Flower power inspires farmers to grow

Ding Jianhai landed a big opportunity last year when he was commissioned to replant the flower beds and lawns beside a pond in a local park. The only problem was he had no idea how to do it.

"I took on the project, but I wasn't actually sure what kind of flowers would be suitable for that environment, let alone how to make it prettier," said Ding, who runs a flower farm in Li'ao township, Zhejiang province.

Fortunately, Han Shiguo was able to help guide him through the task.

Han is the Party chief of the Li'ao Flower Association, which is responsible for developing the local flower industry. He put Ding in touch with more experienced landscapers and shared resources to ensure the work was finished on time and to a high standard.

Upon completion of the project, Ding received more than 100,000 yuan ($14,748) as payment from the township's river and lake management office.

The flower association was set up in 2008, "but back then it was difficult to get members to meet up, as they were busy with other things", Han said.

However, that changed after a Party organization was established in May 2010.

Under the Communist Party of China rules, every grassroots Party organization must have a plenary meeting every three months, while the organization's leading members, or committee, are required to hold monthly plenaries.

"It's a rule that brings us closer with each other and increases our communication," he said. "Every month, we have talks on how to improve our flower growing skills as well as on how to develop our association."

Now, the organization has 13 Party members.

"The Party members are also asked to lead and teach others in the association, solving problems in growing flowers and popularizing advanced planting skills," Han said.

"For those whose skills are undeveloped, I'll talk to them and send them to participate in training."

Since 2010, every Party member has been organized to guide five flower farmers, mainly teaching them more knowledge about flower planting, gardening and marketing.

Under Han's tutelage, for example, Ding Dazhong, another flower farmer, got a certificate in growing plants.

"I love flowers. But in the past, the association couldn't play an effective role to improve the industry developments," Han said. "Now, the Party organization narrows the gap and makes us more familiar with each other."

Wu Kepeng, 32, who joined the organization in 2010, agreed. He said the organization brings him a sense of belonging. "I can feel my responsibility. If the Party building is improved, the future of the association will be brighter," he added.

Now, the association has connected with the Party organization in Zhejiang A&F University and Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, in a move to select younger flower farmers to learn planting knowledge.