Pastoral Poetry around the Workplace丨Hidden Little Farm Enriching Our Lives

As the daily rhythm of elevator running and keyboard clicking becomes the pulse of the city, there’s a special kind of vitality quietly thriving in the orderly building of NCMC headquarter—a small farm named "Experimental Plot No. 6," was organized and tended by NCMC volunteers. In this little plot of land spanning just over twenty square meters, lush greenery and abundant fruits are composing a unique "pastoral poetry" for all NCMCers.

In the morning light,

Purple and red amaranth leaves sway freely,

Like an overturned palette.

Emerald cucumber vines trail down,

Forming a natural sunshade.

Clusters of tomatoes hang

Like strings of miniature red lanterns.

Newly sprouted chili peppers

Dot the green leaves like fiery stars.

Cornstalks stand tall and straight,

Like loyal guards.

And beneath the watermelon vines,

Round, green treasures hide quietly,

Whispering the arrival of summer…

During lunch breaks or in the evenings covered by sunset glow, you can often see a group of “NCMCer / farmers," carrying small shovels and watering cans, heading to their "secret garden."

The shovel turns the soil, releasing its moist, earthy scent—and with it, a deep, innate longing for nature and growth.

Seeds sown by hand carry little wishes, each one of them is a hope for future harvests.

As the crops flourish, NCMCer often gather around the small garden, discussing whether "this tomato plant needs pruning" or "those chili seedlings need watering." In these moments, their professional titles are set aside—everyone becomes simply a joyful "farming partner" amid the fragrance of the earth, savoring the simple, pure pleasure of creating with their own hands.

The joy of harvest often arrives quietly, unexpectedly.

Tomatoes blush softly, like cheerful little lanterns, glossy and tempting under the sun.

Pushing aside the vines, we can find the round little watermelons, growing larger and fuller each day, expected to be the juicy, refreshing soon.

Plump, sweet bell peppers glow with crisp vitality, growing vigorously.

And of course, the happiest moment is harvest time—fresh lettuce, planted and picked by hand, washed, chopped, and served as fresh green delicious food on the cafeteria plates. Everyone gathers to taste the fruits of their own labor, crisp and refreshing.

Infused with the warmth of the sun, the effort of sweat, and the sweetness of teamwork, every bite carries the satisfaction of hands-on cultivation.

NCMC’s Experimental Plot No. 6 is far more than just a piece of land for growing vegetables. Here, we touch the damp soil and witness life unfolding. Here, colleagues become partners, nurturing shared hopes with their sweat.

It sincerely reminds us: even in the rush of daily life, cultivate the small plot of land with care can reward us with unexpected beauty and profound joy.

A new season of planting is about to begin. The small plot, sown and nurtured by us together, will continue to nourish our spirit. And of course, we welcome more “green-hearted” NCMCers/farmers to join us—roll up your sleeves, come loosen the soil, water the plants, sow the seeds. Let sweat fall into the earth and laughter spill over the ridges. Together, through shared care and dedication, let’s keep writing this simple, joyful story of returning to nature, creating beauty, and sharing warmth.