Blooming balconies: ZJU’s student gardener cultivates floral oasis

Students at Zhejiang University enjoy experiencing natural beauty even in the smallest spaces, finding harmony in careful nurturing. Every year, certain balconies in student apartments "transform" into spectacular gardens, bursting with a riot of colorful flowers that elicit admiration from any passerby.

Among the creators of these botanical masterpieces is HAN Xiangyu, a Class of 2024 Master’s student from the University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. Over the years, he has meticulously and wholeheartedly turned his dormitory balcony into a "mini-garden", creating a vibrant corner of blooming spring that enhances the moods of those who walk by.

Being a "green hand" at first, Xiangyu faced his share of hurdles at the beginning of the journey into gardening. The roses he initially planted fell prey to pests and diseases, leading to misshapen blooms and sparse flowering, dealing a significant blow to his gardening ambitions. In the face of these challenges, the Master’s student embarked on a quest for knowledge, researching various materials to gain a comprehensive understanding of the flowers’ characteristics. He also sought guidance from seasoned gardening bloggers and, through numerous setbacks, derived useful lessons. "After that particular failure, I accumulated valuable experience, such as making informed choices when buying flower sprouts and seeds, preventing common pest infestations, and most importantly, adapting gardening practices to suit the environment," he explained.

HAN Xiangyu, a student from the School of Mechanical Engineering

Through countless trials and errors, the engineering student gradually transformed from a "gardening novice" into a "cultivation expert". While frequently sharing his gardening experiences and insights on the university's BBS, he even established a dedicated section where his fellow students can engage in discussions about their own gardening experiences.

The student gardener's work not only adds vibrancy to his own life but also allows those around him to experience the poetic vibe. "Every time I see numerous fellow students responding with 'My mood genuinely improves after seeing this' to the pictures I shared on the forum, gratification overwhelms me," he noted with a smile. His roommates also attested that returning to their shared room and witnessing the balcony adorned with a profusion of lively flora offers respite from the pressures and fatigue brought on by a day of work and study, providing a refreshing lift to their spirits.

In adorning his balcony with flowers and greenery, HAN Xiangyu has added a touch of natural artistry to his own life while extending the fragrance of beauty across time and space, allowing this sense of wonder and inspiration to touch a wider audience.

Life is replete with poetic moments, waiting for us to discover and excavate their inherent marvels.

Adapted and translated from the article written by CHEN Yingpin, WU Wanxin and WU Yifei

Translator: SHAO Zicheng ('24, Translation)

Photo: HAN Xiangyu and HUANG Hexiang

Editor: HAN Xiao ('25 PhD, Education), TIAN Minjie