Flower industry pioneers profit from fields of dreams

Photo opportunities

A few minutes' drive away, Li Zhengping's garden resembles a French impressionist's canvas. Since the arrival of spring, dozens of multicolored blossoms have emerged, drawing visitors from far and wide to take pictures and trim petals.

"This garden has served both as a showcase of our products and an experimental field," said Li, explaining the original reason for establishing the garden, which has grown to become a favorite spot for flower lovers.

"Our facility stretches 80 meters. When it bloomed in recent weeks, it was like a dream," he said. "People came all the way from Hangzhou and Shanghai just to take pictures. It makes them happy," he observed.

After they post their photos online, more admirers arrive. "This is the best promotion, better than what we promote on our own initiative," Li said, adding the online interest has also greatly boosted flower sales.

A horticulture major, Li moved to Haining in 2010. He settled in Tianming village in 2016, drawn by what he saw as fertile ground for plants and business possibilities.

"This place had a strong foundation for the industry," he said. "The flower planting area was already large, facilities were good, and young people were willing to stay and work. That meant there was potential to gather momentum."

Li began modestly, renting just 6 mu of land from local farmers. "Back then, funds were limited, and I had no sales channels," he admitted.

Since his arrival, Tianming village has come a long way from its earlier days when cut flowers were sold for weddings and ceremonies. Under Li's efforts, it is now known for its potted hydrangeas, lilies, and garden greens — products better suited for online orders and nationwide delivery.

"We designed it this way," Li said.

"Potted plants survive shipping better. And with the land transferred from local villagers, even the elderly have found stable work in nearby greenhouses," he added.

"Since 2019, with the explosion of online videos, and especially during the 2020 homebound economy, our sales have skyrocketed. We surpassed 80 million yuan in total sales," he said. "The demand for land and labor grew with it."

Today, his company Three Lazy Ants is a major rural employer and a showcase for innovation.

"We created a packaging workshop with room for 60 to 70 workers, mostly elderly residents or low-income villagers," Li said.

Each of them earns 3,000 to 5,000 yuan per month.