Grow Together: A New Gardening Season Begins at the Community Garden
The new gardening season of Living Nature @ Community Garden: Grow Together got off to a lively start as 72 students, staff, and staff quarters residents gathered during lunchtime to begin their shared gardening journey.
Over a light lunch, participants had the opportunity to meet fellow gardeners, exchange stories, and connect over a shared interest in growing food and spending more time in nature. A live word cloud activity revealed what drew participants to the programme, with nature, learning about farming, growing food, meeting new friends, and spending more time outdoors emerging as common motivations among the group. Before a single seed was planted, new friendships and connections were already beginning to take root.
To help participants prepare for the months ahead, our farming partner, Sustainable Ecological Ethical Development Foundation (SEED), shared practical insights into organic farming, sustainable local food systems, and what participants can expect throughout the season. From introducing the crops to be planted to building healthy soil, managing pests, and monitoring plant health, participants gained a glimpse of the rewarding journey that lies ahead.
One of the highlights of the session was the formation of gardening plot groups, bringing together staff, students and staff quarters residents across the HKUST community. Participants from different backgrounds came together to form teams, choose their farming characters, and claim their garden plots through the newly launched Community Garden Online Journal, which will serve as a shared fun platform for documenting their gardening journey throughout the season. The interactive activities sparked plenty of laughter and conversation as groups got to know one another and took their first steps in growing together.
The session also introduced a number of Community Garden Steward roles, allowing participants to contribute beyond their own plots. From supporting biodiversity observations and composting efforts to helping care for fruit trees, shared tools, and plot communications, volunteers stepped forward to help build a stronger Community Garden community and a collaborative garden environment for everyone.
With groups formed, plots allocated, and the first journal entries completed, the Community Garden is now ready to welcome another season of planting, learning, and discovery. We look forward to seeing the garden transform over the coming months and to following the many stories, friendships, harvests, wildlife encounters, and memorable moments that will be shared along the way.
The gardening season is about to begin, and we can't wait to see what grows next!
