立春  Spring Commences

February 3-5

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【立春】《香草園一隅：香草螺旋》
今天是二十四節氣的立春，是農夫們開始準備耕種的日子，我們也來聊聊種植的知識吧！《香草園一隅》畫了港大香草園的角落，這個螺旋型花圃有個浪漫的名字，叫作香草螺旋花園。花園以樸門農法(permaculture)，利用了小空間創造高低落差的微氣候，種植喜歡不同的濕度、溫度、陽光的香草。

爲了創造適合不同香草生長的環境，我們把喜歡乾燥泥土，以及大量陽光的迷迭香種在最上方；喜歡適度水分的旱金蓮和萬壽菊，會放在中間的位置；喜歡濕潤土壤的薄荷，則放在水份積聚的最下方。

在小小的螺旋花園，也能以設計配合自然規律，創造合適環境，包容各種個性的植物。小編不禁莞爾，如果在我們生活的地方，也可以運用創意，建設多元友善的環境，包容彼此的不同，世界也會春暖花開。

Today is “Spring Commences” of the Chinese 24 Solar Terms, and farmers start to do preparation for farming works. Let’s talk about some little facts of growing plants! In this illustration “Corner of Herb Garden”, it shows the Herb Spiral in our HKU Herb Garden. This spiral is built based on permaculture design principles, creating numerous microclimates for different herbs to grow well in a limited space.

In order to create suitable growing conditions for different kinds of herbs, we put Rosemary, which likes dry soil and sunshine on the top of the spiral, that will receive what it exactly needs. Garden Nasturtium and Marigold needs moderate water and sunshine, which will be put in the middle level of the spiral. Herbs which like moist soil and less sunshine like mints will be planted at the ground level.

Even in the little Herb Spiral, we can create a place for herbs in different needs and personalities. This makes me think of our living place. If we can use our creativity and establish a more inclusive and friendly environment for different communities, the winter of our world will end soon too.

Illustration by: Pollie Li

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