CHINESE culture has always been steeped in mythical wisps of symbolism and mystery. Plants and flowers that symbolise luck and wealth seem to permeate every aspect of Chinese culture.
Plants and flowers may be viewed as normal existence to some, but the Chinese people strongly believe that these two elements convey positive messages and play a vital role in deciding good luck and wealth.
As the world is preparing to usher in the Year of Rabbit this Chinese New Year, a couple of reporters from Buletin Mutiara visited a plant nursery, called the Green Plant Society, located within the Komtar vicinity in George Town today.
The purpose of the visit was to get feedback from the owner regarding the sales during this festive period, considering that plants and flowers are a huge part of Chinese culture, especially during the Chinese New Year festival.
Ng Wei Loong, 30, said that the demand for plants during the Chinese New Year period is 10 times more than during the normal period.
“The best-selling plant is the ‘Kalanchoe’ plant during this festive period. This plant originated in China, but it can now be found almost everywhere around the world.
“It is popular among the Chinese people because it represents longevity. This plant can last for a very long time provided given the proper care.
“Apart from that, we also sell customised plants with ribbons and many different types of decorations.
“People would usually buy these plants as gifts for their loved ones during Chinese New Year. Our New Year display sets range from RM50 to RM200,” Ng said during an interview with Buletin Mutiara at his shop in George Town today.
Ng, together with his wife, Angelina Chang, 27 (better known as Angel by her customers), first started their business in 2017 in Bandar Baru Air Itam (popularly known as Farlim), where they rented a terrace house to sell the plants and other relevant materials.
Today, they have a total of three branches in Penang.
Apart from its core business of selling plants and flowers, the shop also provides plant workshops, landscape and garden design, as well as plant rental services for offices and businesses.
The shop is open every day from 10am to 7pm.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and Kevin Vimal