The rapidly rising standard of living in the Republic of China has resulted in non-stop construction of new housing apartments, and the spread of population toward the suburbs. As a result, many people have come to feel they are lost in a "concrete jungle." Gradually, however, adequate supplies of consumer goods and other creature comforts have led to a new appreciation of the spiritual side of life, and a "return to nature" campaign has got under way.

In an attempt to beautify and personalize their homes, many people have decorated their living rooms with flowers and plants placed in strategic spots ranging from balconies to desk-tops.

The rise in purchasing power and growing demand for flowers and potted plants have prompted horticulturists and graduates of agricultural schools to open up gardens where flowers and plants can be bought. One of these gardens, located in the suburbs of Taipei, is run by Sun Chun-hua, who despite her lack of professional training, has a "green thumb," and takes a special delight in her work. She hopes that one day the joy she finds in flowers will be appreciated by all Taipei citizens.

As a child, Sun was close to nature as she played in the fields and dug up the earth near her home. When she became a student, she liked to take walks in the countryside and chat with farmers. Her entry into the world of horticulture was not exactly as she had planned, however.

After she graduated from vocational art school, Sun at first took up a regular 9 to 5 job with the China Television Co., but soon found the routine too tedious. Her ideal of returning to nature by growing flowers first took root then.

One day as she was driving through the countryside, she came across a piece of fallow land owned by an elderly couple who agreed to rent it to her for US$150 a month. Sun's first task was to clear the land of grass and weeds which were "as high as an elephant's eye," as she put it. Her friends and relatives had little confidence in her ability to succeed as a farmer. One day, her love for flowers and her concept of natural beauty would prove them all wrong.

To start her business, Sun had to work every morning with some hired help to weed her garden. She recalls: "Sometimes you would come across a snake. My assistants advised me what to do. Try to stare down the snake. If it doesn't go away in 10 minutes, make sure you do--pronto!"

A few months later, the work was completed, and many beautiful flowers grew in Sun's garden. She has hired four agricultural school graduates to look after the garden, but still helps them with the weeding, and of course, is always ready to learn the latest techniques. Asked about her hobby, Mrs. Sun's husband said cryptically: "She looks after many flowers. I have to look after only one."

Sun Chun-hua is kept constantly busy with such chores as destroying pests and protecting plants against weather. She is always reading books. It's a hard life, but Sun is happy in her work, knowing that her flowers will brighten up the Taipei "cityscape."

"Most people really don't know how to take care of flowers. They'll buy a potted plant to beautify their apartment, but it dies because they are too busy to water it. Even more careful owners will neglect to make sure that the soil is uniformly moistened throughout. If the roots are not kept damp, the plant will surely wither," she says. Other tips: "Don't transplant a flower too quickly; the roots will tend to grow upwards. Water plants slowly so the roots will be moistened evenly. In this way, both you and your plants will be happy."

She adds whimsically: "Some people feel they get better results if they talk to their plants. But I don't think plants can understand."

For Sun Chun-hua, growing plants is a joy. She is fulfilled as she watches them grow from sprouts to tiny buds and eventually to large and beautiful blooms. She now has hundreds of kinds of flowers in many colors which are destined to bring natural beauty and color to the drab city.

[Picture Caption]

1. These common garden plants are attractive and easy to grow. 2. Plants do well on a balcony, where they can catch the sunlight for most of the day. 3. A small plant or flower placed on a desk can enliven the dullest room.

Such plants as narcissus, ferns and African violets have made apartments in Taiwan more lively. With the increasing per capita income and rising appreciation of the good things in life, more and more housewives like to buy flowers and plants.

1. & 4. Even the smallest plants can add a splash of color and relieve the tensions brought on by city life. 2. This creeping plant grows prolifically in a watery environment. 3. Sun Chun-hua is as pretty as the flowers she sells in a shop in Hsintien in the suburbs of Taipei.

Plants do well on a balcony, where they can catch the sunlight for most of the day.

A small plant or flower placed on a desk can enliven the dullest room.

Such plants as narcissus, ferns and African violets have made apartments in Taiwan more lively. With the increasing per capita income and rising appreciation of the good things in life, more and more housewives like to buy flowers and plants.

Such plants as narcissus, ferns and African violets have made apartments in Taiwan more lively. With the increasing per capita income and rising appreciation of the good things in life, more and more housewives like to buy flowers and plants.

Such plants as narcissus, ferns and African violets have made apartments in Taiwan more lively. With the increasing per capita income and rising appreciation of the good things in life, more and more housewives like to buy flowers and plants.

Such plants as narcissus, ferns and African violets have made apartments in Taiwan more lively. With the increasing per capita income and rising appreciation of the good things in life, more and more housewives like to buy flowers and plants.

Such plants as narcissus, ferns and African violets have made apartments in Taiwan more lively. With the increasing per capita income and rising appreciation of the good things in life, more and more housewives like to buy flowers and plants.

Such plants as narcissus, ferns and African violets have made apartments in Taiwan more lively. With the increasing per capita income and rising appreciation of the good things in life, more and more housewives like to buy flowers and plants.

Even the smallest plants can add a splash of color and relieve the tensions brought on by city life.

This creeping plant grows prolifically in a watery environment.

Sun Chun-hua is as pretty as the flowers she sells in a shop in Hsintien in the suburbs of Taipei.

Even the smallest plants can add a splash of color and relieve the tensions brought on by city life.