Three years ago, the empty land behind our apartment buildings was full of rubbish and broken glass. Nobody wanted to go near it, and children had nowhere safe to play outside. Then Mrs Lan, a retired teacher in our neighbourhood, suggested turning the land into a community garden. At first, only five families joined the project, but more neighbours became interested when they saw the first vegetables growing. Every weekend, volunteers water the plants, remove weeds and share gardening tips with one another. Children learn where their food comes from, and older people enjoy teaching them traditional skills. The garden produces tomatoes, beans and herbs, which are sold at a small market to pay for seeds and tools. Because the project has been so successful, the local council has offered the group another piece of land for next year. The garden is open every day, and everyone is welcome to join, whether they have experience or not. Mrs Lan says the garden’s greatest gift is not the vegetables, but the friendships it has created. People who once were strangers now greet each other warmly whenever they meet.
garden
The garden produces tomatoes, beans and [blank1], which are sold at a small market to pay for [blank2] and tools.
herbs
seeds
What has the local council done because the project has been so successful?
Because the project has been so successful, the local council has offered the group another piece of land for next year.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A community garden has improved the neighbourhood and brought people together.
Retired teachers are the best gardeners in the city.
Children should not play outside near apartment buildings.
Selling vegetables is the main goal of the garden project.
Choose the best title for this passage:
How to Grow Tomatoes and Beans
The Life of a Retired Teacher
The Garden That Brought Neighbours Together
Why Children Need More Playgrounds
According to Mrs Lan, what is the garden’s greatest gift?
the friendships it has created
