Since moving to the UK, I’ve somehow transformed from someone who knew absolutely nothing about gardening into a “full-time farmer” captivated by my own backyard… Many friends from Hong Kong, as well as those who have recently arrived in the UK, have asked me: What brought about such a massive change?
To be honest, it initially started just as a way to pass the time. In our spare moments, my wife and I would visit different garden centres and supermarkets to pick up a few plants and spruce up the place. But gradually, I discovered that this patch of green in our back garden was offering me an endless space for reflection. Whether you keep a newly bought plant in its pot or plant it directly into the ground—that alone involves a wealth of knowledge.
From choosing the right soil and the correct fertilizer for each stage, to understanding the hours of sunlight, managing care through shifting temperatures, and even knowing when to prune and cut back stems to encourage new growth—every single step is a lesson in itself.
When you lose yourself in it, you realize that the growth of a plant is nothing less than a miniature version of life. And this microcosm can reflect your own journey, or offer a father’s profound insight into raising his children.
I have grown many types of flowers, but in the end, I found myself deeply drawn to sunflowers.
If you have ever grown sunflowers, you will know how uniquely captivating they are when they bloom in full summer. There is something remarkable about the way the flower head holds itself high to face the sun, its resilience under the scorching heat, and the flexibility with which it sways and adapts to the fierce winds when night falls. Throughout the height of summer, they invite bees to come and gather nectar, before working hard to produce large, ink-black seeds one by one. And before autumn arrives, they proudly complete the beautiful circle of their life.
I love sunflowers. Looking at them, I am inspired by their spirit—no matter the rain or shine, I want to learn to face life with my head held high. When hit by the inevitable storms, I want to show immense resilience, yet know when to bend and flow with the wind.
I always remind myself of my personal motto: “Keep smiling, and better days will come.” Only through warmth and positivity can we attract like-minded companions. With fellow travelers by our side, we can pass on the beautiful things in life, eventually leading to a rich harvest of seeds when the time is right. These seeds can help us achieve fulfillment in this “second life,” bring out the best in others, and ultimately allow us to lead by example—guiding our children to sprout and thrive in the right soil.
Then, what started as a single sunflower will gradually expand into a whole field of gold.
This is my insight, and it is also my heartfelt wish.
That is why, when I decided to pick up my pen and write again, I chose to introduce myself to everyone as “Sunflower Dad.” Right now, in this very summer, over a hundred sunflowers are growing diligently in my back garden. My heart is full of anticipation; as I tend to the earth, I am also learning how to live a meaningful life.
Do you grow any plants at home? Or what is your absolute favourite flower? Feel free to share a glimpse of your back garden (or your indoor potted plants) with me in the comments below! 👇
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Missed my previous stories about daily life and reflections on relocating? Catch up here:
📖 Part 3: What does 38.5°C actually feel like? https://www.facebook.com/122110899723359033
📖 Part 2: In a British garden, seeing sunflowers and children standing tall against the wind:
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📖 Part 1: Leaving the Hong Kong education sector—Daddy Benny’s declaration of a fresh start:
https://www.facebook.com/122110751391359033
