From Lockdown Hobby to a Mini Urban Jungle, How One Man’s Garden Became a Haven for Birds
When the world slowed down during the COVID-19 lockdown, many people suddenly found themselves with something they rarely had before, which is time.
In Malaysia, the Movement Control Order (MCO) pushed millions indoors. While the situation felt uncertain, it also sparked a wave of creativity and self-discovery.
Some people experimented in the kitchen, turning baking and cooking into daily rituals. Social media feeds are filled with homemade bread, burnt cheesecakes, and creative recipes.
But beyond the kitchen, another quiet trend began to grow, literally. Many Malaysians discovered the calming joy of growing plants.
Recently, one Malaysian man caught the attention of netizens after sharing his plant journey online. Through a post on Threads by @fairuz.the.explorer, he showcased the lush greenery surrounding his home, which now resembles a small garden sanctuary.
His story resonated with many people because it began during the pandemic years. Around 6 years ago, he started experimenting with plant propagation, a technique where new plants grow from cuttings or parts of existing plants.
What started with a single plant eventually multiplied into dozens of thriving plants around his home.
Today, the collection has grown so much that the space around his house feels like a mini garden.
Visitors sometimes stop by just to admire the greenery or take photos. The peaceful environment even attracts wildlife.
According to him, the sound of birds heard in his videos is not edited, birds regularly visit the area, and occasionally even a tengkiling bird (a species of hornbill) stops near the streetlights beside his home.
View on Threads
The story quickly went viral because it captured something simple yet meaningful; how a small hobby can evolve into something beautiful and inspiring.
His Personal Experience with Planting
For Fairuz, gardening did not start as a grand plan. It began as curiosity. Like many people during lockdown, he wanted to try something different and productive while staying at home.
Over time, he discovered that caring for plants requires patience and observation. Each plant behaves differently. Some grow quickly, while others take weeks or months to show progress.
Propagation became one of the most satisfying parts of the hobby. Watching a tiny cutting grow roots and transform into a full plant feels almost magical.
Slowly, the garden expanded; one plant turning into two, two becoming five, and eventually filling the entire space with greenery.
Beyond the aesthetic beauty, the experience also brought a sense of calm. The presence of birds, fresh air, and natural sounds turned the garden into a peaceful retreat right outside his home.
How to Take Care of Plants
For beginners inspired by stories like this, plant care does not have to be complicated. In fact, many successful plant lovers follow a few simple principles:
- Choose the right plant
Start with plants that are easy to care for, especially if you are new to gardening. Hardy plants adapt better and require less maintenance.
- Pay attention to sunlight
Most plants need sunlight to grow, but the amount varies. Some prefer direct sunlight, while others thrive in shaded areas. Understanding your plant’s needs is crucial.
- Water consistently, not excessively
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes. Plants generally prefer moist soil rather than soaking wet conditions. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Use proper soil and drainage
Good soil allows roots to breathe and absorb nutrients. Pots with drainage holes help prevent water from accumulating and damaging the roots.
- Observe and learn
Plants communicate through their leaves and growth patterns. Yellow leaves, slow growth, or drooping stems often signal that something needs adjustment.
A Hobby That Grew Beyond the Pandemic
What started as a way to pass time during lockdown has evolved into a meaningful lifestyle for many people.
Stories like Fairuz’s remind us that hobbies do not have to be complicated or expensive to bring joy.
Sometimes, all it takes is a single plant, a little curiosity, and the patience to watch something grow.
And who knows? That one small pot by the window might just turn into a lush garden that attracts birds, visitors, and a whole community of plant lovers online.
Source: fairuz.the.explorer