Hong Kong Stories - Whispers of Trees：Branching out in Communities

Resembling a large garden for its residents, the Garden Estate is comprised of Phases 1 and 2. Phase 1 consists of seven residential blocks named after flowers, while Phase 2 has five blocks named after birds, and therefore once dubbed "Seven Flowers and Five Birds".

Built by the Hong Kong Housing Society in the 1960s, the Garden Estate is the first public housing estate in Kwun Tong. In the 1980s, Phase 1 was redeveloped into the current Jade Lotus Towers and redevelopment of Phase 2 will commence in 2026/27 at the earliest.

There is a remarkable Indian Banyan tree planted near the playground in Phase 2 of the estate. Over the past decades, the tree has witnessed changes of the residents, from newly-wed couples to three-generation households. As redevelopment is about to commence, the residents take stock of their precious memories, recounting how the constant presence of the tree is woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Trees are like amiable friends in our neighbourhood, not because they can talk to us, but because they quietly stay in their places, watching the residents and the community grows.





Bilingual:


English / Cantonese (TV Version)







Time:


(First run)


2024.05.28 TUE 9:30pm