Nghe An farmers sow green and aspire to get rich from ornamental plants

Efforts to overcome difficulties

In mid-September 2025, we visited Mr. Nguyen Viet Chau's garden in Kim Phuc block, Vinh Phu ward. Under the scorching sun, he was diligently re-establishing each bonsai pot, reinforcing the tree trunks that had been blown down by the wind after the recent storm. Sweat was dripping down his dark face, his calloused hands quickly tied each tree trunk. Seeing us, Mr. Chau smiled broadly: "This profession depends on the sky, we have to endure the wind and rain, we have to stand up fallen trees, we have to replant dead trees. As long as there is strength, there is hope." The words are simple, but contain perseverance that not everyone can maintain for decades.

Taking advantage of his break, Mr. Chau leisurely told us about his time with the profession. Born into a poor farming family in the old Nghi An commune, Mr. Chau's childhood was associated with poverty, with harvest season after harvest season and lean season after crop year. After failing his studies, he had to work hard to make a living, sometimes working as a construction worker, sometimes as a porter, sometimes working hard in the fields. At that time, the ornamental plant growing profession was not yet developed, so he only worked on a small scale, both to maintain his passion and to earn a little extra income.

However, that "side job" gradually lit up hope, because almost every batch of trees brought to the market had buyers. In the years 1995 - 1997, when the market was still small, customers were few, and he had no capital, he had to borrow money from relatives to buy each pot of soil and each seedling. After selling one tree, he saved up to buy two or three more. During the day, he worked as a mason to earn money to cover expenses, and at night, he patiently and meticulously took care of the trees, learning how to care for and prune them from the elders in the village, giving himself more experience.

It was that patience that helped him gradually overcome difficulties. From retail trees, then to a few small projects in the village and commune, his name began to be known by many people. With prestige and regular customers, his business scale also gradually expanded. It was not until 2009, after more than 10 years in the profession, that he boldly took on the project of planting trees for 21 roads in the old Cua Lo Town. This was considered an important milestone that opened up new opportunities, and then he gradually conquered larger projects, such as planting trees in Duc Tho Town (Ha Tinh), along National Highway 1A from Ben Thuy Bridge to Ha Tinh City, Dong Hoi Airport, schools, offices...

To date, he has rented thousands of square meters²The land of local people is used to grow all kinds of ornamental plants and shade trees: mango, black star, bauhinia, ban flower, banyan, ficus, pine, etc. Every year, the garden supplies the market with tens of thousands of trees, some of which are worth hundreds of millions of dong. On average, after deducting expenses, his family earns 1-2 billion dong/year in profit.

What makes customers stick with Mr. Chau is not only the quality of each tree, but also the heart and reputation he always maintains. While many gardeners only guarantee for a few months, he is willing to commit for a whole year, even personally returning to guide each customer on care techniques and pest prevention. He said: "Selling a tree is difficult, but keeping a customer is even more difficult. If you want to go the long way, you must base your reputation on it."

Exemplary in movements

With stable economic conditions, Mr. Nguyen Viet Chau is more aware of his responsibility to the community. The garden currently creates regular jobs for 8 local workers. During each peak season, he hires 60-100 people to take care of and plant new trees. With a salary of up to 700,000 VND/day, much higher than the average income. He not only helps workers find jobs but also passes on techniques of planting and caring for ornamental plants so that workers can gain more knowledge and experience, and later be able to open their own garden for a long-term livelihood.

In Vinh Phu ward, when mentioning Nguyen Viet Chau, people not only remember a successful gardener, but also remember an active member in the Farmers' Association movement. As the Chairman of the local Farmers' Club of good production and business, he is always ready to share plant varieties, experiences, and support members in difficulty. He also actively participates in social security and charity programs, contributes to building new rural areas, supports education promotion funds, and helps poor households...

Ms. Nguyen Huong Le - President of Vinh Phu Ward Farmers' Association commented: "Mr. Nguyen Viet Chau is a typical member, not only successful in economics but also very exemplary and responsible to the community. He is a shining example for other members to follow, especially the young generation who want to start a business in agriculture."

In recognition of these efforts, for many consecutive years, he has been awarded a certificate of merit by the People's Committee of Nghe An province for his excellent production and business achievements; was honored at the Patriotic Emulation Congress of Nghe An province for the period 2015 - 2020 and continues to be honored at the Patriotic Emulation Congress for the period 2020 - 2025 which will take place on September 26.

From a poor young man who wandered around selling small potted plants, to a billionaire garden owner, Nguyen Viet Chau has proven that farmers, if they have the will and aspiration, can absolutely rise up to become rich right on their homeland. His success not only brings a prosperous life to his family, creates jobs for rural people, but also contributes to beautifying the streets, creating tree-lined roads, bringing a clean environment to the community.