Darren Ng Grows Connections from Corporate Life to Community and Garden Spaces
- Unique Wisdom
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Through urban farming and community gardening initiatives, Darren Ng has helped reintroduce the simple joys of nature back into busy urban life. His story shows how tending to plants mirrors tending to the soul — slowly, patiently, and joyfully.
I am currently semi-retired. After spending more than 30 years in corporate life, I have decided to pursue my childhood passion for gardening through various avenues, such as conducting gardening classes, engaging seniors through gardening activities, and, of course, tending to my own garden.
I am especially interested in exploring how we can each bring a little piece of nature into our households, whether we reside in high-rise apartments or have access to a garden at home.
Turning a Personal Passion into Purposeful Teaching and Unexpected Community
Photo Credit:Darren Ng
Teaching gardening was certainly not part of my retirement plan. Selfishly, I just wanted to have more time to spend with my plants and my aging parents. However, one thing led to another, and through introductions from gardening friends and former students, I started teaching at SACE (Singapore Association for Continuing Education), Gardens by the Bay, and other places.
I discovered that I could talk for hours about gardening and that I really enjoyed the interaction with my students while discussing my favorite topics.
Nurturing Growth and Connection Through Everyday Gardening and Shared Wisdom
Teaching gardening has brought me much joy, especially when I realize that my teaching and coaching have made an impact on someone’s gardening journey. In my student community group chat of about 200+ members, we share different gardening stories and learnings on a daily basis. This has, in turn, helped others build and maintain their little garden spaces at home.
Embracing Individual Growth and Staying Rooted in Personal Passion
Photo Credit:Darren Ng
Growing up, gardening wasn’t the “coolest” thing to do, but I’ve always stuck by my interests and beliefs. People will notice and feel your passion for it and be drawn to it. The Japanese word Oubaitori perfectly encapsulates this belief.
People, like flowers, bloom in their own time and follow their individual journeys. There’s no need to compare yourself to others—embrace your own uniqueness!
Stay Connected
You can connect with me on Instagram at @superboonme.