Gardening nurtures stressed youngsters

Ruan He believes her garden in Fuzhou, Fujian province, is not only a place where exotic flowers and plants flourish, but also a sanctuary for healing and connection.

Three years ago, her eldest daughter was diagnosed with a mental health condition, an issue that took a toll on their relationship.

"I was constantly traveling for work, and I wasn't there for my daughter during some of her most difficult moments," Ruan said. "She needed me, and I wasn't present."

The stress of managing her daughter's condition, combined with the pressure of her high-paying white-collar job, led Ruan to reevaluate her priorities. She began to spend more time at home, tending to her garden and offering a calming presence for her family. Her daughter, once withdrawn, found solace in the peacefulness of the garden.

"The garden became a place where we could reconnect," Ruan, 42, said. "It was a space where my daughter could relax, breathe, and find comfort. And I found healing too."

Inspired by the therapeutic power of gardening, Ruan began to think seriously about making a change in her life. In August 2024, she decided to quit her user interface design job of over 20 years because "it wasn't fulfilling me anymore".

"Gardening, on the other hand, brought me joy and peace. It felt like the right time to follow my passion," she said.

Her main inspiration was online plant enthusiast and gardening expert, Wang Ding, who has more than 5 million followers across several social media platforms including Weibo, WeChat and Xiaohongshu (RedNote).

His popularity is a reflection of younger generations' growing interest in gardening, and their focus on exotic plant species and learning horticultural skills.

A casual scroll through social media platforms reveals a flood of photos of lush indoor mini jungles, meticulously arranged balcony gardens, and carefully curated plant collections. The hashtag "My home cannot be without plants" has accumulated over 920 million views and sparked millions of discussions.

"Young people, who are often juggling work, social lives, and personal aspirations, find solace in nurturing plants," said Wang, better known online as Uncle Wang.

"A sense of tranquility flows from watching a small seed sprout into a vibrant, thriving plant. It is an antidote to the pressure and chaos of city life — something that can be controlled and cared for in a world that often feels out of their hands."

In recent years, plants have played an unexpected but undeniable role in the lives of young people in China, Wang said. What was once considered a hobby for older generations associated with quiet, contemplative activities has become a powerful attraction for millennials and Generation Z, he said.

Floral sanctuary

Eight years ago, Ruan lived the typical life of a financially secure person, but she felt something deeper was missing.

She was also starting her foray into gardening, with limited success. Ruan said she struggled with the wrong materials, poor-quality soil, and inappropriate plant choices for Fuzhou's hot and humid climate.

"I had tried many different suppliers, but none of them seemed to understand my needs," recalled Ruan.

"But when I found Wang Ding, it was different. His advice made sense for where I was living. He understood the local climate and tailored his suggestions accordingly. His approach resonated with me on a personal level."

Ruan began to closely follow his advice, experimenting with different plants that were suited to Fuzhou's climate. She started out cautiously, planting bougainvillea and tropical plants that thrived in the region. She also became more knowledgeable about the fertilizers, soils, and tools she was using, following Wang's suggestions for each step in the process.

Through her garden, she found something more valuable than any promotion, salary increase or recognition — peace, fulfillment, and a sense of connection to something greater than herself, she said.

After Ruan made the decision to leave her job, she transformed her three-acre property into a lush, thriving garden with over 500 plant species.

"At first, it was just about creating a beautiful space for myself," she said. "But as I learned more, and got more involved, I realized I could do so much more. I could share this passion with others."

To help achieve this, she opened a small cafe next to her garden.

"I never thought I'd run a cafe," she said. "But the garden brought people to me. They wanted to sit, drink coffee, and enjoy the space. It felt like a natural extension of what I was already doing."

Ruan said she doesn't charge an entry fee because "it's a space for people to come and enjoy". She said visitors often comment on the peaceful atmosphere of the garden, with many saying that simply sitting in the space helps them relax and find comfort.