SINGAPORE – In the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Mr Ganesh Kumar
planted a pink hibiscus plant
to help him overcome the grief of losing his mother.
What began as a small gesture of healing later transformed into a thriving garden in Woodlands that is now one of the largest community gardens here.
The 41-year-old, who was suffering from depression, hopes that others can also find solace and joy in the garden he so painstakingly built.
“Being in their shoes, I understand just how difficult it is, and I thought, why not create a space like a sanctuary for everyone,” he said.
“One question I got the most often was, ‘What are you going to plant next?’ That idea that people put in my head helped me forget the sadness I was going through… It gave me a sense of purpose.
“They shared with me how happy they were that there was some colour now (in the garden) instead of just green, and then I realised, why not share these same colours, which brought me happiness all these years, with other people.”
Located on the northern slope of Woodlands Town Park East, Woodlands Botanical Garden (WBG) used to be a barren nine-storey-high hill covered with grass and lalang, with few signs of fauna.
It was initially just a 50 sq m garden managed by Mr Ganesh, his father and his helper at the time.
Today, with the help of some volunteers, the garden spans 4,000 sq m and is home to over 350 plant species and 300 animal species, including multiple vulnerable species in Singapore, he said.
Some of the plants housed there include the Pink Mussaenda, Yellow Candle Bush, Yellow-Red Tecoma, Red Single Camellia and Yellow Pagoda. Various species of butterflies also flit from flower to flower. The garden has even attracted a Fiery Coraltail damselfly, which is rare here.
Woodlands Botanical Garden spans 4,000 sq m and is home to over 350 plant species and 300 animal species, said Mr Ganesh Kumar.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
WBG is one of the largest community gardens under the National Parks Board’s gardening programme, Community In Bloom.
Mr Ganesh is a finalist for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year award, which is given to a Singaporean or group of citizens who have made a significant contribution to society.
