In preparation for the Year of the Horse, growers in Cho Lach District, Ben Tre Province have been producing various kinds of tree in horse shapes. A facility called Nam Cong produced 40 pairs of horse from Chinese Banyan trees. Each pair costs around VND3 million (USD143) to 5 million and has been custom made on orders from HCM City and neighbouring provinces.

Nguyen Van Cong, from the facility, said it took 50 to 70 tree branches to create a two-metre high horse. He went on to say that many people bought this product with the hope that it will bring them a successful year. Cong also said the price for a set of 12 zodiac animals would range from VND15 million to 25 million.

Horse-shaped trees

Tran Van Duoc, a grower in Cho Lach, used kumquat trees to make horse-shaped and dragon-shaped trees. "We have to make plans from one year ago so that the trees produce plenty of fruit. A grower needs 3.5 days to make a horse. About two-thirds of our products were already booked so we'll bring the rest to the market." Duoc said.

Dragon-shaped trees

According to the growers, traders came and ordered trees sooner than previous years so prices increased by 20% to 30%, especially those of yellow apricot flowers and horse-shaped trees. The growers designed trees in other shapes, such as vase, tower or musical instrument.

VND7 million for a tower-shaped tree

"Traders arrived sooner because they want the best trees at cheaper prices. I have already sold 700 apricot trees," a grower said.

Tran Van Du, head of the Vinh Thanh Commune's Farmer Union, said 60% of the households are in gardening business and they have provided over 2 million products to the market.