.” On another occasion, Dr Ku surprised an overseas oncologist by serving up a cucumber he grew at the hospital.

Choosing the best time to plant seeds is essential, points out Sanne. “Every plant has its own season,” she says. “We have to choose the right timing in order to get the right result. There are seven to eight seasonal seeds for participants to choose for each class. They experience the whole process from sowing and growing to harvesting.”

The horticultural group was set up during the epidemic in 2022 when colleagues would tend to the plants of sick colleagues, creating a powerful bond between participants. “As well as the satisfaction of a successful harvest, colleagues offered each other a helping hand and developed close relationships,” Sanne recalls. “That is why the gardening classes became so popular.” The oversubscription is counting on the enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations.

Participant used the techniques of planting at home

One participant, IT Assistant Roy, says he was able to use the gardening techniques he learnt. Not only to grow a tomato plant at the hospital but to help his son grow a marigold for a kindergarten project, whose plant failed to bloom last year. “I used to be a plant killer,” admits Dr Ku with a laugh. “All plants would die at my hands, which is not good for a doctor. So, I studied hard and found out how to be a good gardener.”

The coordinators have discovered how gardening can help friendships and relationships to grow and flourish, spreading happiness and companionship through a shared passion. It has motivated them to carry on teaching and sowing the seeds for a happier workplace.

Gardening tips

Use organic pest control: Insects hate sharp smells. Hot pepper spray, fruit peel, or coffee grounds can be used as natural insect repellent. If leaves are seriously damaged by insects, you should remove the leaves and branches to avoid further damage.

Seek out good quality seeds: Beginners can buy seedlings instead of seeds as they are less fragile and easier to cultivate. Disease resistant seeds and seeds that are suitable for the Hong Kong climate are recommended to increase the chances of germination.