THE Shanghai Greenery Commission gave away free fragrant sweet osmanthus seedlings to about 1,000 local residents during a greenery campaign at the Jing’an Park yesterday.

　　The commission, affiliated to the Shanghai Greenery and Public Sanitation Bureau, told the residents to take the seedlings home and plant them in a pot. The commission said it can grow to about 2 meters after two years.

　　But after two years, the residents have to return them to the “one-square-meter greenery” foundation, which will plant them at public greenbelts across the city. They can take back another seedling of a plant of their choice in return for the osmanthus, the commission said.

　　The organizer also gave the residents tips on gardening.

　　“The program known as ‘one-square-meter greenery into 10,000 households’ encourages residents to create some green space at home and raise their awareness on ecology,” said Ge Yuyao, an official with the commission. Ge said the pots with the seedlings can be placed on window sills or balconies.

　　The city’s climate is conducive for the growth of osmanthus, which can endure both high temperature and chill. It can grow as high as 18 meters.

　　The residents had to sign a letter of commitment, promising they would plant these seedlings and return them after two years. They can also apply for new seedlings if they don’t grow as expected.

　　“I like having plants at home and will ‘take care of’ the seedling,” said Liu Jinnong, a resident who lives close to the park.

　　“This program promotes greenery concept among residents, which is good,” he said.