Ten years ago, best friends Arlyna Pandjaitan and Dih Sing Mahadi founded Grow Little Garden (GLG) with a vision to offer a green oasis in the form of terrariums for those living in small spaces. Since then, their business has blossomed from crafting miniature gardens in bowls to designing expansive landscapes. One of their standout projects is Central Market PIK, where their work is prominently featured—from hanging plants adorning the façade to the lush palm garden in the atrium. Dih Sing Mahadi, owner and principal of GLG, shares insights on their innovative approach to transforming Central Market into a verdant paradise.
STORY BY Barbara Hahijary
What makes Central Market PIK’s landscape unique?
We collaborated with Eco Mantra to ensure the design is not only visually stunning but also eco- friendly. Central Market PIK boasts a large atrium with a terraced garden and planter points where plants flourish. We planted the greenery during the construction’s finishing stage, so visitors have been able to enjoy the lush landscape from day one.
We made it a priority to cultivate a diverse selection of plants at Central Market PIK. Outside, you’ll find breadfruit and jackfruit trees, whilst indoors, we created a special edible garden showcasing the plants that produce the spices and foods we eat. This area includes seating where visitors can relax and enjoy the ambiance.
How do you ensure that the plants won’t cause damage to the building structure?
The plants are securely housed in concrete planters lined with geotextile. We carefully select species with root systems that won’t compromise the integrity of walls or cement, as these plants tend to spread across surfaces rather than penetrate deeply. For maintenance, we employ an automatic sprinkler system to deliver just the right amount of water, which also helps conserve water.
Which is your favourite garden that you’ve created here?
The drop-off area, as it exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. We designed it with an abundance of diverse plant species, giving it a distinctly tropical feel. Large banana trees flank both sides of the entrance, offering a vibrant welcome to all who visit.