Ang Mo Kio woke to a dazzling sea of thousands of colourful flowers on Sunday morning - of the plastic bag variety.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined about 500 residents from his Teck Ghee Ward and other volunteers at Teck Ghee Community Club, to launch an effort by the People's Association (PA) and others to craft one million flowers from used bags.

The initiative is a way to show love for the nation as it nears its 50th birthday next year, said a spokesman from the PA. The floral creations are meant to represent people's good wishes for Singapore.

The eventual gigantic 'flower bed' will be displayed at the opening of Chingay 2015, to be held on Feb 27 and 28 at the F1 Pit Building. The PA is inviting various groups across the island to take part.

After Chingay next year, the 'flowers' will be shown at the PAssionArts Festival in April, then be sold to recycling firms to be turned into flower pots or new bags.

For some of the participants on Sunday, their wishes for the nation ahead of a half-century of independence were tinged with gratitude for Singapore's journey.

"I feel happy that Singapore has reached 50 years without too many conflicts," said transport officer Habel Low, 64. "I wish for harmony and stability, especially with our multiracial society, We have to give and take and tolerate each other."

Twelve-year-old Teck Ghee Primary student Lim Yin Kang had just two wishes: for the country to remain a safe place to live, and for it to become "less stressful" for students.

PM Lee also attended the Teck Ghee Baby Show, which was held alongside. He told new parents at the family-bonding event that raising children is "part of life" and "one of the greatest joys".

He quipped: "I hope that next year when we have a baby show, you will come back. This group of babies may be too old, but I hope you have a new group of babies to participate next year."