In parallel with the department's extensive planting programme to improve the cityscape, a series of educational and community involvement programmes was launched to promote a green culture in society and in government departments. Over 2,450 greening activities were organised with 1,180,000 participants.

Under the education programme, the Greening School Subsidy Scheme provided 700 schools and kindergartens with cash subsidies to add more greenery to their campuses and to organise greening educational activities for their students with technical advice given by part-time instructors. About 330,000 students were each given a pot of seedlings to nurture at home or in school under a 'One Person, One Flower' scheme to gain a better understanding of growing plants and to develop an interest in the subject. A scheme was also launched for students from 40 schools to participate in maintaining plants in public parks and gardens.

	Expressions of love and care are mirrored in the faces of the young and old under the 'One Person, One Flower' Scheme.

Under the community involvement programme, the Hong Kong International Orchid Show was held at Tai Po in January and a Lotus Show was held in Hong Kong Park in June. Both events were organised jointly with a local association and were well received by the public.

Over 1,000 Green Volunteers were recruited under the Green Volunteer Scheme in 18 districts to carry out simple horticultural maintenance in parks and to serve as stewards in greening promotion activities.

	Volunteers playing their part in keeping Hong Kong green.

The Community Garden Programme was launched in early 2004 to encourage the public to participate in greening activities at the community level and to adopt such practices as part of daily life. It was also designed to arouse public awareness in greening and environmental protection through participating in gardening activities. Six community gardens were established in different districts during the year.

	Dr Patrick Ho, Secretary for Home Affairs (right, front) and Ms Anissa Wong, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (left, kneeling), launching the Community Garden Programme.

Harvest day for participants in the first gardening course under the Community Garden Programme.

The LCSD continued to join hands with District Councils and local communities to organise Community Planting Days. Some 28 events involving 32,000 participants were organised to plant over 100 trees and 62,000 shrubs.