Ward 10 Residents Transform Vacant Lot Into Thriving Community Garden

## New Green Space Brings Neighbors Together in Central Đà Lạt

A once-neglected plot of land near Hòa Bình Theater in Ward 10 has been transformed into a bustling community garden, thanks to the efforts of the Phường 10 Neighborhood Association and dozens of enthusiastic residents.

The 800-square-meter garden, officially inaugurated on January 25th, features raised beds where local families can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The project represents a growing trend in Đà Lạt toward community-led urban agriculture and neighborhood revitalization.

"We wanted to create a space where neighbors could come together, share knowledge, and grow fresh produce," said Nguyễn Thị Minh Châu, chairwoman of the Ward 10 Neighborhood Association. "Đà Lạt is famous for our flowers and vegetables, but many residents living in apartments don't have space to garden."

## From Idle Land to Community Hub

The plot, owned by the city and previously used as informal parking, was granted to the association on a five-year renewable lease. Over 45 households have already registered for garden plots, each measuring approximately 15 square meters.

Volunteers spent three weeks preparing the site, installing a drip irrigation system donated by a local agricultural supplier, and constructing wooden raised beds from recycled pallets. The city's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provided technical guidance and starter seeds for cool-weather crops like lettuce, cabbage, and herbs.

Trần Văn Hùng, a 62-year-old retiree who helps coordinate the garden, explained the allocation system: "Priority went to elderly residents and families with children. We charge a modest 100,000 VND per year to cover water and maintenance costs."

## Building Social Connections

Beyond fresh produce, organizers emphasize the garden's social benefits. Weekly Saturday morning gatherings bring together residents of different generations to share gardening tips, exchange seedlings, and build community bonds.

"My children love coming here after school," said Lê Thị Phương, a mother of two who lives on Trần Quốc Toản Street. "They're learning where food comes from and meeting neighbors we never knew before."

The garden has also attracted attention from other wards. Representatives from Ward 7 and Ward 4 visited last week to learn about replicating the model in their neighborhoods.

Chairwoman Châu hopes to expand the program: "If this succeeds, we'd like to add a small composting area and perhaps some fruit trees along the perimeter. This is just the beginning."