Green fingers get free rein in shared space

Participants are free to plant whatever they want in the garden, such as vegetables, fruits or ornamental plants. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

IMAGINE a garden where you could grow anything you like, and get help and advice while doing so.

That’s the idea behind the Tanami community garden in the grounds of the Sarawak Dyslexia Association in Jalan Maxwell, Kuching.

Tanami, which is short for “Tanah Kami” (our land), is an initiative by Sarawak Eco-Warriors and Kuching Beach Cleaners to give city folk a place to learn about growing plants and sustainable farming practices.

The community garden started two years ago but was only opened to the public early this month due to the protracted Covid-19 pandemic.

“I wanted a place within the city for the community garden, as city folk don’t usually have a lot of land to grow plants,” project leader Ian Chin said.

Chin says he wanted a space within the city for a community garden for city folk.

“I happened to be at the Dyslexia Association and they agreed to let us use their grounds.

“We started to prepare the land but then Covid-19 hit, so we couldn’t open. Now, after two years of planning and getting things ready, we have finally opened”.

Chin said participants were free to plant whatever they wanted in the garden, such as vegetables, fruits or ornamental plants.

He said they would be given a plot measuring 91cm by 91cm, soil and fertiliser.

“They need to register with us, then they can start planting. We have seeds as well, but we encourage people to bring their own seeds.

“What we want is a community of people sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

“None of us are experts, it’s all about learning together,” he said.

For those who want to plant at home, Tanami gives out free gardening kits with seeds, a planter box, soil, compost, fertiliser and instructions.

Participation at the community garden is also free of charge.

Sarawak Eco-Warriors adviser Mark Liao said the project was funded by the small grants programme of the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Programme.

“Besides teaching people about sustainable farming, it also aims to empower youths by giving them leadership opportunities,” he said.

Chin said several people had already signed up for plots at the garden.

He said one bed was reserved for the Sarawak Dyslexia Association to grow its own plants and conduct extra-curricular activities for the children.

“We also have our own experimental plots where we grow mostly herbs and spices such as basil, tarragon, oregano and misai kucing.

“We’re applying the concept of permaculture, which is growing different plants in close proximity as not all plants need the same nutrients from the soil.

“So far ours seem to be working well together,” he said.