Phuoc, who lives in Xuan Huong-Dalat ward in the Central Highlands Lam Dong Province, invested more than VND 100 million (about USD 4,000) to grow 0.1 hectares of gladioli for the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
However, unfavourable weather slowed the crop’s growth, and traders declined to collect the flowers once they blossomed after Tet.
“With the flowers in full bloom after the holiday, traders did not return,” he said. “So I decided to keep them in the field and welcome visitors for sightseeing and photos. If the weather holds, the flowers can last for more than 10 days.”
Word of the open garden quickly spread, drawing locals and tourists keen to take photos and show support.
Visitors typically contribute VND 50,000 (about USD 1.9) per person, with some offering more. Others purchase fresh flowers to take home.
The vibrant field has also attracted photography enthusiasts, with dozens of visitors arriving each day.
“When I stepped into the garden, I was overwhelmed by the colours and romantic atmosphere,” said tourist Nguyen Doan Nhu Ngoc, suggesting the family could reserve part of the land for tourism in future seasons.
At times, Phuoc also acts as photographer for his guests.
In four decades of farming, he said this was the first time his flowers had missed the lucrative Tet market. “The support from visitors has helped us recover part of the costs and given us a chance to reinvest,” he said.
