The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

30 Report and photos by Low Siew Lian Translated by Lee Hui Yieng Years ago, despite relocating to live with her husband, Ng Sock Cheng felt out of place in a foreign land; at Tzu Chi, she regained the sense of belonging, of home. Returning to their homeland set the family at ease, drawing them closer to the native land. Closer Together – Because of a Green Space pecial Feature E very morning, Ng Sock Cheng admires the sight of some 20 different plants in the yard, a few of which sprouted by chance. The U-shaped green lawn was previously covered in weeds. During the lockdown in March 2020, Sock Cheng started planting vegetables with her son, Low Zi Jing. Her husband, Low Kin Fook was reluctant to join because he was not comfortable being getting dirty. As time passed, he began working with them in the sun and a land of vegetables was born. He also dug several compost pits, dumped in the food waste and compacted them with layers of soil. Over time, various seedlings of vegetables and fruit trees sprouted in the lawn. The unintentional turn stemmed from the intention to use less plastic. Sock Cheng tried keeping food waste in trash bags longer so as to reduce the number of bags used. However, the hot climate attracted insects and flies easily. She bought an expensive food waste bin and compost