ABOUT
By Wind and Wave explores the many ways of interacting with nature. Inspired by the principles of permaculture, natural farming, deep ecology, biophilia and mindfulness, our multi-disciplinary projects seek a closer connection with the natural environment.
The Swiss landscape architect Georges Descombes once said that if you look at a herd of cows from afar, they all look the same. But to a farmer who approaches and nurtures them, he or she knows that they are all not the same. By Wind and Wave takes the same approach towards all things in nature – observe it and interact with it. Only then will you understand it.
Our mission: To promote multiple dimensions of wellbeing while interacting with nature and ourselves on a deeper level.
Founder: Tham Siang Yu
Siang Yu first practised horticulture when she worked on organic farms in France in 2013 but her relationship with nature began much earlier in her childhood. She has been a farmer, educator, permaculture designer, Forest School coach and nature guide, where she has served over 1,000 participants. With over 10 years of experience in horticulture, agriculture, and education, her work has seen her serving diverse populations such as adults with autism, people living with dementia, addiction recovery groups, individuals affected by cancer, patients in psychiatric facilities and young children. In the early days of her career she was a certified translator and public service interpreter. Her linguistic career sparked her interest in social justice and community initiatives, and she wanted to combine that with her love for nature.
Siang Yu was on professional exchange at the University of Florida from 2021 to 2024, serving as Program Manager of Therapeutic Horticulture at Wilmot Botanical Gardens, College of Medicine, and a Research Scholar and Instructor in the Environmental Horticulture department. She has participated in research and led therapeutic horticulture programmes that demonstrated significant results, which brought about subsequent funding from the university and various organizations. She was also an advisory member of the Florida Horticulture for Health Network. Siang Yu has spoken about regenerative urban farming and therapeutic horticulture at lectures, symposiums, and conferences in Singapore, Italy, and the United States. These days she devotes most of her time and work to the gardens and drawing people to natural spaces.
Accreditation and trainings that inform our practice
Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC), Murujan Permaculture and Salah Hammad
WSQ Provide Guide in Eco Tourism & Nature Tourism, Tourism Management Institute of Singapore
Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, University of Florida [accredited by American Horticultural Therapy Association]
Certificate in Environmental Horticulture Management, University of Florida
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Motivational Interviewing, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers
Post-Baccalaureate Program for Counseling and Psychology Professions, UC Berkeley Extension
Selected publications
Sharififar, S., Sein, M., Diehl, E., Tham, S. Y., Nixon, R. M., Sheppard, C., Bolling, J., Majid, M., Apfelbaum, C., & Vincent, H. K. (2024). Pilot Study on Therapeutic Horticulture for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Mixed Methods Study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 30(4), 10–17.
Tham, S.Y. (2023). Permaculture and Health: What’s the Connection? Cultivate 3(2): 12-14
Tham, S.Y. (2022). Therapeutic horticulture for people affected by cancer. Horticultural Therapy Institute. https://www.htinstitute.org/blog/therapeutic-horticulture-for-people-affected-by-cancer/
Fleming, L. & Tham, S.Y. (2022). 12 plants to nurture. Digging In 8(4):13-14.
Tham, S.Y. (2022). Therapeutic plant activity – Growing sprouts. Cultivate 2(2): 8.
Tham, S.Y. (2022). Horticultural therapy worldwide. Digging In 8(2): 9-11.
Tham, S. Y. (2021). Therapeutic horticulture for elders & adults with autism. Horticultural Therapy Institute. https://www.htinstitute.org/blog/therapeutic-horticulture-for-elders-adults-with-autism/
Established in 2019
UEN 202100062K
