Pao and the Floating Garden

Pao lived beside a river. Every year, he and Grandpa grew water spinach and basil, but this year the water rose quickly. Their seedlings disappeared beneath the muddy surface.

Pao noticed water hyacinths bobbing with the waves. He sketched an idea: a bamboo base, dried banana-stem floats, and light soil baskets on top.

Their first raft tipped when one heavy basket sat on one side. Pao did not give up. He and Grandpa balanced the baskets, added two mooring ropes, and tested it with empty pots first.

This time the raft stayed level and moved with the water. The ropes kept it nearby. Pao planted water spinach, basil, and marigolds in separate corners to share the weight.

Weeks later, green leaves covered the raft. Neighbors came to study the design and build their own. Pao handed Grandpa some basil. 'Our garden does not fight the water,' he said. 'It learns to float with it.'