Phu Van is a well-known flower hub, not only for Ha Nam, but also for other provinces such as Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh and Thai Binh. Traders from neighbouring areas go there to purchase flowers wholesale to meet demand for the ceremonies surrounding the holiday season.

 Light bulbs to warm flowers

Growing flowers is the mainstay for most of the people in Phu Van and they are now busying themselves to prepare the most beautiful flowers for Tet.

Kumquat trees sell well

However the growers worry that the prolonging cold weather will have a bad affect on their crops. On the other hand, kumquats have been thriving.

The kumquats thrive in cold weather

Blooming daisies

The prices are also affordable, ranging from VND600,000 - 2 million per tree (USD29-96). Trees that are one metre or taller or have been formed are sold for at least VND4 million. Most such trees are already sold out.

Luong Van Loi, a flower grower said, "My garden has over 300 kumquat trees and two thirds of them have been ordered. Last year we had to bring the trees to market, but I think that might not even be necessary this year. Many customers come to our garden to have a look around and order the specific tree they want. Still I'm worried that the flowers won't bloom by Tet."

 

Growers worried that flowers will not be ready by Tet

 

Many rose gardens just started to show buds

Forget-me-nots lie dormant grown

Dtinews