The common area that links your HDB flat to your neighbour is usually a dead zone.

The most you can expect to find are shoe racks, clothes racks, and maybe a bicycle chained to the railings, left to rust in peace — which would more often trigger a complaint than a smile.

But one group of neighbours decided to be creative, and turn their common space into a mini-garden:

Someone called Ryan Ng snapped a pic of the HDB "garden" and uploaded it to Facebook on Thursday, Sep. 27.

His caption reads:

"Is there a competition held in this block or sth? ?

I must say they know how to fully make use of the space ?"

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Kampung spirit

Commentators weighed in, with some liking the creativity on display:

The display even brought back fond memories of NS for one guy:

But others were worried that this might be against HDB rules:

Common corridor rules

According to HDB's general house rules, residents have to take measures that include ensuring their potted plants are not placed along scupper drains, and that lift lobbies and fire-escape paths are clear of obstructions.

Singapore Statutes do state that it's unlawful to restrict the lawful use of common property with any object, but the displays don't appear to be doing that.

One of the neighbours, who claimed responsibility for the visible "altar" at the left side of the picture, told Mothership that they live in Choa Chu Kang, and the display has been up for more than two years now.

The lady, who wished to remain anonymous, added that her family was fine with it, as the display didn't obstruct anything. So far, no one has made any complaints against anyone else either.

Let's hope it stays that way.

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Top image adapted from Ryan Ng Wen Song's Facebook page.