Flower industry pioneers profit from fields of dreams

陈小将

Visitors pick fresh flowers at the Plant Library, a flower farm in Haining, Zhejiang province, in April. YANG FEIYUE/CHINA DAILY

In a quiet corner of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, a former overgrown plot has been transformed into a natural paradise — lush, unmanicured and pulsating with color under the sun.

On weekends and holidays, visitors from across the country, especially neighboring Shanghai and Jiangsu province, trek to the flower farm in Xingfu village, Changan town, Haining, to admire thousands of plants and blooms that give them memorable moments on social media platforms.

"What sets us apart is not just biodiversity but a philosophy of ecological harmony," said Xu Zhufeng, founder of the Plant Library.

Xu chose Plant Library as the name because the farm is home to a wide variety of species.

"Our goal is to create an environment where plants can grow in harmony with one another, turning the Plant Library into a miniature version of nature," Xu, in his 30s, explained.

Instead of placing plants in neat rows, Xu puts them in the ground following natural patterns — shade-loving plants in cooler areas, sun-seeking ones in open fields.

This approach has earned the site a faithful following.

"Our loyal customers, especially those in commercial photography, tell us it's unlike anywhere else. Here, they find scenery that feels untouched, unexpected," Xu explained.

The thriving business is part of prospering flower plantations across Changan, which have become a pillar industry that has significantly raised residents' income and rejuvenated the town.