“I grew garlic for the first time as I didn’t want to throw it away. It grew roots in just seven days. It opened up a new world to me,” said Zhong Liu, a young illustrator living in Shenzhen. On the 5-square-meter balcony (阳台) of Zhong’s apartment, there is a mini-farm with lemons, tomatoes and eggplants.

Zhong’s lifestyle started when residents were required to work from home. Zhong is not alone. An increasing number of urban youth have picked up the hobby of growing vegetables on their balconies as working from home has changed their lives. Zhong has started sharing her journey on social media platforms this year, which has brought her more than 100, 000 followers.

In a chat group consisting of over 100 balcony green thumbs across the country, they share the growth of their vegetables, discussing which plants are more suitable for balcony planting and how to fertilize (施肥) crops. “Balcony gardening really heals the urban youth. We plant and look forward to the harvest, and experience the happiness.” Zhong said.

Chinese city managers are also seeking new methods to rebuild the relationship between urban residents and nature through vegetable gardens. The government of Guangzhou launched a vegetable garden project, providing seeds and farm tools at the minimum price as well as organizing agricultural experts to provide online Q&A for local residents, in an effort to encourage urban youth to get in touch with nature through balcony planting.

In cities, people need to get along with nature. They will be healed during the process of getting close to plants. Parent-child relationships can be strengthened by taking part in the activities together. Community gardening also promotes interpersonal communication, and makes neighborhoods harmonious.

【小题1】Why does the author say Zhong Liu is not alone?

A．She stays at home with her family around.

B．She shares the gardening habit with many.

C．She works from home with her colleagues.

D．She connects with her friends online easily.

【小题2】What does the underlined phrase “green thumbs” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A．Young gardeners.

B．Agricultural experts.

C．Government officials.

D．Experienced farmers.

【小题3】What is involved in Guangzhou’s vegetable garden project?

A．Providing free gardening tools.

B．Purchasing seeds from local farmers.

C．Inviting experts to share knowledge.

D．Establishing rules on balcony gardens.

【小题4】Which can be a suitable title for the text?

A．How to Grow Your Own Balcony Garden

B．Balcony Garden: a New Trend for Urban Youth

C．Zhong Liu: How I Adapt to Working from Home

D．Guangzhou Works Hard for a Pleasant Environment