We’re now halfway into the month-long Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, and if you’re living life in true Bruneian spirit, chances are your weekends are already packed with open house invites – or you might even be planning one yourself.
Food, guests, outfits and keeping your living space neat and tidy are surely taking up all your attention.
But if you’re a gardener (even a part-time one), there’s another space that might be calling out for your love and care: your garden.
Yes, that poor little patch of green – or row of pots on your porch – that’s been playing second fiddle to festive prep for the past month.
Don’t worry, though. If your garden’s looking a little worse for wear, this isn’t a reason to panic. In fact, now is the perfect time to give it a quick (and satisfying) refresh.
Whether you’ve got a full-on backyard jungle or a modest balcony setup, here’s a light-hearted, no-stress guide to sprucing up your plants before your guests arrive – and maybe even rekindle your love for gardening in the process.
DON’T GRIEVE THE DEAD PLANTS
Let’s face it, not all of us have had the time – or weather luck – to keep every plant alive through the start of the year. So if you’ve spotted a few crispy casualties among your collection, take a deep breath.
Don’t mourn that dried-up basil or shrivelled fern. Think of it as a new beginning. Dead plants mean you now have a beautiful, empty pot or container to play with.
Give it a rinse, maybe even repaint, and you’ve got a refreshed vessel ready for a new plant, a handful of fresh herbs, or even an indoor arrangement.
PLANT SALADS: A VISUAL AND PRACTICAL SAVIOUR
This might sound like a lunch idea, but hear us out.
If you have a few skinny, struggling plants that seem a little lost on their own – think leggy pothos, aroids or smaller philodendrons – don’t give up on them.
Instead of scattering them across your space, gather them in one large pot and create a lovely ‘plant salad’.
These species tend to have similar care needs (moist but not soggy soil, indirect light), and when grouped together, they create a lush, fuller look.
The different shapes, textures and greens also complement one another aesthetically.
It’s a clever little trick that hides imperfections and makes your garden look instantly more curated.
BACKFILL WITH FRESH SOIL
When was the last time you added new soil to your pots? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time.
Over time, soil compacts and loses its nutrients, especially in containers. Gently loosen the old top layer of soil and add in a bit of fresh potting mix around your plants – this is known as backfilling. It instantly makes the plants look perkier, and it gives roots something nutritious to stretch into.
Look for soil with added compost or slow-release fertiliser to save yourself extra steps.
FERTILISE (RESPONSIBLY)
Feeding your plants is like giving them a post-Raya pick-me-up.
A diluted liquid fertiliser or an organic option can work wonders – just make sure you’re not overdoing it, especially in the heat.
Follow label instructions and don’t feed newly potted or stressed plants too heavily.
A little goes a long way, and you’ll be surprised how quickly your plants respond.
TIDY UP… JUST A BIT
While yellowing or browning leaves can look untidy, don’t go on a cutting spree.
Those leaves, although not picture-perfect, actually help the plant continue photosynthesising while it adjusts to new growth.
However, if you’re expecting guests and want to neaten things up, it’s okay to snip a few for aesthetics. Just stick to removing the completely dead or unsalvageable ones and leave the slightly tired-looking ones alone.
Think of this as your plant’s makeup moment – just a bit of touch-up, not a makeover.
BONUS TIP: RINSE, WIPE AND FLUFF
A quick wash or wipe-down of dusty leaves can make a huge difference to how your plants look. Indoor plants especially tend to gather dust, dulling their shine.
Give the leaves a gentle wipe with a damp cloth or take the whole pot outside for a quick hose down (avoid blasting the soil though).
Shake off debris, plump up the soil and give the plant a little spin for its best angle.
So there you have it – a short but sweet checklist to help your garden get Raya-ready, even if it’s been feeling a bit neglected. The key is not to stress.
Embrace the beauty in imperfection, reuse what you have and give your plants the same care and attention you’d give your guests.
Who knows? Amid the kuih and conversations, someone might just compliment your greenery too. – Wardi Wasil
