A Day in the Life of a Flower Farm Worker in Kunming, China

5:00 AM
The alarm buzzes sharply, and I groggily roll out of bed. It's still dark outside, but the early morning hours are the best time to start work on the flower farm. Kunming, known as the "City of Eternal Spring," has the perfect climate for flowers, and it’s my job to ensure they thrive. I quickly eat a bowl of congee and grab a steamed bun before heading out the door.

The air is crisp and fresh as I walk to the farm. The sun is just starting to rise, casting a soft glow over the surrounding mountains. Kunming's altitude and mild temperatures make it ideal for growing flowers, and farms like ours supply blooms to markets across China and beyond.

5:30 AM
I arrive at the farm, where the greenhouses stretch in neat rows. Each one is packed with different types of flowers—roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and lilies. Our farm specializes in roses, with rows of red, pink, yellow, and even lavender varieties. Today, my task is to focus on the roses that are nearing full bloom.

The first job is watering. Although we use drip irrigation systems, I still check to make sure everything is working properly. Water is precious here, and every drop counts. I walk the rows, adjusting the flow where needed and inspecting the leaves for signs of pests or diseases. A healthy rose is not just about its petals—every part of the plant must be strong.

7:00 AM
Harvesting begins. Alongside my coworkers, I move systematically through the greenhouse, cutting stems at just the right length and stage of bloom. Timing is critical—cut too early, and the flower won’t open properly; too late, and it’s past its prime. We carefully place each rose in buckets of water to keep them fresh.

My hands move quickly but carefully, the thorns a constant reminder to respect the plant. The scent is overwhelming, a sweet and earthy fragrance that fills the air. It’s hard work, but the beauty around me makes it feel rewarding.

9:00 AM
The harvested roses are taken to the packing area. Here, we strip away extra leaves, trim the stems to uniform lengths, and bundle the roses into bouquets. I work on an order destined for Beijing—a special request for long-stemmed red roses, each one flawless. The bouquets are wrapped in tissue paper and placed in boxes lined with moisture-retaining pads.

As I work, I think about the people who will buy these flowers. Maybe they’re for a romantic date, a birthday celebration, or an important business gift. It’s satisfying to know our efforts will bring joy to someone’s day.

11:30 AM
It’s lunchtime, and we gather under the shade of a large tree near the edge of the field. Today, my lunch is packed in a small tin: rice, pickled vegetables, and some stir-fried tofu. We chat and laugh, sharing stories about the farm and life in Kunming. Despite the hard work, there’s a strong sense of community here, and I feel grateful to be part of it.

The conversation turns to the upcoming Flower Expo in Kunming, a major event showcasing the region’s floral industry. I hope some of our roses will be featured.

12:30 PM
After lunch, I head to the propagation area. This is where new rose plants are grown from cuttings. It’s delicate work, requiring patience and attention to detail. I dip cut stems into a rooting hormone and carefully plant them in trays filled with nutrient-rich soil. These young plants will spend weeks here before they’re ready to move to the greenhouse.

It’s satisfying to think that these small cuttings will one day grow into the lush, blooming roses that fill our fields.

3:00 PM
The afternoon is spent pruning and maintaining the rose plants. Removing dead leaves and spent blooms helps the plant direct its energy toward producing new flowers. It’s a meditative task, and I lose myself in the rhythm of the work.

Outside the greenhouse, the sun is shining brightly, and the surrounding landscape is alive with color. Kunming’s natural beauty always inspires me—it’s no wonder flowers thrive here.

5:00 PM
As the workday ends, I take a moment to walk through the rows of roses, admiring their beauty in the golden light of the setting sun. The flowers are a testament to our hard work and dedication.

Before leaving, I help tidy up the workstations and prepare tools for the next day. Everything must be ready because tomorrow will be just as busy as today.

6:00 PM
At home, I clean up and join my family for dinner. We share stories about our day, and I tell them about a new rose variety we’re growing—deep orange with a faint gold edge. My daughter, who loves flowers, listens intently.

9:00 PM
Before bed, I jot down some notes about the day in a small journal. I like to keep track of what I’ve learned and observed—it helps me improve my skills.

As I drift off to sleep, I think about the roses I’ll tend to tomorrow. Working on the flower farm is challenging, but it’s also fulfilling. Each bloom represents the care and effort we pour into the land, and knowing our flowers bring joy to others makes it all worthwhile.