Unplugged & Happy

Three female farmers find joy living outside the concrete jungle and embracing the laid-back approach of slow living.

- Hayley Tai

OLIVIA CHOONG, 40

She is Singapore’s green girl on Instagram (@ tendergardener), and also the co-founder of local non-profit green movement, Green Drinks Singapore. The home-farmer has learnt many life lessons from her garden.

When her rooster crows at the break of dawn, she gets up for a cup of tea or simply rolls back into bed. Her day begins between 11am and 12pm, when she’s fully rested.

Next, Olivia Choong feeds her chickens and prunes the shrubs at the expansive backyard of her family bungalow in MacPherson.

The backyard is sectioned into three plots of land. One for a chicken coop that fits three chickens, another for bigger trees like mulberry, and the other for new plants like taro and popcorn. Oh, she keeps bees, too.

The former Republic Polytechnic lecturer who became a full-time home farmer has been slow-living since 2012.

Olivia says: “Singaporeans are so used to routine. That’s fine if it keeps you inspired. For me, taking it slow enlivens my mind.”

She adds: “It’s not hard to just take time off when you feel stressed. A short stroll in the park near your home will clear your mind.”

Balancing the slow life with society’s pace keeps her in touch with reality. When she’s not farming, Olivia freelances as an event organiser and does public relations for eco companies.

Her love for farming began when she was studying in Perth, Australia. Tending to the garden at the house she lived in struck a chord within her.

In 2007, she returned home and set up Green Drinks Singapore, a non-profit movement that raises awareness on pertinent environmental issues.

More recently. Olivia headed to Byron Bay in Australia, where she became interested in beekeeping.

During her four-month stay there, she enrolled in beekeeping and farming courses conducted by Australian nature company Milkwood.