Every morning, residents of a tiny block of HDB flats wake up to the sight of morning glories in full bloom. The deep purple blossoms line a green wall in a little community garden just beneath their windows.

What started out as a single pot has grown into a wall of morning glories that draw admirers.

The verdant patch of Eden teems with life – flowers in a riot of colours, edible greens, tropical fruits, a number of herbs and even a pond of fish.

Unlike other community gardens that dot the island, this one is not fenced up. There are no signs warning of the consequences of theft. No CCTV guards it. In fact, its owners, the Koays – Victor and Kay Hwee – have welcomed all manner of visitors to their garden.

The Koays’ garden is a welcome patch of Eden bursting with colour and life.

“Our neighbours love the view. A lot of people come by and admire the place and talk to us. It has attracted wildlife as well – all sorts of birds, squirrels and monkeys,” said Kay Hwee, 60.

Added Victor, 64, who is the Executive Director of Overseas Radio & Television Inc: “People from the condo next door and our upstairs neighbours will all stop by. Because of the garden, we got to know many people and lots of dogs, too.”

What we did during Circuit Breaker

Earlier this year, the Koays moved into their ground floor maisonette. Their three older children – two daughters aged 36 and 30, and a son aged 34 – had married and moved out. 

With just their youngest son, 18, left at home, they decided it was time to downgrade.

“We were looking for a place near our daughter’s home and saw this flat on the ground floor with a small piece of land outside.

“The owner had not lived in the house for the past two years so it looked very lao kok kok (dilapidated) inside. But we liked it because of the space and bought it,” explained Victor.

Not long after, Singapore went into Circuit Breaker mode. Victor, recovering from an eye surgery, found himself with time to spare as did Kay Hwee who is a Chinese tutor. So, they tended to their new garden. As life in Singapore came almost to a standstill, life on the Koay’s little plot of land burst forth.

They started with just a few potted plants from their old home but now have a lush garden of colourful flowers, vegetables, herbs and fruit trees.

“We had brought a few potted plants along with us from our old place including two pots of desert roses,” said Victor.

Then, quite organically, their collection grew. Said Kay Hwee: “If we ate papayas, we would grow papayas (with the seeds). If we ate bitter gourds, we would grow bitter gourds. We even have mint and bitter herbs that are good for sore throats.

“We planted whatever we could get our hands on. There are now too many plants to name.”

The Koays take in wilting plants and receive seeds from people to add to their garden.

Their prized plant is a pot of morning glory flowers they had set by a wall.

“We had an iron grill for the bathroom that didn’t fit well.

“So, I placed it against the wall so the plant could climb up the grill. And the plant just started growing,” said Victor.

Added Kay Hwee: “At first, we counted 26 flowers, then over 100. Every day, new flowers would bloom. We have stopped counting.”

Soon, a fish pond was added, complete with a water mill.

And then they all came

As their garden grew, it also drew curious visitors.

“We keep our front door open. From the start, our purpose has been to use this garden to bless others,” said Kay Hwee.

At first, it was just their immediate neighbours who would stop by for a chat, thankful to have a new view to admire. Then, strangers with children on their way to and from a nearby pre-school and passers-by came along.

The fish pond is a favourite with children who often stop to admire the fish.

“We have people of different races coming by – Chinese, Malay Indian. There are many elderly as well, even those in wheelchairs who would stop by. It gives us an opportunity to talk and make friends.

“Some even share with us quite openly about their backgrounds. One grandma told me how she came to be caring for her grandchild. We have been using the garden to slowly establish relationships”, said Kay Hwee.  

The Koays do not just lend a listening ear, they share their bounty, too. Said Victor: “If they say our plants are nice, we will give them some. I bought tiny pots so I could transfer some plants to them.”

Added Kay Hwee: “You have to trim your plants and if you don’t share your plant cuttings, they rot anyway.”

They have even invested in colourful windmills and decorative butterflies which they use to adorn their garden. When children stop by to admire them, the Koays give them away as gifts. They have been known to give away fish from their pond as well.

“One little Caucasian girl came by with drawings of my garden to make friends with us,” said Kay Hwee, amused.

A little Caucasian girl gifted the Koays with her drawings to thank them for a decorative butterfly they had given her.

Explained Victor: “We had given her one of our butterflies and her father said she made the drawing to thank us.”

They also made friends with a little Indian boy. “He came by and told me he wanted to grow flowers. So, I gave him a plant. Then, he came again and said he had no soil. So, I gave him some. Then, he came to ask me about my fish,” smiled Victor.

Victor made friends with a boy who came for several visits.

Said Kay Hwee: “That last time, he came with three flowers he had picked to give to Victor to thank him.”

Because of their generosity, no one has ever stolen the plants or fish in their garden. They have given to the Koays instead.

“They bring their wilted plants for us to nurse back to health or they give us seeds to grow,” said Victor.

The garden has grown with very little effort on the part of the Koays. “No secret formula, just God’s grace.”

Smiled Kay Hwee: “He’s the one with the patience and the green thumb.”

Asked about the secret behind their lush garden, Victor said: “No secret formula, just God’s grace. I only water it every morning.”

Where God can be seen

Beyond bringing the community together, the Koays hope their little garden will bring people to God.

“We see this garden as God’s grace. He is the One who provided it and makes it grow.

“When they stop and talk to us, they can turn and see the cross above our door. It gives us an opportunity to talk about our faith,” said Kay Hwee.

In the meantime, the Koays spend their morning Quiet Time with God by the garden. Victor often pulls up a chair to read the Bible while admiring his plants while Kay Hwee stands by the window overlooking the garden to “praise God”.

The garden has given the Koays a room with a view. They often spend time with God while admiring the blooms.

The garden has also given their grandson Gideon, one of five grandchildren, plenty of opportunities to see God’s creation up close.

Said his mother, Sarah, the Koay’s eldest child: “My son spends a lot of time hanging out with Gong Gong (grandpa) in the garden. It’s a great way for him to learn about God’s amazing creation and design.

The Koays grandson, Gideon, loves to visit their garden. He has spent many happy hours there with his grandfather.

“He’s even had the chance to witness the metamorphosis of a butterfly from its caterpillar stage. These experiences are rich and very precious.”

The garden has given visitors and the Koays alike a chance to see nature up close.

Following in the footsteps of his grandparents, Gideon often plays tour guide to other children who visit.

Said Sarah: “My parents have always been hospitable to all our neighbours and to just about everyone in our lives. Growing up, they always encouraged to bring our friends home for gatherings and fellowship.

Gideo helps out in the garden where he has seen God’s creative power at work.

“My siblings and I have seen so many of their neighbours turn into friends and be blessed by this humble space.”

Come Christmas, the Koays plan to have a live Christmas tree in their garden and Christmas lights to add to the festive cheer. No doubt, their little Eden will draw more people then and give them added opportunities to tell of the Jesus behind the celebration.

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