Jimmy TanNestled in the heart of Taman Tun Dr Ismail, the TTDI Edible Community Garden stands as a beacon of hope and sustainability, centrally positioned in this vibrant Malaysian community. Unveiled in 2017, this community-driven initiative took root adjacent to the Taman Tun library, transforming a neglected 16,000 sq. ft. plot into a flourishing ecosystem. The inception of this green oasis was not without its challenges, with limited manpower and resources forcing dedicated volunteers to employ innovative solutions to bring life to the once barren soil. This garden, a testament to the resilience of collective action, now thrives as a symbol of sustainability, enriching the lives of the community it serves.
In 2017, a group of residents initiated the journey of the TTDI Edible Community Garden, envisaging a greener and more sustainable urban community in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Their focus on water issues, sustainability, and waste management led them to discover an untapped potential next to the community hall—an unused 16,000 sq. ft. plot. Cher Seng, overseeing sales and marketing at the TTDI Edible Garden, reflects on the project’s inception, noting the initial state resembled more of a dumping ground than cultivable land. “It was abandoned, but we saw an opportunity to create a community garden,” reflects Cher Seng.
Undeterred by limited manpower and resources, the dedicated volunteers, initially just a handful, took on the arduous task of cultivating the hardened soil. Armed with determination they began with modest efforts, gradually transforming the abandoned land into the thriving 30-bed oasis it is today. This green haven has become a living metaphor for the potential latent in neglected spaces, now blossoming with life and purpose.
Eco-friendly initiatives
The TTDI Edible Community Garden not only thrives as a lush green oasis but stands as a trailblazer in waste management, spearheading innovative recycling and composting initiatives. Dedicated volunteers, driven by a shared passion for sustainability, have transformed the garden into a central hub for recycling kitchen waste from across Taman Tun. Mr. Karnail Singh, an enthusiastic volunteer, sheds light on their efforts, stating, “All the kitchen waste in Taman Tun is brought here, we leave a bin outside, they put their kitchen waste here which we recycle and turn into compost.”
Volunteers collect and recycle various materials, from used cooking oil to coffee grounds, transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Notably, the compost produced by the community garden is not merely a byproduct but a treasured commodity, formulated organically and sold to support the garden’s ongoing initiatives. Margaret Lee, President of TTDI Edible Community Garden, emphasizes the value of this compost, stating, “We sell the compost that we make because something that we treasure, we do it with our own formulas, and everything is organic.” This compost not only enriches the soil but also serves as a valuable resource for local gardeners.
Moreover, the garden serves as an educational hub, empowering residents with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate their own fresh produce. Margaret emphasizes the significance of food security and safety, highlighting the organic nature of the garden’s produce. “Our objective here is to actually encourage people to grow their own food so we are talking about food security here,” she states, underlining the commitment to providing a sustainable source of fresh, organic produce for the community. Margaret Lee further elaborates on the garden’s environmental initiatives, expressing a commitment to reducing landfill and promoting biodiversity by cultivating a variety of flowers.
Empowering the community
Beyond sustainability, the TTDI Edible Community Garden has become a catalyst for fostering relationships and creating a happier, linked environment. Led by a dedicated team of volunteers, including at least ten “hardcore” champions, the garden operates consistently, engaging the community three times a week. Mr. Karnail Singh emphasized the need to bridge gaps between community members. He asserts, “We must create a bridge between the community, we don’t want the community to live in their own houses…We create a more happier community linked environment.”
Margaret echoes this sentiment, highlighting the garden’s broader impact on volunteerism and healthy living. She highlights the satisfaction derived from collaborative work, stating, “This little form here has given us a lot of satisfaction in terms of the fact that we work together with our neighbors and also because we are able to exercise ourselves here since we are retired.” She underscores the garden’s inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all ages to contribute to its flourishing. “Many young people do come, but of course the only have time during the weekends, so Saturday’s are good time for young adults to come and give a hand to the garden, so this is some place that. people of all ages can work together,” Margaret adds.
Flourishing Saturday market
The TTDI Edible Community Garden extends its impact with its Saturday market—a vibrant space where passion transforms into thriving businesses. This weekly market is not just a place to sell produce; it serves as a platform for local farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to turn their love for cultivation into sustainable businesses. The economic contribution of the market ripples through the local community, supporting livelihoods and fostering a sustainable local economy. Particularly noteworthy is the positive impact on single mothers and aspiring farmers who, through the Saturday market, find a platform to showcase their culinary skills, homemade products, and freshly harvested goods. This not only enhances their financial independence but also strengthens the fabric of the community.
Additionally, the garden serves as a vibrant classroom, hosting talks, training sessions, and workshops, cultivating knowledge and skills within the community. With a dedicated garden library stocked with books donated by enthusiastic residents, the garden stands as a beacon of inspiration, committed to cultivating a community of informed individuals.
A symbol of collective action
The TTDI Edible Community Garden serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and community impact. Through its unwavering commitment to sowing seeds of change, the garden has transformed an unused plot into a beacon of hope and sustainability in the heart of Taman Tun Dr Ismail. With each harvest, it not only cultivates a thriving ecosystem but also fosters a sense of community, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility. This green oasis stands as a shining example of how collective efforts can create positive and sustainable change, making it a cherished symbol within the community.
For a deeper insight into the TTDI Edible Community Garden click on the following links to connect with the voices that breathe life into this flourishing project: Video Interview with Mr. Karnail Singh Part 1 and Video Interview with Cher Seng and Margareth Lee Part 2
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