Share this article
Outside a 4-room HDB flat on Bishan Street 24, there is a ‘plant wall’ with over 10 shelves. On these shelves are nearly 200 plants, which have thrived over the past 3 years under the careful care of Daisy, a 38 years old chemist. The term ‘care’ also includes Daisy’s conversations with the plants.
HDB Corridor Garden Ideas
Around the end of 2020, Daisy and her husband, Koh Jin Da, 39 years old, who works as a digital marketing officer, had just moved into their new home. Initially wanting to add greenery to their home, Daisy placed 2 plants in a corner of the living room but found that there was insufficient sunlight. Consequently, she moved the plants to the corridor.
Daisy spends over an hour each day watering these plants, allocates one day a week for fertilizing them, and regularly trims the branches and leaves. (Information provided by Daisy)
HDB Corridor Plants Rules
Daisy said, “The corridor initially had only 2 plants, and it looked a bit empty. So, I started buying more plants, gradually increasing the number until there were plants on both sides of the corridor. Later, the town council required us to comply with fire escape requirements, so we had to concentrate all the plants on one side, evolving into the current plant wall.”
From buying plants, fertilizers, and artificial light, Daisy has invested nearly $10,000 in her gardening interest, with the cost of purchasing plants reaching about $8,000.
Every day, Daisy spends over an hour watering these plants, allocates one day a week to fertilize them, and regularly trims the branches and leaves. What may seem burdensome to others is a source of joy for Daisy.
Neighbours also started to plant greenery
“Neighbors would say this plant wall is very beautiful, and I have noticed more neighbors starting to plant greenery in the corridor.”
Since the end of 2020, Koh Jin Da (left) and Daisy started buying plants. Now, outside their home, there are 2 sides of a 'plant wall' consisting of more than 10 shelves each, with nearly 200 pots of plants on them. (Photo by Cai Weiqian)
Alocasia Black Velvet, most expensive plant
When asked which plant she would choose if she could keep only one, Daisy hesitated for a while and said with reluctance, “I would choose the Alocasia Black Velvet because it is the most expensive.”
Hearing the price, Koh Jin Da, standing nearby, chuckled and said, “It costs 500 dollars! But speaking of expensive hobbies, I like bicycles, and the bicycles I buy are not cheap either. I haven’t told her the prices.”
During the interview, the couple bantered with each other, creating an amusing interaction. When it comes to the key to a successful marriage, they both said in unison, “Communication, and more communication. Also, supporting each other’s hobbies through actions.”
This article was first published in Lianhe Zaobao.