What Do We Love About Christmas?
What do we love about Christmas;
Does our delight reside in things?
Or are the feelings in our hearts
The real gift that Christmas brings.
It's the end of the year and time to reflect upon the year's happenings. This year is the only year that I have became a full-time homemaker after spending many years working in corporate offices.
Gardening gave me great pleasures and networking since started blogging (this is my 100th post!) about plants in February this year. I have found many friends (that's you!) who share generously their experience in gardening and growing plants that I have never known before.
Below is a pic of my Gloxinia in its second flush of blooms before I prune all the leaves.
While I love to discover and grow new plants, I have never put any effort in discovering garden creatures. Below is a pic of a creature that I took but I do not what it is ;-)
Although I am married and older, most of my friends are single and young and they are my livewire! I am behind the little ball in the pic below.
My other favourite past-time is baking. I have brushed up on this skill by baking lots of cakes this year. Thanks to all my good friends who finished off all my cakes even when they weren't baked well in the beginning. My current best is fruitcake using an ordinary recipe my friend, Joy found. I called it Fruitcake Joy as I have baked many loaves with her this festive season.
I am also in charge of gifts to reward kids at our children's church, something which I have been doing for the last 8 years. This year, we had gift shop 3 times. Below are some of the items I normally get for the kids.
I hope that Year 2009 has been a fruitful year for you!
Gardening gave me great pleasures and networking since started blogging (this is my 100th post!) about plants in February this year. I have found many friends (that's you!) who share generously their experience in gardening and growing plants that I have never known before.
Below is a pic of my Gloxinia in its second flush of blooms before I prune all the leaves.
While I love to discover and grow new plants, I have never put any effort in discovering garden creatures. Below is a pic of a creature that I took but I do not what it is ;-)
Although I am married and older, most of my friends are single and young and they are my livewire! I am behind the little ball in the pic below.
My other favourite past-time is baking. I have brushed up on this skill by baking lots of cakes this year. Thanks to all my good friends who finished off all my cakes even when they weren't baked well in the beginning. My current best is fruitcake using an ordinary recipe my friend, Joy found. I called it Fruitcake Joy as I have baked many loaves with her this festive season.
I am also in charge of gifts to reward kids at our children's church, something which I have been doing for the last 8 years. This year, we had gift shop 3 times. Below are some of the items I normally get for the kids.
I hope that Year 2009 has been a fruitful year for you!
I stumpled upon some potted greens on a rack at the Grocer Supermarket at Bangsar the other day. The green was so fresh and nice, just like vegetables ;-) I thought that they were edibles. But later, I discovered that they were ornamental plants.
The plant is the dragon fruit plant from the Hylocereus Undatus family and is said to be an effective bio-purifier. It's not only refreshing and helps to reduce stress, it's also easily grown. So it is really suitable for home and office decorating and serves as a good gift for loved ones.
The two plants (above & below pics) are actually the same plant. Both are at different growth stage. At the beginning, it will have only two leaves. Then as the plant grows, little stems that look like cactus will appear. The bigger the cactus the smaller the leaves till they dissappear.
The seedlings is said to be easy to care for. They do not require any fertiliser, just spray water. These seedlings will do well in air-conditioning room, indoor or 'semi-outdoor' (under shaded).
So, the next time you eat a dragon fruit, think of the possibilities... grow those seeds!
The plant is the dragon fruit plant from the Hylocereus Undatus family and is said to be an effective bio-purifier. It's not only refreshing and helps to reduce stress, it's also easily grown. So it is really suitable for home and office decorating and serves as a good gift for loved ones.
The two plants (above & below pics) are actually the same plant. Both are at different growth stage. At the beginning, it will have only two leaves. Then as the plant grows, little stems that look like cactus will appear. The bigger the cactus the smaller the leaves till they dissappear.
The seedlings is said to be easy to care for. They do not require any fertiliser, just spray water. These seedlings will do well in air-conditioning room, indoor or 'semi-outdoor' (under shaded).
So, the next time you eat a dragon fruit, think of the possibilities... grow those seeds!
A trip back to Ipoh recently, gave me the opportunity to introduce to you the garden where many of my plants come from. This garden belongs to my sister-in-law, Janice.
If you observe closely, you would definitely agree with me that it is quite an extra-ordinary garden, especially for those who stay in terrace houses in Malaysia :-D
Other than the bed of plants infront of the house, the rest of the plants are in containers.
Janice loves orchids. The orchids (pics below) were all in bloom at the same time when I was there!
She has so many varieties of orchids and most of them are hung onto this shade that's built in the house compound. Below the orchids are many ornamental ferns and allies.
Plus a little pond for aquatic plants...
Some attractive spillers on the wall and other beautiful ferns along the same side.
I can see that Petunia is her other passion. She mentioned that the light purple/pink one (the one at background of the second pic) is the easiest to grow. Ok, I know what kind of Petunia a beginner should grow ;-)
Here is a collage of some of her plants and garden ornaments.
Maybe one day my garden will look as wonderful as Janice's.
If you observe closely, you would definitely agree with me that it is quite an extra-ordinary garden, especially for those who stay in terrace houses in Malaysia :-D
Other than the bed of plants infront of the house, the rest of the plants are in containers.
Janice loves orchids. The orchids (pics below) were all in bloom at the same time when I was there!
She has so many varieties of orchids and most of them are hung onto this shade that's built in the house compound. Below the orchids are many ornamental ferns and allies.
Plus a little pond for aquatic plants...
Some attractive spillers on the wall and other beautiful ferns along the same side.
I can see that Petunia is her other passion. She mentioned that the light purple/pink one (the one at background of the second pic) is the easiest to grow. Ok, I know what kind of Petunia a beginner should grow ;-)
Here is a collage of some of her plants and garden ornaments.
Maybe one day my garden will look as wonderful as Janice's.
This black cryptanthus has been delivering pups non-stop since I got it a few months ago. The two pups in the pics below are the second and third ones. The first one has already been given away.
Now it is time to 'twist' the second one out as it has reached one third of the size of the mother plant. See, I have propagated another plant by using the offset. It's as easy as it can be :-D
Now it is time to 'twist' the second one out as it has reached one third of the size of the mother plant. See, I have propagated another plant by using the offset. It's as easy as it can be :-D
I noticed this beautiful vine with huge yellow cup-shaped flowers in my mom's neighbourhood.
Those outstanding flowers gave the plant its common name, Chalice Vine. Chalice is a golden goblet or footed cup used in Catholic churches for holding sacramental wine for Holy Communion. Take note of the similarities...
Those outstanding flowers gave the plant its common name, Chalice Vine. Chalice is a golden goblet or footed cup used in Catholic churches for holding sacramental wine for Holy Communion. Take note of the similarities...
These blooms are from the same Ros Kampung shrub!
I was delighted when the new bud opens up to a different colour. Below is the picture of the spent flower and the later bloom. First the cream-pink, then the pink one blossomed. I think it is pretty cool :-D
Actually I have suspected it to be so when the first flower (the cream-pink one) opens as it was a different colour rose that I saw when I first bought it about two months ago. Though it was a spent flower, I could see that it's a multi-coloured rose...
I was delighted when the new bud opens up to a different colour. Below is the picture of the spent flower and the later bloom. First the cream-pink, then the pink one blossomed. I think it is pretty cool :-D
Actually I have suspected it to be so when the first flower (the cream-pink one) opens as it was a different colour rose that I saw when I first bought it about two months ago. Though it was a spent flower, I could see that it's a multi-coloured rose...
For those who know Chinese characters, then you could probably read on the leaves the word '人' or man (in dark green). In Cantonese this herbal plant is commonly called yin wo yip (Bird's Nest Leaf). Its botanic name is Polygonum Chinense.
According to some people, this plant is good for the lungs (just like the real bird's nest!). Just pluck some stalks and boil them in water. Drink it regularly and the medicinal properties would help to clear all the impurities. It seems that it could also heal gastric if consumed three days in a row. Well, is there anyone who could confirm this?
According to some people, this plant is good for the lungs (just like the real bird's nest!). Just pluck some stalks and boil them in water. Drink it regularly and the medicinal properties would help to clear all the impurities. It seems that it could also heal gastric if consumed three days in a row. Well, is there anyone who could confirm this?
Some of my blogger friends have recommended that I grow Plumeria. Actually I do like the beautiful Plumeria flowers that I have very often seen at private gardens and nurseries.
My concern however is the limited space I have and I am one of those who like to have lots different plants in my garden. So when I heard about the dwarf variety, I went looking for it but I couldn't find one at any of the local nurseries here. Anyway I think if I do see one, it would be quite expensive.
My other option is to grow it from its seed. But I was warned that it would not grow true to the parent plant. Hence I have been delaying on this project. Still in the end, I decided to go ahead and just hoped very much that it will indeed grow to be more like the mother plant, else a new cultivar that's even better :-)
My concern however is the limited space I have and I am one of those who like to have lots different plants in my garden. So when I heard about the dwarf variety, I went looking for it but I couldn't find one at any of the local nurseries here. Anyway I think if I do see one, it would be quite expensive.
My other option is to grow it from its seed. But I was warned that it would not grow true to the parent plant. Hence I have been delaying on this project. Still in the end, I decided to go ahead and just hoped very much that it will indeed grow to be more like the mother plant, else a new cultivar that's even better :-)
The shrubs below were seen by the roadside, just outside an old nursery that's not in operation anymore.
The condition of the plant was really good and its stems looked strong with lots of flowers and pods too. A man there told me that many strangers have stopped by and help themselves to the flowers.
This is one common sun-loving plant that can been seen growing in the wild as creepers and on fences as vines.
The condition of the plant was really good and its stems looked strong with lots of flowers and pods too. A man there told me that many strangers have stopped by and help themselves to the flowers.
This is one common sun-loving plant that can been seen growing in the wild as creepers and on fences as vines.
I just found out that my mail to StarMetro Mail (The Star) was published on 4 September, both in the papers and online!
I wrote this letter after the tree infront of my house sheded almost all its leaves in mid-August. It was a shorter version of my mail but they really did a good job editing it and not missing the gist of my message. Thank you, StarMetro Mail Editor!
I wrote this letter after the tree infront of my house sheded almost all its leaves in mid-August. It was a shorter version of my mail but they really did a good job editing it and not missing the gist of my message. Thank you, StarMetro Mail Editor!
Here is one shrub that loves the sun very much and dislikes any fertiliser. Once when I applied some fertiliser, almost all its leaves fell off. But I am not sure if you have the same experience though.
The young leaves are pink and white and when they grow older, they turn green and white. It is a slow growing plant for me as this little shrub has been in my garden for about two years already. The height of the plant has just increased by about six inches.
The young leaves are pink and white and when they grow older, they turn green and white. It is a slow growing plant for me as this little shrub has been in my garden for about two years already. The height of the plant has just increased by about six inches.
I came across this newly landscaped curb outside Houz Depot at Kota Damansara, near my house.
It is a combination of yellow and pink Lantana and orange Ixora. Both are hardy plants!
It is a combination of yellow and pink Lantana and orange Ixora. Both are hardy plants!
The coin-like round leaves of Carissa Macrocarpa give it its common name, Coin Plant. During Chinese New Year, this is one of the many popular plants that many nurseries will stock up as many Chinese like to adorn their homes with plants that carry symbolic meanings of good fortune, happiness and prosperity.
Personally, I like this plant due to its remarkably shiny and dense dark green leaves. The more you prune the plant, the bushier and nicer it would look. The only problem I have with it is getting it to bloom.
Personally, I like this plant due to its remarkably shiny and dense dark green leaves. The more you prune the plant, the bushier and nicer it would look. The only problem I have with it is getting it to bloom.
When I was with some friends at Cameron Highlands a few months ago, we saw lots of purple ground orchids and bamboo orchids growing wildly at the slopes by the side of the road. We stopped to dig out some to bring home...
When I reached home, I just put a little soil into a pot and planted the orchid into it, just like the original state. The plant came from rocky slopes with minimal soil. After about one month and with some good orchid fertiliser new shoots began to grow from the side of the roots. A flower bud sprouted too.
When I reached home, I just put a little soil into a pot and planted the orchid into it, just like the original state. The plant came from rocky slopes with minimal soil. After about one month and with some good orchid fertiliser new shoots began to grow from the side of the roots. A flower bud sprouted too.
I took some pics of my garden for this week's highlights. I love to match red and green foliages together like these two begonias that are under my front porch...
My roses are doing quite well with the help of sunshine, fertiliser and water.
My roses are doing quite well with the help of sunshine, fertiliser and water.
When I was at the Paya Indah Wetlands (near Dengkil town) recently, I came across some banners (pic below) that was put up by AEON. Their staff just planted 25,000 trees!
Paya Indah Wetlands is an incredible place for those who are really passionate about nature preservation.
Paya Indah Wetlands is an incredible place for those who are really passionate about nature preservation.
Would you want a nicely shaped shrub as pretty as this one?
I snapped some photos of the above plant after spending about 5 minutes figuring out how the gardener could have trimmed and shaped this plant. Also it was interesting to see those paired pods growing from below the canopy of leaves.
I snapped some photos of the above plant after spending about 5 minutes figuring out how the gardener could have trimmed and shaped this plant. Also it was interesting to see those paired pods growing from below the canopy of leaves.
I had a bad headache last weekend. When I got better on Monday, I picked up some of my gardening stuffs that I had planned to do. So I started pruning my croton, gloxinia, cuphea and yellow desert rose and propagated a number of cuttings that I have gotten from my own garden and nursery.
In the evening, some birds gave me a pleasant surprise. They came for awhile and flew off soon after.
In the evening, some birds gave me a pleasant surprise. They came for awhile and flew off soon after.
The plant below is a fairly new one I have in my garden!
It's called either Chinese Hatplant or Cup and Saucer plant. The botanic name is Holmskioldia Sanguinea.
It's called either Chinese Hatplant or Cup and Saucer plant. The botanic name is Holmskioldia Sanguinea.
When I was at a nursery about two months ago, I came across a yellow-flower Desert Rose and I immediately liked it very much.
When I asked the nursery owner for a young yellow plant, he offered me this one that has no flower on it. Since it was the last plant, I just believed him and paid for it.
When I asked the nursery owner for a young yellow plant, he offered me this one that has no flower on it. Since it was the last plant, I just believed him and paid for it.
Something is growing out of the soil of my pot of Sweetheart Hoya Variegated. I have to keep an eye of these patches of green. I hope they don't come to take over my two pretty leaves.
Before I prune my slow growing Croton Mother-and-Daughter again, I better snap a photo first for record. The stems at the top are growing longer and the older leaves are turning yellow.
Before I prune my slow growing Croton Mother-and-Daughter again, I better snap a photo first for record. The stems at the top are growing longer and the older leaves are turning yellow.
Each time when I see a pot of plant hanging at the fence that separates me and my neighbour, I know that my neighbour's mom (I call her auntie) has just dropped me another gift.
This time it's another sympodial orchid in a slightly bigger pot (but still small) compared to the yellow oncidium I posted earlier (hanging next to it). Again, no blooms yet. So it would be another pleasant surprise when I see the flower later :-)
I always have mixed feelings when I see a new plant hanging at the fence. Though I am very happy to receive a plant from her, I do feel quite sad for her knowing that she is giving away plants as she couldn't tend her garden at her house in the suburb anymore due to old age. She now has to shuttle between the suburb and the city to stay with her children in different homes. Her daughter (my neighbour) does not really garden.
The other plants that I have received from auntie are...
A monopodial orchid that I have splitted into two as it was so tall. But later I have learnt that I should have let it bloom first before spliting it :-P
Two herbal plants...
This time it's another sympodial orchid in a slightly bigger pot (but still small) compared to the yellow oncidium I posted earlier (hanging next to it). Again, no blooms yet. So it would be another pleasant surprise when I see the flower later :-)
I always have mixed feelings when I see a new plant hanging at the fence. Though I am very happy to receive a plant from her, I do feel quite sad for her knowing that she is giving away plants as she couldn't tend her garden at her house in the suburb anymore due to old age. She now has to shuttle between the suburb and the city to stay with her children in different homes. Her daughter (my neighbour) does not really garden.
The other plants that I have received from auntie are...
A monopodial orchid that I have splitted into two as it was so tall. But later I have learnt that I should have let it bloom first before spliting it :-P
Two herbal plants...
I have been blogging for about seven months now and still enjoying every bit of it. I have learnt a lot about gardening, plants and blogging. It has been quite an experience... thanks to you!!
As I walk to inspect my plants, I am happy to find new shoots growing out from my Chinese Fringe Flower plant that I have pruned a week ago.
I recalled that I was presented the Meme award by Autumn Belle and asked to write seven things about myself! But I have no idea yet what to write. Guess I am not as spontaneous as I should be.
The other plant that I had cut is my Cuphea... and the plant is doing well too :-)
Everyday when the sun sets, it would be time to water my plants for they have been 'sun bathed' the whole day. What a delight to see new shoots growing from the stalk of my rose.
As I walk to inspect my plants, I am happy to find new shoots growing out from my Chinese Fringe Flower plant that I have pruned a week ago.
I recalled that I was presented the Meme award by Autumn Belle and asked to write seven things about myself! But I have no idea yet what to write. Guess I am not as spontaneous as I should be.
The other plant that I had cut is my Cuphea... and the plant is doing well too :-)
Everyday when the sun sets, it would be time to water my plants for they have been 'sun bathed' the whole day. What a delight to see new shoots growing from the stalk of my rose.
Yellow blooms seem to be the flavour in my garden this week...
I have an orchid plant that was given by my neighbour's mom many months ago and this is the first time I see its flower. This variety of oncidium has a refreshing yellow colour. It's a pleasant surprise for me for this week.
This little Portulaca plant which was a cutting I took from its stalk (with a bud) was blooming immediately the next day after it was planted!
I have an orchid plant that was given by my neighbour's mom many months ago and this is the first time I see its flower. This variety of oncidium has a refreshing yellow colour. It's a pleasant surprise for me for this week.
This little Portulaca plant which was a cutting I took from its stalk (with a bud) was blooming immediately the next day after it was planted!
This plant is sometimes called Hookweed and is often used in landscaping as groundcovers here. It's a plant of the species Cyathula Prostrata.
I was attracted to this plant when I was standing at an office building. This Hookweed was used to create the outline of a path.
I was attracted to this plant when I was standing at an office building. This Hookweed was used to create the outline of a path.
The weather was so unpredictable last week. It was cloudy yet with not much rainfall. However, it was quite an exciting week for my garden.
I had earlier bought a Gloxinia as a gift for a friend's birthday. Then when I went shopping with my girl friend Debbie, I bought one for myself too. I thought it would be good to know how long this kind of flowering potted plants could last in our climate.
I repotted the Gloxinia into a larger container. It would be good to see more flowers later :-).
Then the next morning as I was on my way out, I noticed a strange-looking thing growing from my Alocasia Poly.
I had earlier bought a Gloxinia as a gift for a friend's birthday. Then when I went shopping with my girl friend Debbie, I bought one for myself too. I thought it would be good to know how long this kind of flowering potted plants could last in our climate.
I repotted the Gloxinia into a larger container. It would be good to see more flowers later :-).
Then the next morning as I was on my way out, I noticed a strange-looking thing growing from my Alocasia Poly.
This is a new plant that is quite popular here of late and a number of nurseries have this Little Bird Plant in their stock nowadays. The plant has flowers that take the shape of a 'little bird'. If you observe closely, it does look like a 'little bird' perched among the bracts.
At a wet market, while I was admiring the plant (that was selling for a hefty RM90!), a passer-by asked how long would the flower last. When the retailer said that it will last quite long, he jested, "What if the 'little bird' flies away?"
At a wet market, while I was admiring the plant (that was selling for a hefty RM90!), a passer-by asked how long would the flower last. When the retailer said that it will last quite long, he jested, "What if the 'little bird' flies away?"
Sarracenia grows in the strangest way. The new pitcher tube grows not only twice the height of the old ones but the lid opens up in an interesting manner.
Take note of the top... it has not opened yet.
Take note of the top... it has not opened yet.
To commemorate our Merdeka (Independence) Day, today I bought a hibiscus plant to add to my garden. I found a yellow one (our national flower is red hibiscus though!) that I like very much :-)
To all Malaysian bloggers, happy Merdeka and enjoy the holiday!
To all Malaysian bloggers, happy Merdeka and enjoy the holiday!
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