On March 29, Shanghai Roots & Shoots invited Kylie, a horticulture expert from New Zealand, to host the first session of "From Beginner to Urban Farmer" organic gardening training at the mysterious Kylie's Roof Garden. It was the season of late spring, when fresh produce is usually scarce, yet this rooftop garden was lush and full of life.
The training consisted of three parts: theory, practice, and a garden tour. The first part covered the basics of gardening—from Shanghai's macroclimate to the microclimate of the rooftop garden, from soil improvement to companion planting. Kylie explained it all with ease.
She spoke with dedication, and the participants listened with equal attentiveness. Only the bees were busy gathering nectar on the side.
The gardening practice session remained everyone's favorite. Participants were divided into three groups, where they used the fresh knowledge just learned and plant one-square-meter beds using the seasonal seeds and seedlings provided by Shanghai Roots & Shoots. With the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, tall herbs were planted on the north side so their shadows wouldn't affect the leafy greens planted on the south side — a new skill learned!
As the gentle sun began to set, Kylie proudly introduced the rooftop garden's summer plans. "Arugula only lasts for about four weeks," she said. "After that, we'll plant taro here. Last year's taro was absolutely delicious!"
As the sun gradually went down, the participants headed home with a sense of fulfillment and a heart full of happiness.