Spring Arrives in Nghia Binh's Flower Village

In the cool Lam Dong Highlands, flower growers in Nghia Binh Village, Quang Lap Commune, begin their work at dawn. Rows of potted chrysanthemums stand neatly arranged, clothed in lush green leaves and dotted with buds that promise to bloom for spring. In the chilly air, farmers patiently prune and shape each pot, a meticulous daily task to ensure the flowers are ready for the Lunar New Year market.

In Nghia Binh Village, cultivating potted chrysanthemums is not just a livelihood; it is also an integral part of daily life. With just over a month remaining until the Lunar New Year, this period marks the most critical “final push” of the season.

Due to prolonged rains this year, higher humidity has elevated the risk of pests and diseases, driving up costs for fertilizers and pesticides. However, drawing on decades of experience, growers in Nghia Binh Village are proactively adapting to these challenges.

Tran Thi Ngoc Chi's family is among the village's long-standing flower-growing households. This year, they have planted over 4,000 pots of different chrysanthemum varieties. She notes that with just over a month until the Lunar New Year, growers experience a mix of anxiety and optimism—concerned about unpredictable weather but encouraged that the flowers are maturing on schedule.

The growers' happiness comes not only from the progress of their plants but also from encouraging market signals. Even though the Lunar New Year is a bit away, many traders are already visiting the gardens to evaluate the flowers, place their orders, and sometimes make early payments. Prices are negotiated and gradually settled based on the type and size of the pots. Although trading is not as vibrant as it will be as the holiday approaches, it still gives growers greater confidence in market demand.

In Nghia Binh Flower Village, the familiar cycle of “a good harvest but low prices” or “high prices but poor yields” has rarely occurred in recent years. This is attributed not only to local farmers' excellent technical skills but also to their comprehensive grasp of market needs. Early orders from traders and the complete sell-through of output clearly demonstrate the village's esteemed reputation.

Few people realize that creating stunning chrysanthemum pots for Lunar New Year requires several months of preparations. Around the seventh month of the lunar calendar, after the harvest of short-term vegetable crops, growers clear their gardens to arrange pots, treat the soil, and select the finest flower varieties.

The flower pots are meticulously shaped and painted, and the soil is carefully prepared to ensure it is both loose and nutrient-rich. Each step is thoughtfully planned to correspond with the specific chrysanthemum variety and pot size.

The name Nghia Binh evokes a sense of simplicity and solidarity, deeply connected to the journey of individuals from Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh who settled in the new area of Quang Lap.

Bringing their traditional skill of cultivating potted chrysanthemums from their homelands, they have established a thriving flower village in the mountainous area. What began with just a few households has grown to nearly 20 families cultivating potted chrysanthemums across approximately 9 hectares.

For over four decades, the art of cultivating potted chrysanthemums has taken hold, thrived, and become the primary source of revenue for numerous families. This trade is passed down from one generation to the next.

Veteran growers like Vo Dinh Thuy still actively participate in the gardens, mentoring their children and grandchildren through every phase of the process. For him, the greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing the traditional craft of his forebears not only preserved but also continually enhanced, ensuring a reliable livelihood for generations to come.

According to leaders of Quang Lap Commune, Nghia Binh potted chrysanthemum village is currently one of the locality’s key areas for flower cultivation for the Lunar New Year.

In recent years, thanks to stable quality and attractive designs, the village has gained a strong reputation among traders from many areas.

For flower cultivators in Nghia Binh, the over a month left until the Lunar New Year marks a period of anticipation, optimism, and dedicated effort.

When the flowers bloom precisely on schedule, and vendors come to carry them to various markets, it symbolizes not just the outcome of a growing season but also the pride of a traditional craft community that has resiliently thrived and evolved on new territory for many years.