Suan phueng: A woman from Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi province, has turned economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic into a thriving business, creating income through the art of arranging miniature trees and auspicious plants.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Nanthaporn Chanthowong, also known as Sa, faced financial difficulties when her once-popular New Land restaurant saw a decline in business due to the pandemic and economic downturn. The restaurant, located on the Suan Phueng-Fapok road, was a favored stopover for tourists visiting attractions like Kao Chan Waterfall and O-Poi Market. However, the pandemic forced many local businesses to close.
Determined to overcome these challenges, Ms. Sa embarked on a new venture, cultivating auspicious plants in miniature tray gardens. These plants, believed by Thais and Thai-Chinese to bring good fortune and tranquility, became the foundation of her new business. She creatively arranged and shaped the plants into portable, beautiful miniature gardens, some even taking the form of intricate bonsai. The cultivation process requires months to a year, with prices ranging from 299 baht for small bonsai to 30,000-40,000 baht for larger, more complex arrangements. The variety includes trees like water hyacinth, zamioculcas zamiifolia, bodhi, and dwarf cherry.
In addition to her business success, Ms. Sa has embraced an educational role, welcoming students from local schools and Rajabhat Muban Chom Bueng University to learn the art of arranging miniature gardens. She provides comprehensive instruction on plant selection, shaping, and garden creation, empowering students to apply these skills independently.