Amidst the hustle and bustle of Saigon, there is a peaceful corner where you can give and receive plants. That is “Shop 0 VND Binh Thanh” và “1D Seedling Market” – two unique, humane models, initiated and maintained by Ms. Mai Hue, a woman who has worked in the television industry for many years and is currently devoted to green community activities.
From music stage to zero-dollar market
In 2018, when Ms. Mai Hue opened a small coffee shop for her music center students to practice their performances, this space became the cradle for a loving community of tree lovers. By chance, she joined a community group that donated trees, and she realized the joy of giving away green shoots, and more importantly – they needed a place to gather, meet, and share.
With the spirit of “contributing what you have”, she volunteered to turn the coffee shop into a meeting place for people who love plants. “I am also a farmer’s daughter, so I do a good job of taking care of, maintaining, and propagating more trees for the market meetings, and have a lot of experience to share with people” – Ms. Hue shared. Since then, 0₫ Plant Shop Binh Thanh born
Phiên chợ cây sẽ được tổ chức định kỳ hàng tháng, thường là cuối tuần, người đến nhận cây sẽ được phát một phiếu, ghi tên các loại cây mong muốn, rồi chờ đến lượt được gọi. Không ai bị giới hạn, không ai bị ép buộc – tất cả cùng chung tay vun đắp một cộng đồng xanh.
In addition to the cool green potted plants, participants also had a lucky draw to receive special gifts – valuable bonsai pots. Each gift not only has material meaning, but also a thank you to those who love nature, joining hands to build a greener and kinder community every day.
Image of people happy when drawing lots to win trees
Mở rộng tinh thần chia sẻ: Chợ cây giống 1Đ ra đời
After several years of operation, Ms. Hue realized that maintaining the source of free seedlings was a big challenge. Besides, some people felt “embarrassed” to receive the plants without contributing anything.
“I don’t want to lose the zero-dollar spirit, but I also need a small amount to buy more plants, pots, and soil,” she shared.
Chị Huệ mong rằng việc bán cây với một mức giá nhỏ mang tính ủng hộ của bà con sẽ giúp tạo ra một phần kinh phí nhỏ để duy trì và phát triển thêm các hoạt động sống xanh khác.
From then on, in 2020, “1D Seedling Market” was born - where people can choose to buy seedlings for less than a glass of iced tea.
“1D Seedling Market” operates in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, with many types of chemicals, kiểng lá, medicinal plants, fruit trees, etc. Not only is this a place to buy and sell, it is also an opportunity for people to exchange, share and share their passion for farming.
Challenges do not stop her
Although the model operates on a voluntary basis and does not charge fees, Ms. Hue has encountered many difficulties: at first, it was investing in seedlings and materials; then there were situations where people who came to receive the plants were "more greedy than the regulations".
However, what always makes her feel steadfast is the join hands of the peopleWhen she needed someone to contribute labor, plants, fertilizer, or snacks to the market… All were like a small extended family.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Hue and her team have deploy online markets, support home delivery of plants - people only need to pay shipping fee. It is in the most difficult times that the strength of community and spirit is shown. mutual love of this "special market".
Not just trees – but connections, love
More than the potted plants given away, the most valuable thing that Ms. Hue and the community created was a space of connection and sharing. The two main Facebook groups – Shop 0 VND Binh Thanh (over 17,000 members) and Seedling Market 1D (nearly 5,000 members) – is a place where people share pictures and experiences of growing plants every day, and especially together give – donate seedlings, materials, and soil to those in need.
0đ, 1đ – Value is not in numbers, but in humanity
The two projects “Binh Thanh 0đ Shop” and “1Đ Seedling Market” both originate from the same point: spreading the love of nature and the spirit of sharing in the community. The core value that she aims for is the connection between people and people, between people and nature – everything happens as a “fate”, without calculation, without coercion, simply giving and receiving with kindness.
This is a place that can bring the community closer together – when at a small market, people of all classes and ages (from children, students, workers to the elderly) can sit together, chat, share and exchange not only plants but also the joy of life. It is a place that narrows the generation gap, erases material barriers, where each person has their own value to contribute.
Image of father and son participating in the 0đ tree fair
Các bé nhỏ cũng được người thân dắt đi chợ cây để khám phá
Currently, her management team has about 10 people in charge of breeding, ensuring that the source of plants is always abundant and diverse.
Once just a visitor to the zero-dong fair, Mr. Liem gradually became attached and officially became a member of the association from 2022 to present. He smiled gently as he said: "Sometimes work is too stressful, so I turned to planting trees to relieve my mind, and unexpectedly I became addicted to it."
“Sometimes work is too stressful, so I turned to gardening to relieve my mind. I never expected to fall in love with it.”
The small garden at his house has now become a favorite retreat, filled with the green of all kinds of vegetables such as squash, pumpkin, perilla, and cool plants such as pothos and aloe vera. For him, each sprout that grows is a way to dispel fatigue, a spiritual medicine in the midst of a busy life.
The journey of sowing love continues
When asked about the future, Ms. Mai Hue does not dream of anything too big. What she wishes for is simple but meaningful: "I want to maintain the two green markets for a long time, so that the small green buds continue to spread throughout the corners of Saigon, cooling the heat of the South."
“I want to maintain the two green markets for a long time, so that the small green buds continue to spread throughout the alleys of Saigon, cooling down the heat of the South.”
And for those who are thinking about starting a community activity, remember that you don’t need much to start. A small potted plant or a sprig of rosemary can be a seed of sharing. All good things start with a heart and a little bit of good karma.
