Nolan Wong

An extract from Glabetrotters, a short tourism section in the Gazette discussing hidden gems in New Glabe.

Tucked away at the intersection between Gleesheel Street and Kypello Alley, just a 5-minute walk away from the Royal Park, lies a small, gated archway leading to one of my favourite hidden gems in New Glabe. Here, in this peaceful corner, you will find the Tomato Garden – an urban agroecological project dedicated to growing the tastiest tomatoes under the most sustainable conditions. Although the garden is small, every conceivable space is crammed with life. Do not be surprised to find a tomato growing up a wall!

An impressive variety of tomatoes can be purchased here, from the Lover’s Red to the Flora Delight. You can also book a picking session, where you’ll be taught to harvest the tomatoes and take them home, whilst gaining an insight into the innovative agroecological practices employed here. You’ll also get the chance to meet some friendly chickens, who help to fertilise the soil and control weeds. My favourite part, however, is enjoying a bowl of fresh tomato soup and bread in the Toma-Tea Room, where customers are offered sweet and savoury treats (all organically farmed!) on a balcony overlooking the garden.

Although the Tomato Garden is community-run, I’ve heard that it stems from the passion project of an urban legend known as the “Tomato-Man”. Long-running patrons tell me of a bumbling, elderly gentleman who became renowned for the tomatoes he grew on his small apartment balcony, so much so that the neighbourhood crowdfunded for him to purchase his own patch further down the street. Since then, the Tomato Garden has blossomed into the cosy hub it is today, with the current volunteers committed to keeping up with the latest agroecological developments.

This is not the only legend lying deep in the roots of the Tomato Garden. Visitors may remember the metal heron sculpture next to the little pond in the centre of the garden – not least because it is eating a bright red toad! But I’ve been told that, every solstice, if the gardeners do not rub the heron’s beak three times, bad luck will enter the garden, and the magic of the Tomato-Man will seep away. However, seeing as how the Tomato Garden is still thriving after 50 years, we can be assured this won’t be happening anytime soon.

So, whether you’re into green space, red fruit, cute chickens, or good food, pop into the Tomato Garden for an experience you just can’t write a bad review for!

GLABETROTTERS’ SEAL OF APPROVAL: FIVE STARS (if I could give it more, I would!)


Written by Esther L