Hong Kong: Farm takes root in heart of city
Urban farming is becoming popular in the city, with people turning idle rooftops and urban spaces into farms and making the city more sustainable.
By Kristy King and Sophie Hui
The Standard
13 Jul 2020
Excerpt:
The farm is located on a 45 square-meter plot at a previously demolished building in 2014.
It is part of the “Community Making Scheme” of Staunton Street/Wing Lee Street Project in Sheung Wan, where the URA started the farm at the end of last year.
A 27-strong volunteer group, comprising residents of senior centers, neighborhood residents and young people and URA staff members interested in “Community Making Scheme” , was formed in May to manage the farm.
The volunteers decided what to grow after asking the opinions of those in the community, as the produce will be shared with residents in the neighborhood.
Taking into account what plants would grow best in summer, they planted herbs, okra, Chinese spinach, morning glory and cucumbers.
Zoe Chan Wing-yan, cofounder of PuYU, which helps elderly to build confidence and enjoy their old age fully through horticultural therapy, said it’s rare to have a nursery in the city center, as there is not much room for green space.
