Cover Retired teacher, Andrew Chin is now a viral sensation for his sidewalk garden, highlighting his commitment to low-impact, environmentally friendly gardening practices (Photo: Fady Younis)
Retired teacher, Andrew Chin is now a viral sensation for his sidewalk garden, highlighting his commitment to low-impact, environmentally friendly gardening practices (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Andrew Chin’s love for gardening has reshaped social norms in the area and inspired the community to cherish shared spaces, even in the form of a simple, unassuming walkway
It’s 7am and as the sun casts its glow on the leafy suburbs of Section 18 in Petaling Jaya, an octogenarian is already at work, his body close to the ground and hands gently caring for the petals of his beloved flowers. Retired teacher Andrew Chin is the green thumb behind this garden, but this isn’t just any garden—it’s a 75-meter stretch of public space that has been transformed into a lush walkway that the neighbourhood affectionately calls “Lavandrew Avenue” after Chin.
“It all started in 2012,” Chin says of the verdant sidewalk he has cultivated, “I used to take walks along this sidewalk, and I’d see litter everywhere.” He’d make it a habit to clear litter during his walks until one day he realised he could address two issues at once. “Soon I realised the strip of grass along the sidewalk was ideal for gardening.”
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After retiring in 2000 from his teaching career at SMK La Salle in Petaling Jaya, Chin found himself with ample time but limited space. His house, once a sanctuary for over 250 potted plants, had reached its capacity. So with nothing more than a few tools, a deep sense of purpose, and RM8 for eight stalks of flowers, Chin set out to beautify one corner of the sidewalk.
What began as a personal project soon blossomed into something much larger: a transformative change the neighbourhood hadn’t realised it was missing.
Above With nothing more than a few tools, a deep sense of purpose, and RM8 for eight stalks of flowers, Chin set out to beautify one corner of the sidewalk near his home in 2012
With nothing more than a few tools, a deep sense of purpose, and RM8 for eight stalks of flowers, Chin set out to beautify one corner of the sidewalk near his home in 2012
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Over the next six years, Chin turned the 75-meter stretch into a vibrant garden that now features a variety of hardy plants like hibiscus, Chinese evergreens, and coleus. Where litter once attracted flies, butterflies, bees and birds now flutter among the plants, pollinating the verdant sidewalk.
“I don’t need to water or fertilise them. The ground itself is quite fertile,” says Chin, now a viral sensation for his sidewalk garden, highlighting his commitment to low-impact, environmentally friendly gardening practices. Rather than relying on chemical fertilisers or constant watering, Chin chose hardy plants that could thrive in the natural conditions of the sidewalk. His approach to gardening is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability.
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He extended his garden not through purchasing expensive seeds, but through the simple, sustainable practice of stem cuttings. This method not only reduced costs but also ensured that the garden could grow and evolve organically, with minimal environmental impact.
However, for Chin, sustainability is not just about gardening; it’s a way of life. “Gardening keeps me mentally and physically active. It’s good for my well-being and gives me a sense of purpose,” Chin explains that gardening involves a lot of movement—bending, kneeling, stretching. “It’s good physical exercise,” he says. But beyond the physical benefits, gardening provides Chin with mental clarity. “When I’m focused on gardening, I don’t think of anything else. It’s very relaxing, free of worries and pressures,” he shares.
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This connection to the earth, cultivated over years of careful tending, has contributed to Chin's overall well-being. “Since I retired, I’ve never had any sickness. I eat well, I sleep well, and I’m still mobile,” he says with the wisdom of someone who has found peace and purpose in the simple act of nurturing life.
Above Rather than relying on chemical fertilisers or constant watering, Chin chose hardy plants that could thrive in the natural conditions of the sidewalk
Above Where litter once attracted flies, butterflies, now flutter among the plants, pollinating the verdant sidewalk
Rather than relying on chemical fertilisers or constant watering, Chin chose hardy plants that could thrive in the natural conditions of the sidewalk
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“When I started planting flowers (at the sidewalk), I noticed there wasn’t as much rubbish being thrown around. People hesitate to litter where there are flowers,” Chin observes, a testament to the power of nature to inspire respect and care for the environment.
The well-maintained garden signalled that the space was cared for, which discouraged people from littering and encouraged them to maintain the cleanliness of the area. People’s behaviour is influenced by their perceptions of what is expected within a certain environment and Chin’s actions activated a positive change in the social norm of the area.
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His neighbours, who once hesitated to even walk past the littered sidewalk, now enjoy morning strolls along the blooming pathway. “I’ve noticed more people taking morning walks along the sidewalk because of the flowers. They slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and stretch themselves. It’s a lovely sight to behold,” Chin says.
Above Chin’s advice for those looking to start their own gardening projects: "Start small."
Chin’s advice for those looking to start their own gardening projects: "Start small."
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For those looking to start their own gardening projects, whether in public spaces or at home, Chin’s advice is simple: “Start small. Gardens cannot be built overnight. The joy is in seeing your plants grow and bloom. That joy will keep you going.”
Chin’s story is a powerful reminder that even our small, consistent actions can significantly impact our immediate surroundings and community. At 79, Chin transformed a neglected sidewalk into a thriving garden, showing that individual commitment can inspire broader environmental leadership and social responsibility.
Sustainability doesn’t always have to look like large-scale initiatives but is also about everyday efforts that collectively contribute to a greener, more resilient outlook. The greatest impact sometimes comes from the quietest of heroes—like Chin—who, with their hands in the soil and their hearts in the right place, make the world slightly better.
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Images: Fady Younis
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Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
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As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
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