I have loved nature since I was young.
Over time, this interest gradually shifted towards plants and gardening. I enjoy the nurturing process and the satisfaction of watching living things grow. My earliest memory of gardening was when I was about 6 or 7, living in a kampong in Paya Lebar. One particular plant that left a deep impression on me was the “9 o’clock flower”. My landlord explained that it bloomed at 9 o’clock in the morning, and that was how it got its name. Much later, I learned that it is called Portulaca spp.
Those were the days when my neighbours would harvest jambu, rambutan, mangoes and other fruits from trees, then eat them marinated in dark sauce, sugar and chilli. Around that time, I planted a mango seed next to the kitchen. I watched it sprout and slowly grow into a sapling. To a small kid, it was a huge achievement. When we eventually moved, I had to leave it behind. That was the first plant I ever grew.
We moved to Marine Terrace when I was in Primary 2. During science class, I remembered germinating bean sprouts from green beans. Watching the roots emerge was most fascinating. That was also when I began growing plants in pots at home. My regular walk from school was 3 to 4 kilometres, and along the way I often passed abandoned houses where wild epiphytic orchids grew. I would pick them and bring them home, many did not survive. Orchids needed special care, and as an amateur, my gardening knowledge was still very basic.
During my teenage years, I kept many different types of plants - most of which I did not even know the names of, and many of which my sister brought home from school. I watered them conscientiously every day. Some died, but others bloomed, and I began propagating them even before I formally learned how to do so. I remember growing money plant (Scindapsus aureus), dumb cane (Dieffenbachia variegata), and many others, repotting them over time as they multiplied.
I later pursued a degree in biological sciences and graduated with a botany honours degree. I thoroughly enjoyed my biology lessons. I learned about plant physiology, anatomy, wayside trees and commercial botany and so on. My honours year project, in particular, was meaningful. I spent a lot of time in the secondary forests around Singapore studying how plants interact with fauna, soil and their surrounding ecosystems. I did not continue in this field professionally as I had to return to the army to serve my bond but my relationship with plants never ended.
As an officer commanding, I made a special effort to bring back plants from training areas, where abandoned houses and gardens were common. My company line ended with lots of beautiful flowering plants such as orchids, bougainvillea, etc. It was really heartening to see how my soldiers, despite their tough exteriors, tending to the garden with extra care.
Today, gardening remains a cherished hobby. I keep several potted plants on my balcony and take pleasure in looking after them. I would feel bad discarding them, as they have become companions of sorts. Yet, I do not need to own plants to appreciate them. I find the same joy in seeing them along the roadside, while hiking in the forest, or walking through nature reserves.
