Hạnh allocated a 600sq.m farm to build a mock-up of a natural jungle garden that could be replicated.
“Farmers no longer practise as their ancestors did in gardens and paddies. They rush for profit and productivity, but don’t care about the environment or health of the community. Chemical ingredients in pesticides, weed killers and fertilisers are often over-used for maximum harvest in a short amount of time,” Hạnh said. “We are trying to build up a demonstration to introduce gentle gardening skills to improve the soil, underground water and love of working among young people and local farmers.”
The garden was grown on a jungle-based structure, in which soil is kept as a basement while layers of ‘green fertiliser’ provide nutrition for the plants.
Rubbish, leaves, rice straw, kitchen-ash and cow manure are processed for compost.