In the serene surroundings of Woodlands Botanical Garden (WBG), Ganesh has found his purpose—a haven where nature and community intersect. But the journey that led him to this flourishing sanctuary is one woven with both joy and sorrow, rooted in a childhood fascination with gardening and later blossoming into a powerful means of healing.
Early Days: A Chemist’s Green Awakening
Ganesh’s affinity for gardening began in his childhood, growing up in a landed house in MacPherson. With a small garden that became a cherished gathering spot for neighbours, he developed a deep-rooted love for nature. “Those memories encompass me spending time with my family, and nature helped create that bond amongst us,” he recalls fondly. A significant moment in his early days was receiving a pink hibiscus from his grandmother—a plant that sparked his lifelong passion. Years later, he would find that same species and plant it in Woodlands Botanical Garden, serving as a poignant reminder of over three decades spent gardening with family.
As a child, Ganesh thrived in a “kampong-like” environment, where gardening was a communal effort. Neighbours would exchange produce, share gardening tips, and learn from one another. It was this spirit of camaraderie that laid the foundation for his deep appreciation of gardening as a means of connection.
Struggles with Mental Health: A Personal Storm
Tragedy struck in 2018 when Ganesh’s mother passed away. The loss hit him hard, especially as he was navigating the pressures of his first year in PhD studies. “What’s the use of continuing?” he pondered, grappling with the weight of responsibility as the eldest child in the family. With tuition responsibilities for 15-20 students and a father battling depression, Ganesh felt overwhelmed and trapped in grief.
When the pandemic hit, it presented a rare opportunity—time to mourn and reflect.
But as the emotional burden intensified, Ganesh found himself diagnosed with severe depression, requiring treatment at the Institute of Mental Health. Despite the darkness surrounding him, he realized that life should not be wasted. “If I was going to be depressed and cry all day, then what’s the use of this life that I have?”
Rediscovering gardening in Marsiling became his refuge. He began “guerilla planting” on a hill visible from his home, and soon, neighbours took notice, excitedly sharing their own gardening experiences. This simple act of planting became a source of joy not just for Ganesh, but for others as well, creating a community around shared interest.
Finding Peace and Happiness through Woodlands Botanical Garden
Ganesh’s journey continued as he became more involved with WBG. Engaging with visitors, he discovered their personal stories, recognising the garden as a space where connections blossomed. “I was trying to find peace and happiness through setting up the garden, but along the way, the garden brought that same peace and happiness to so many other people,” he reflected.
The therapeutic effect of nature became increasingly apparent. Ganesh described how “gardening calms the senses without conscious realisation,” as the sounds of sunbirds and the scents of blooming flowers envelop him. His walks with visitors often reveal a common theme: the garden offers a reprieve from their worries, proving that nature has an extraordinary ability to foster mindfulness.
Nostalgia is also a common theme with the seniors who regularly visit his garden.
Encountering marigold, tecoma, and balsam flowers—once common during kampung times—excites these seniors, evoking memories of the past.
The sight of these rare blooms stimulates their minds, triggering recollections that makes them feel as if they’re returning to a cherished time. This connection to their past, Ganesh feels, can also help in dementia prevention.
Putting Nature and Biodiversity at the Forefront
With over 2,000 gardens in Singapore, almost all focus on cultivating edibles for human consumption. This practice tends to make gardens less welcome for bird and insect visitors. Ganesh, however, envisioned a different approach for WBG —harvesting not just for people, but for nature.
As a primary school kid, Ganesh loved the papaya tree near his house. His grandfather taught him an important lesson: while the family could pluck some fruits for themselves, they should leave some for the birds. This instilled in Ganesh the values of moderation and consideration for others.
Influenced by that lesson, he learned to prioritize sharing with the local wildlife. Fruit trees planted in WBG are meant solely for birds and insects, ensuring that these creatures have the nourishment they need.
The garden’s purpose is rooted in respect for nature, allowing it to thrive organically. Ganesh notes that traditional gardening often prioritizes aesthetics over ecological balance.
Commonly regarded as weeds, the Chinese Violet and Spider Flower are frequently removed by gardeners, including Ganesh in the past. However, these plants support specific butterfly species that rely on them entirely for survival.
“People are so used to manicured gardens and that’s something I’d like to change.”, he explains.
Today, about 50% of WBG remains unweeded, creating habitats for butterflies and other wildlife, thus nurturing biodiversity.
Activities Cultivating Community Spirit
At the heart of WBG lies a vibrant community spirit that thrives on connection and creativity. Events like “Rhapsody,” an annual cultural-themed concert, celebrate local musical talent while fostering bonds among residents. From volunteers and performers hauling gamelan instruments up nine stories to reach the stage in the garden, to families creating art together, the kampong spirit is alive and well.
Collaborations with organisations such as the Botanical Art Society of Society (BASS) and the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) further emphasize the garden’s commitment to inclusivity. Art exhibitions and lantern festivals showcase diverse voices, creating an environment where creativity flourishes.
Within the garden, artworks from both BASS and APSN are displayed side by side, giving both special needs children and professional artists alike a platform to showcase their talents. Their creations can take hours to complete, highlighting the dedication and effort that goes into each piece—an inspiring contrast to the quick work of others.
“That’s the beauty of Woodlands Botanical Garden—everyone is considered equal in our space,” Ganesh shares.
The garden regularly buzzes with families engaging in art sessions, friends enjoying live music, and butterfly enthusiasts connecting with one another. These interactions build friendships and relationships, enriching the garden experience. Through this cohesiveness, various aspects come together to give life and purpose to the garden, making it a true community hub.
Sustaining the Garden: A Collective Effort
The garden’s continuity relies on Ganesh, an informal volunteer team, and a dedicated network of volunteers, including students from Republic Polytechnic and organisations like the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Prison Service.
This collective effort embodies the essence of community service—purely voluntary and without any significant agendas. However, he is eager to engage in more “knowledge exchange” and “learning” initiatives with other gardens, and often facilitates visits between community gardens and WBG.
“What I’m creating here is a model for what’s possible. It would be a shame if everything we’ve accomplished remained confined to the walls of Woodlands Botanical Garden. My success lies in seeing other gardens and parks adopt some of our practices,” he states.
In 2022, WBG was bestowed with not only the Platinum Award but also the highly distinguished Garden of the Year Award by Community-In-Bloom (CIB), a programme under NParks. WBG, one of the youngest among hundreds of garden nominees, secured a victory in its very first award competition.
So, what would be some tips that Ganesh can recommend for aspiring gardeners?
He offers two invaluable pieces of advice:
- Don’t be afraid to fail: Gardening is a learning experience. Mistakes are part of the process, and perseverance is key.
- Don’t be afraid to try things: Experimentation leads to discovery. Engaging with others in the gardening community can provide insights that books alone cannot.
In dealing with mental health struggles, Ganesh suggests:
- Always feel free to share your feelings, whether good or bad, because a happiness shared is doubled, and a sorrow shared is halved.
- Never underestimate the healing power of Mother Nature. Go to green spaces and take long, slow walks and take deep, long breaths.
Want to stay up to date with the latest happenings at WBG or find out how you can get involved? Learn more here: Woodlands Botanical Garden and @woodlandsbotanicalgarden on Instagram
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