This community gardener doesn't just grow fruits and flowers, he nurtures kampung spirit

A Green Thumb for the Ages

Mr Yeap Keat Tong's love for gardening began when he was a teenager, watching his father tend to orchids in their landed home in Serangoon Gardens. His father's passion for gardening was a way to relieve stress, and Mr Yeap learned from him how to fertilise different types of plants, how to grow new plants from existing ones, and so on.

As a child, one of Mr Yeap's earliest gardening tasks was to break big charcoal chunks into smaller pieces, to be placed in the orchid pots to improve air flow and water drainage. He started learning voraciously from his father about gardening, and their shared passion blossomed again when Mr Yeap bought his own landed property in Sengkang.

From Company Gardens to Community Spaces

In 2006, Mr Yeap was asked by his employer, ST Engineering Land Systems, to take charge of greening up the company's Boon Lay compound. He became the company's unofficial chief gardener and suggested setting up community gardens that interested staff could take charge of tending to. Under his watch, the company's gardens won six platinum and two diamond awards from the National Parks Board (NParks).

Nurturing Kampung Spirit

Mr Yeap's gardening achievements are not limited to his company's compounds. He has also been instrumental in setting up community gardens in public spaces, where residents can come together to tend to the plants and build stronger relationships. His efforts have helped to combat isolation among retirees and promote a sense of community and belonging.

A Legacy of Greening

Mr Yeap's legacy extends beyond his gardening achievements. He has inspired a new generation of gardeners and community leaders, and his work has helped to promote a sense of community and belonging among residents. His story is a testament to the power of gardening to bring people together and build stronger communities.