HDB resident claims neighbour cut and threw away their mom’s corridor plants while she was hospitalised, netizen says ‘public area is not your private garden’

SINGAPORE: A resident complained when their neatly arranged garden, made by their mother along a shared HDB corridor, was said to be cut and thrown away by their neighbour when she was in the hospital. 

In a photo posted on TikTok, a text caption explained the alleged incident: “Chinese neighbour cut and threw my mum’s green while she was in the hospital. Why? And he lives on the other end near the lift! It’s empty now!” 

The poster insisted that their corridor garden, with 1.2m walkway clearance, did not obstruct any passage and was safely and properly maintained. They also added that the garden was a ‘labour of love’, and it has been destroyed without courtesy or consideration. 

With this, netizens expressed their thoughts and opinions on what happened. One commented that a public area should not become a private garden. 

“It’s a common area. It looks very nice and organised, I wouldn’t object. There are other people sharing the space, think for others,” another netizen stated. 

Moreover, there were comments that sympathised with the poster. One wrote: “I hate that people here are intolerant of each other… Kampong spirit really diminished. I’m sorry your mom had to go through that. Her plants are beautiful and neat, too.” 

Another netizen said: “Looks very neat and well kept, not blocking the path… A lot of people lack social graces.” 

One more netizen remarked that the corridor is huge and the plants were not blocking the way, and that nobody has the right to damage the poor lady’s plants. The netizen also urged the lady to make a police report. 

Keeping plants in corridors

According to GardeningSG, growing plants in common corridors is challenging because these corridors must stay clear for emergency access by the Singapore Civil Defence Force and other 

With this, corridors must have at least 1.2 meters of clear space for emergencies. Furthermore, to keep the corridor accessible, residents should place their plant pots and materials close to the walls or parapets. 

Residents should secure pots on the inside of parapet walls using stable racks that can withstand strong winds.  If they use plates to catch water, empty them weekly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. 

Additionally, residents are encouraged to maintain a clean corridor by trimming plants, checking pot and rack conditions, and removing debris helps keep the area safe and easier to manage. These practices ensure the corridor remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for each and every one.