PEOPLE normally visit beautiful gardens and parks over the weekends to “heal” after a harrowing week at work. They walk and stop to smell the roses and admire the plant life and flowers that bloom along the well-manicured gardens.
But there’s a group of residents with the SS15/2 & SS15/3 Rukun Tetangga who don’t have to go far for this purpose because they have their own “healing” garden which they have successfully transformed into the perfect spot for their enjoyment.
Their garden is located at Jalan SS15/2E. What started out as a once-a-week clean up of the community area has turned into a labour of love by the avid gardeners amongst them.
We pulled some of these gardeners away for a bit to find out their secret of success – Pansy Lim; Catherine Chia; Yong Yuk Moey; Lam Pang Cheng and Michael Sundram.
“Many people admire our garden and what we have transformed it into. I live across the road and that’s the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning,” Pansy said.
Catherine considers the time spent at the garden as very well-spent. “I enjoy doing work here as a past time. This is the place where everyone knows your name and it’s a great place to socialize. I come here happy; I go home happy,” she added.
Yong is the chief decorator of the garden. “I do the decorations for the garden,” she laughed.
Lam who is the chairman of the Rukun Tetangga shares that the work at the garden was voluntary and the group welcomes more residents to join them.
“We encourage residents from this area and also the surrounding areas to come join us. The gardening keeps us all active. Every Friday, we have a potluck breakfast after some gardening.”
“Volunteers come in to water the plants during the week. Most of them have gardens of their own at home but this bigger area makes it more exciting since we can also share our knowledge and plants with one another,” he said.
According to Michael, many have stopped by the garden to admire it.
“Some come in asking if they could have a cutting of a particular plant which they want to grow at home. We are also open to people offering us plants to add to our garden.”
“I am happy to see this garden grow over the last 10 years. I hope that younger people will also come out to join us for our activities. We can do so much together; sharing ideas and realizing them,” he said.
Michael also said the covered area under the gazebo was also the perfect place for people to drop by to socialise.
“If you need someone to talk to, come on over and talk to us. We will be here for you,” he added.
Wait no more! Drop by at the SS15/2E community garden and check them out.
More photos here https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14XZpTbCdk/
