tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734333393465681522024-03-19T16:48:38.609+08:00My Sunny Happy GardenJ.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-71485763715692257112013-12-22T16:57:00.001+08:002013-12-23T10:20:21.093+08:00Happy Dong Zi<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xswclBd1Tha_rbrb2q_mEtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bpXN1ZO3kmQ/UrZ2QiBXMgI/AAAAAAAADEg/MeVLYXQ2D2I/s800/PicsArt_1387689118808.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<br />
It has been a long while since I posted on my blog. As it is Winter Solstice (Dong Zi) celebration today, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone Happy Dong Zi. May you have a joyous reunion with family & friends.
My eldest sister has made a big pot of Lemon Grass & Sweet Potatoes 'Tang Yuan' (dumplings) that my nieces & nephews rolled out last night. This is a tradition whereby Chinese family members from near & far would return home and gather to make this round glutinous rice dumplings. The word round is 'yuan' in Mandarin & the word sounds like reunion (which is also 'yuan'). It is very similar to Thanksgiving celebration.
The photo above shows a bowl of Tang Yuan. I have placed it in front of a pot of my mom's blossoming red balsam plants.
Wish all of you have a wonderful gathering on Dong Zi day, just like me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YzQB9QLlFvAT5CF8eelc-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EnbvRJtOQWk/UredLXPHJgI/AAAAAAAADEw/V98vRSCDSBs/s640/PhotoGrid_1387623277342.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
</div>
J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-30131626498949349342012-05-25T18:55:00.002+08:002012-05-25T18:56:43.421+08:00Bunga Kerak Nasi<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XJMmjhSkrVC4B68vTyVJDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlhWpNIftCwQPtQs5vKBDfOE2L-Y3z8pGBSpMnkbEr1Q3BM1oFe-pUZLcUX144RN6SfyySbFrSNHILcUGlHv19yYXOq_qdxzFddlZR4rftEJ-7XGzxhhMSCeQnhTn3YaDULDoAs7kDDc/s800/MyGarden-250512%2520006.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f8118fXNk1Ifwmc81gj2ltMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsO1xvalO7M8_3N9yPu2bZlgNWWA3i3vRP5ZYbZdBEG_hfCn9UADF8AgjIyEdhybBV3ZuwdndCOGaYMwCBjpy6ny6X2O0fu8iNggf1us3E9ucY7lZUZ8yxEZiKi9WaQisqXkWpTJxSfo/s800/MyGarden-250512%2520015.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
Sweet fragrance of <i>Bunga Kerak Nasi</i> permeates my backyard now. My plant now has 6 clusters of blooms. This is my first time having so many blooms at one time. <br />
<br />
We didn't transfer our Bunga Kerak Nasi from our old place when we moved 2 years ago. I craved to grow Bunga Kerak Nasi, commonly used in making '<i>bunga rampai</i>' (potpourri) in my hometown, Melaka. Eventually I got us another pot of plant from a nursery in Sg. Buluh. <br />
<br />
The plant grows better on the ground than in a pot. I trimmed it often to control it from creeping messily. I am not certain if the regular trimming actually helped to make the plant bloom profusely. But I am very happy looking at those blooms and enjoying the perfume fragrance in my backyard.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EBNNR30Spo1dgQVYivLQ7tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHBbsrFs1kfKD3OEoEFX8miRWtNuZYSYzSxbTwCvc9oxwRCHIUU6ayOzgkAPgt9PnpbWsz47SkkSg9sI4gvlADC-v2cmSX4AnwFpPW6WZuGv8Yh0bTUOU_UpIKVV8YtP4WVb89b-hZxI/s800/MyGarden-250512%2520002.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8k3O3i2ga7s3geWmjsaKrtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnftkRPuvb8nctRtBWwmy9tiWJLYR9OT2r1kbnIkQ3TGdmhdA1QwECu8lPpDMP1B2hV3axSPysJEFLR37-vmsyCxGazReuQR-EC7RpYo3S-hG8fLhTtGSsuiWSR1vu58glp814489JN0/s800/MyGarden-250512%2520009.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dEnypzyaZzPZbMa4z-JmTdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8Xq47t9wgFDghHbAIUrI0yrmhgsD7lEMQ8zXWHQtwxLbKsapmkN5Ec9S9PVlrrj1iA6L00VzVixcuMBGw21jbwZEuR2eSoj2Lf_AJ1x63Bc3IkqBrVmARHqQ3lWyYH7sxDHo6qVo3EE/s800/MyGarden-250512%2520016.jpg" width="800" /></a>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-41531452962998613812012-04-22T22:40:00.003+08:002012-04-22T22:40:49.167+08:00Happy Earth Day 2012Today I had a delightful time visiting a nursery in Sg. Buluh with some of my neighbourhood friends. It was always nice to visit nurseries and I grabbed lots of photos of beautiful blooms and foliar plants there. Here is a compilation of some of the beautiful shots. Let's hope this beautiful plants will remind us to care and love our nature well so that we can continue to enjoy them and so can our future generations! Happy Earth Day, everyone!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BXnvG42-iH8F9mtSJZPeWdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="566" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7nhGw11P78w/T5QRJLowLuI/AAAAAAAADCI/5JjwGNfZmEM/s800/HappyEarthDay.jpg" width="800" /></a>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-37379996924403482402012-01-12T23:50:00.000+08:002012-01-12T23:50:55.356+08:00Under the Peach Blooms<div style="text-align: center;">I was under the spell of the peach blossoms! They were in bloom!! A glorious display of pink blooms!! Under the thousands of blooms, I became heady! Ha ha...heady with the festive spirit that these peach blossoms bring. The peach blossoms were part of the Pavillion Mall's Chinese New Year decoration! Let us walk together and fall under the spell of these beautiful blooms!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dmy9V4_w21kIZNu8Lp1VE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1kPs-lV5GJcToJ0_f6wMt4JnlDCQZ6HeX5wxrhYp1q2qhGg67d8vVRBo7UITbW-8pKh4bAje5ccvq5vH6youZtqH7EV3_JCDz_6T3aQbX1WaIMbfoKWzLGe3hu8_yBCQB8jJaXAZ4Cw/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XoIPF9ePlq4lh4R6KtRJdNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlEgsQ4B4_0GkII3wwRueQBoZLDfqBDEbiw9hR3RSrzmonc6vHtPBpYCT4Fa17q3GNuQndE45h35s1qudcKbSsWQ_1o4KEqDMR11-N8mt911vW0jjfQBFgkjbpGY0zailkQ-YoSEytNo/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SFCzf7Mwj30I1Se2h15M4tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gXGvQVz7K21GGCzG7uvAq47oHq8jEHAO1FjUn8fyMvdQuo5HVgJ8aodcE9KIWoSW0AH91LbPhyphenhyphenC7jldcQlseWTWwlPAM1fpq61jvRvWyQor9z0FTCaxYMc3AewrVu73n7mG6rKZ6zOw/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms2.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dmy9V4_w21kIZNu8Lp1VE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1kPs-lV5GJcToJ0_f6wMt4JnlDCQZ6HeX5wxrhYp1q2qhGg67d8vVRBo7UITbW-8pKh4bAje5ccvq5vH6youZtqH7EV3_JCDz_6T3aQbX1WaIMbfoKWzLGe3hu8_yBCQB8jJaXAZ4Cw/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6iCs_tfsZGvDkhkIhWEIldMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61HC6L2_cn-fmaOlheejyGEYffqQ0D7JFGcIsOwGz7uWRT_ipFbZwHBCUuOeuKVRbT1L1rH_jmrW2Vc-qpgNQg17p6QPLYNFRx-O1wjChBW3RvLM7pmtrHQFIGMRFbnhX0jtFzhTw-Ng/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms5.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mLXVAfEaxzGr5VcFK2kCUNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r8Z7AyRT4HcyESYZN_90HUN8Ml_FfSQyylj1rBRNp6-WLHwXXfMsKPvMN7BhrQ1pgk2NiWOR-kzzfyVojzb7oXHHyOkYbe0HhVTKy8hu51IGCPLpXHvNzYVGw0A5QBHOd8vl7RstMN0/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms6.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mhk8VQ-lU9AJG8834ShyitMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaAATsc0co3ES3__0Srhe6XJQkHjwZGNQ6WIBfuYUZyAC6ZTWSVZtX-AJgotRssrELMSnvA2PxnwgKpjkCtp03LL2ajZaZ0-gcXPFCApF7m0IwPv1tMBaIoy5gTGA2dowJolJgGOFg_o/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms7.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GzxQ3mXbyrTO6Fh4PQQcG9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQMClIfa3oeKXN4qHRMrlLh1cLDldxikKcqeFP8BlPB5aTfupzDRsEa1DK4OyJwm1poYLl0ZDB6KjzpDgdDbkIkyt9nxUzlUDjYIuMoYPkgKUKJ_SZMQvlpqJaXSJc-Ruxw6hr95vWT8/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms8.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rAlohhu0wE4uu77Pd2gcVtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zauf0FMEM0gCMQ87aSWrnusjotBuksvYMa362mWyhiwP510abR_LlKuBEvywuQNwZAnkawkaG7nUt1RdPpviCqdqdE2oPe3hLHNiVQKOuietXztLeMk8LzuPs0yT2v9M7ZbZUzd4KdE/s800/Pavillion-peachblossoms9.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">In case you wonder, these peach blossoms are artificial flowers. Our weather in Malaysia is too warm to grow peach trees. Isn't it great that we can get the trees to bloom beautifully in time for the Chinese New Year celebration! Ha ha ha....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-13544562866983330442012-01-11T15:47:00.003+08:002012-01-11T16:02:28.429+08:00Kalanchoe, the Preference<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">A friend posted these words on his Facebook and I think it is an appropriate quote for gardening enthusiasts like us:</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil;<br />but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small, silly presents<br />every so often - just to save it from drying out completely. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">-Pam Brown-<br /><br />------------------------------------------------<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Continuing my posting of decorative plants for Chinese New Year, here is a combination of flowering red Kalanchoe and foliage plants in various green and patterns making this attractive spot for shoppers to feast their eyes as they rush through the festive shopping.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I notice that Kalanchoe is often used in Chinese New Year decorations as its bright, colourful blooms that come in clusters are very attractive. Now I wish I have some Kalanchoe in my garden. <br /><br />What are the plants in your garden that you usually use to decorate your home during festive season? </span> <br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YYXhANxYMYEgH-sJ7LpzYtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDd0lB5nhqY2F7dvMpViyY4aflXf28PZ8M2w-6jmJvTWtksZS9FSo8DujPcqhlEHmYWp1uWpr8Eukd07_o_lBP5yg8IEtXjPD40_7472BX4QMC_Tdcs_qpUrxPV9C9LacY0fckVg5DrI/s800/MVG-090112%252520175.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ywb-VuAYdkPSrXhKsxtGvdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-KnnGVIfAgkePru1TaZCGitGtGfS9_rIK5jfsCziJchuK5WDOrLDWGfv7ynjRYsK_fuexzd06tp2YnPRTLgWRbim03Rv-jnSeffqfs499ezRgISyChIYSqcg-fpPd2FNHfQcqr9eceg/s800/MVG-090112%252520170.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />If you are familiar with the foliage plants in the photos above, please leave me a message. If I am not mistaken, the one right in the centre is the Dumb Cane. I do not know the name of the plants on both sides of the Kalanchoe. Please enlighten me if you do. Thanks ahead!<br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-88554728947283449342012-01-10T20:42:00.007+08:002012-01-10T21:05:18.118+08:00Ideas for Chinese New Year Decorations<div style="text-align: justify;">It's time of the year where many of us are busy cleaning up and decorating our houses in preparation for Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration that falls on 23rd January. While visiting the mall, I find many inspirations from the decors that outlets in the mall created in conjunction of this festive season.<br /><br />I found some very interesting designs in this bubble tea shop. The combination of plants and some CNY decorations such as red ribbons, peach blossoms & fire crackers are simple, yet they produced very fascinating decorativepieces that we can also do with simple plants that we can easily find. A combination of different types of Dracaena plants with Pussy Pillow and Lime are used here. Usage of auspicious Chinese words that carry the meaning of Prosperity (福), Abundance (满) and Spring (春) can also be seen here. Chinese believes that these auspicious words will attract positive energy that these words carry, similar to the Law of Attraction's principles that Rhonda Bryne wrote in her book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Secret </span>that 'like attracts like'. Probably Rhonda and all the other writers on Law of Attraction gained this wisdom from this Chinese New Year practice! Ha ha ha...who knows!<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OmO96x7GJsfLILwg7GqNMNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zhCNKT5bzK0/Twwx36kGzAI/AAAAAAAADBk/IL1MX30b2eI/s800/MVG-090112%252520143.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hw1L7yx-qLvxDteU-fjYHdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4Nls5fpUGHs/Twwx4X7M6TI/AAAAAAAADBE/MZt6SWxe9dk/s800/MVG-090112%252520145.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/igJ4Yc-mPVw0_amnKG6Ew9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j3J-yRrkw8A/Twwx5cDmAII/AAAAAAAADBM/p7p9KF5sIoI/s800/MVG-090112%252520144.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-73047633429258689472011-12-31T22:38:00.002+08:002011-12-31T22:44:39.344+08:00Happy New Year 2012!<h6 style="text-align: center;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">2012 is knocking on the door.<br /></span></span></h6><h6 style="text-align: center;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">Remember:<br />Life is short, break the rules,<br />Forgive quickly, love truly,<br />laugh uncontrollably, and<br />never regret anything that made you smile. 8-)</span></span></h6><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Happy New Year everyone!</span><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-14793574287027344872011-10-28T22:31:00.003+08:002011-10-28T22:41:37.036+08:00Pink Delights<div style="text-align: center;">Pink represents sweetness, playfulness & gladness.<br />Pink flower conveys youth, innocence & joy.<br />The charm of pink flowers will always turn<br />the occasion of life into a memorable moment.<br /><br />Here are the pink blooms gracing my garden now<br />~ Hydrangea, Adenium & Periwinkle.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lW8uoHZbKquWqX87hfzqcg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jdzSvPzrMtKmiu8kW3znZVTDgWCGeKEwED1UaMITBqkYhBV4-rzXhhLVWZ3MgdDnnCGHUQcOpk856oOOMSDegCTXf1CsrymeFICpp-RnkitJofezKOMTBaUgXsQ2x0tBuADy-PKGIAA/s640/pink-hydrangea.jpg" height="628" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yYSW2bvsR2aC8UJQPhik5A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq2IJjzWhjP1qcq6MCGjGJl_YBquyhxUQG6YzoNnonBZeotTv1QzLQRMtDSlCGDDEig-ZKBmd7tv05NZ3JY-At1Gln94NYmiqkcoQo0KZm1JYJOmRtJSq7d9B8IAtNafjDfM5tN06tuU/s640/pink-hydrangea2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zewe7beE3LLn8F696vb4qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e0mSr7rjGenrxm-lYPMsaH4tUaaPIOs12z3vifGz3-1MRfkz29qDxeHW0VxjtR1qGc6IxuEUKRBXDQl52P9tr9HwiuCYEEhhD2T9DI9M9TSJFELfiO1_ITeZFhfANnYLBYmsPK1sq3o/s640/pink-adenium2.jpg" height="503" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qmqGA5y-nJQIVs5gfiITCA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaCHoh0EPPWIc9391NNBMKl_OsfrA9yGGhBAQn2sZeDw5GAiIhx2iEThDNK7povhR05bvRsRipnCFZyZjnB6sisNJBYa9SmJ5lZenKD2Vi3uc2AScSO7s04Y7iVJyPoOsf8oHGrEiRbw/s640/pink-adenium.jpg" height="640" width="636" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zcim3UWxnwuHH1-v3JSHYQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD8T0PDW_TwbW2Kzf_QVO-6jCwAL9wpL8NeXJgOcD3huEzs9L9YpvzzeUXnbNBa8THYdHZgQNAzvVlGIMoXlvnCmcKWOjLU9b76fWT9sNiyxNWPft6yo41QneQrF9ocNL20PC3bpFSUw/s640/pink-periwinkle3.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rWj5EWO_DSVdfIuQ_JA82w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0R3ueQZ2nxi4N8Cj7g1HeGUebMZV6LE8wBktCipNZG7lOl2T8Wh2VdofMFdy2_H9fQ1NxvDyLtAo9C7M7_2nr49Mz2aPgeqjZ4f3wjgK_1o1g6PwLqkOobacIUwrGj8IGyjZE4BlkHuI/s640/pink-periwinkle.jpg" height="619" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2qkhFWiavT3FiaBNbh_urA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKETEXnL_TEtttsuY5x1yud4NUp7LdcWmLLWFzMW75Xv601Qs3hagKrM4EwFCpE-C53t5FivV-AQtCFsLcKuQ7SOMTdYrrlVM93zH6t-VHFylw6dGcXfceMH0PsWolJUY_72acZ7w3Os/s640/pink-periwinkle2.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-16050290511748924972011-09-28T16:54:00.003+08:002011-09-28T17:11:52.629+08:00Yellow WarmthIt's sunny yellow, bright and warm! This is the colour that is gracing my garden now!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Ixora</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V4LBqEtmGXtitJIR2JSBfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZSD8-5-GwjboCJhQWRIpIUzdMLfK1oxxvEAdZ_zYSJbDzHlW9_eewd3FpUE7MFBlhyphenhyphenZSzt5uwXaGQsQXnBr2pXZkTIcSZHKt4QciuxoiReC7dZWM7y1obuK2GDOqurbreZAIKNS572I/s640/Ixora.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xYg2ibTA9MCf3ApP8x6UFw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8aupdU70NrM56WNpTeOShFaISrcnsrQQ3cOVD4k0gRD-KGgiAT3-pJ_EZmSJER-wkdbAu_iVxIsFD2F0Edo0WLmhtGfAdMPPRGEKXBMwscM8UO52fSxJmIK1rWCjwVoYCur5EOnsvC0/s640/Ixora3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br />Gardenia Pfordii - Beautiful & Fragrant Yellow Flowers </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ehoD9CJAiW2VRp5L3gCM_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwMYhF5PBfVg0OHTQYj84RCVlKXLgJDeMMs-ewY3G-f-a-pgH8JvUxN3zIqV4mzygJ67Lh44eYWxRF_ZOu7qQLEZpDYYEjEt1m7LJDyErxGxu_Jf4IgZ5jD-dCVpoW7jSXr1bDxpbWVQ/s640/Gardenia%252520Pfordii2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C8GwKIZyooe5RjK_gP4LTQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFNWCMty5soNO7-i4Tk8njwiRAxVtq4G16vMeRnkPFAPmQ_yJ18NTwoLFolZtB74epTWX3-R3hc-WHYcFdeNIRQ3H7_T-VEQFnvHrxbRNRZH0D7ugcLfmgaVIruFmVIcPtiS_0-QfOf4/s640/Gardenia%252520Pfordii.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-10775709480873768822011-07-12T20:32:00.004+08:002011-07-12T20:44:41.945+08:00Colourful PortulacaIt has been very hot recently. Despite rain in other parts of Klang Valley, Subang Jaya remains dry and hot! I have to check on my Hydrangea daily upon returning home as it is the most susceptible to the scorching afternoon heat.<br /><br />Recently I bought 5 packs of Portulaca from Danny's stall at Amcorp Mall's Sunday Flea Market. The plants came in various colour. I decided to put all 5 packs in one pot. They turned out lovely when they all bloom at the same time. And the Portulaca plants have bigger blooms too. <br /><br />Here is my pot of Portulaca:<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cr5xDvi8galTxDoC4nW1QQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqmainN5n0Oa0OaY0oKckaWWZabV23qlJZ_dnWlwMat2VgcvmQxsObg8Yb3TmFt__sD4XQ2kyJs8eTHugQokOTuPFfdIkZQ9NiJOqXxXFoxrxXVVbRDGx0ffAVdywZ6lwuNnTetUxyTY/s800/Portulaca1.jpg" height="364" width="479" /></a><br /><br />Beautiful Salmon Pink colour.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ev9Md58n-i7jBUaI4Z-mig?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT06mgrzcUUqaybAUiIkLw9DtX0VHlLGEch8IB3y89EmDUtN-Q2TyAj3zYaqV-OOClmWVEDwdoW2ZL-PVs2cTuQK0XiRjqP2xjezHkDtU3uPTSMpIvGY09tvKclWgvPEm28J4vreTij8/s800/Portulaca6.jpg" height="570" width="427" /></a><br /><br />A fuschia colour bloom.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mzCuVrCfmlEvcEeYst2jyQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9jk9AknOmvjXD5nhs1Zay2ZRKuQNLouEbJfA4MmQNl_UclUOF5lSTWDsuBGl5ykJZ-q7rXBXPpfI8gbYT-LghLBEqSE7ejJAY6hpCDnzUcgt5WFrtI_i5t4W-t5koDm6T-6fz6Sr-oo/s800/Portulaca2.jpg" height="570" width="427" /></a><br /><br />A white bloom.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AFUlNR7faiwqHge1RnCcmQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRD4s6GPgtLn-2dGT4aXTuaBJo9Ilh_1N7iy_JUZ_83bh0oD04pETGpt8hUCxo4t5aOtAmOFNAEYMsa3roCgKnT5QkpdAZH2qmAwsI3Ctkyhd1G2ouiSO3f2MsqPCjRSTkxLpojKpV-4/s800/Portulaca3.jpg" height="570" width="427" /></a><br /><br />An orange bloom.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/81wWfOqq9zhqzORn88oJyw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBSO4F8Z_uXtGDEKhBs9WHXWk0YqX-tHHA4eZIQFvxCFBrMRNjzmrGRqpvkHxmWjjkuJYmoTiBcr6KIrBYJuKl-Bzn8GDV47vehLzjQZHLTSLZkqdT7DrEnrr8ykcyzR0T_wz8MOyjvc/s800/Portulaca4.jpg" height="570" width="427" /></a><br /><br />A peach pink bloom.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6-WltAvZvSGeQEgoJQPbAg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXZTt3oDYkwOv_IignjiKm7jtlwo9njlE_XfLpZwOkXwzjmhORz7EJCBeoz9RjuTCAlZ50Jlf4wFCSYKiS8Ob-9jTeLAjEHGh59PZkDKyve3Rfyj1FqzqFgJQ7KmhszCn7SbiauIP9u0/s800/Portulaca5.jpg" height="570" width="427" /></a><br /><br />An incidental Cockscomb plant that grew from seeds of my earlier Cockscomb plant that has since RIP.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ii7K_r9_-JxIixjlpbMYuw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutYkAI9WTWOqM0vZG7s4Oju4dgMZFpdMMRJxNZw5SMxDGl6tz4WQ2mDFeXhEPeahEFGZJAvxJbAKxjshOrKNAPGNxPVkFG_m194U96J97WjIGT8NbNVIlvkp3rw2lk1DZo-WYdeukQBw/s800/Cockscomb.jpg" height="570" width="427" /></a>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-66352399686416355562011-05-09T14:27:00.001+08:002011-05-09T14:31:43.937+08:00Adventure at Gasing Hill<div style="text-align: justify;">On Sundays, my friends and I would try to spend our mornings hiking at Bukit Gasing (Gasing Hill) in Petaling Jaya. It is a small hilly forest smacked in the middle of a suburb. It's nice to be able to enjoy a natural surrounding without having to drive a long distance.<br /><br />Recently, I led 2 friends for a hike there. We took an unusual trail and ended up an an eroded part of the hill. We got lost and found our way out. But it was the wrong way out. We ended up in Kerinchi Hill (the other side of the Gasing Hill) and had to hike for another 45 minutes before we managed to get back to where we parked our car. I found it being quite a nice adventure even though one of my friends got grumpy and was complaining all the time when she found out that we were lost. Ha ha....it makes me realized that different people deals with problem differently. I was glad that I was able to see it as an opportunity to find the trail that lead to Kerinchi Hill.<br /><br />While trying to find out way out, we managed to stop to take photos of the unusual, beautiful flowers we saw along the way. All 3 of us are gardening enthusiasts so it was really fun that we were also enjoying the beautiful wild plants we saw. We couldn't resist taking out our mobile phones and snapped away.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ykEXVYM4D5W4ob-3tdleeA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCKPwCV2I/AAAAAAAAC94/8zgu__iWYno/s640/BukitGasing-arch.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">At the entrance of Gasing Hill. It says on the arch that this is an educational forest.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jIk2DSZK3A8yb3W3IMOgMg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCKNONJwI/AAAAAAAAC90/AvBzNcsCGeU/s640/BukitGasing.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Signages at the entrance to this forest reserve<br /><br />At the entrance of Gasing Hill Forest Reserve, there are various beautiful flowers and foliages planted by volunteers. These are some of the plants we saw.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iMX31ioRuhzbu2kY3YnEgA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCQoLVLhI/AAAAAAAAC-c/w6I-k8HJCFk/s640/DSC02539.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />I don't know the name of this plant. But the bright-colored, big blooms easily drew attention of hikers.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9NoEfQ9Mqz-ityQK2uYgbA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCRAJncOI/AAAAAAAAC-k/l-mqUjP57ww/s640/DSC02541.JPG" height="554" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sYKxTDV7gkFVH1gS3X6A1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCQ0VrogI/AAAAAAAAC-g/XSyZynorobc/s640/DSC02543.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Fuschia Zinnias are aplenty too.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4EksYFz5Gvykzbl7xIcAkA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCR6TPBrI/AAAAAAAAC-o/974IsaFqRHU/s640/DSC02545.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />This is another bright colour plant that I like. Would anyone know the name of it?<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gwbx5_g16DPk3SD6NTXvuw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCTZN-nMI/AAAAAAAAC-s/T_Ylsi8Jhcw/s640/DSC02548.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Mother-in-law Tongues lining the trail at the entrance, welcoming visitors to Gasing Hill.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0xWdziy8dr_2RtEMFeJHxA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCVbGfhLI/AAAAAAAAC-8/qslFOXwjgFw/s640/DSC02550.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ga2W3FXb8Vd5n9BdY8EEwA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCLIpMudI/AAAAAAAAC98/xGLJj6gDXaA/s640/DSC02501.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />The eroded part of the hill that we came across. We had to cross this section of the hill to get to the other side.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0wzMP7SI5OXzrh6MNvbFRA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCLw4LfAI/AAAAAAAAC-A/ss2xRIR9pQs/s640/DSC02503.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />My friend (in orange coloured attire) was crossing the eroded hill.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yi5lkKn39JfWhGzTa_w9mg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCOZNXORI/AAAAAAAAC-I/gVJc9AlHBS4/s640/DSC02504.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />This photo shows the other side of the forest where we came from before crossing the eroded hill.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BgZINMYqGh4sGSozzNfsOw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCPon0wmI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/otX4voxTqk0/s640/DSC02517.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Flame of the Forest on the branch<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3yB0Z4RPmtwU7iFeFOnUlA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCOcbaZwI/AAAAAAAAC-M/wMClAEJW-MA/s640/DSC02516.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />Flame of the forest<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uLc_oS7ML1qKpa_RHIlNVg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCOqHJMaI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/XzjQIVxZMj0/s640/DSC02514.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />More Flame of the Forest blooms<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ujXx_9tyBP6zDEs9xCZY6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCPeJrk_I/AAAAAAAAC-U/54ze8OFglz0/s640/DSC02519.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />I don't know the name of this violet bloom but I find it attractive.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wmuDJTDET5eQAcNtATcIzQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCImtdueI/AAAAAAAAC9w/u3yR84ofOgM/s640/White.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />Nice white wild flowers form a carpet in this section.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JB8Ej-ez4aVeSb0NF62n_Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCUBGimaI/AAAAAAAAC-w/pD_QumyaXMc/s640/Pink.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />A ball of wild, fluffy pink.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q1hY3G1b2cOSzk82CO4CaA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCUyFuQ1I/AAAAAAAAC-0/tOE0Cye9JPw/s640/Simpoh%20%28Deillenia%292.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />I found out from an article on Hijjas Kasturi's famed garden named, Rimbun Dahan (The Laden Bough), that this is the yellow bloom of the Deillenia (Simpoh).<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U5MZFoWAaws4liUTrIt9Bw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCM5Uge5I/AAAAAAAAC-E/EjvXneugZtw/s640/DSC02505.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tlsFuoCwyZiJJzzlRAj3mg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCVSujUsI/AAAAAAAAC-4/BeSQHoOvd2w/s640/Simpoh%20%28Deillenia%29.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_UHNItq7-EUhRLiFUHOI9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCWOO_TLI/AAAAAAAAC_A/nJFOFK3BlQc/s640/Simpoh%20%28Deillenia%29Seeds.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />The yellow <span style="font-style: italic;">Simpoh</span> bloom will turn deep pink as it matures. The seeds within ripen and become food for insects (as seen here, the ants) and birds. The leaf of <span style="font-style: italic;">Simpoh</span> is traditionally used to wrap food, and you can still find <span style="font-style: italic;">tempeh</span> (fermented soya bean) sold wrapped in <span style="font-style: italic;">daun simpoh</span>.<br /><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YLYWxdrYkt_LMHzwmzGV7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TceCWavFKHI/AAAAAAAAC_E/Baq38AlC5GM/s640/Simpoh%20%28Deillenia%29Seeds2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />This is when all the seeds have dropped off.<br /><br />All in all, it has been an educational outing for us ~ in terms of learning the local wild and cultivated fauna of flora and also how to cope in the forest when we got lost! Looking back, I had a good time during this outing!<br /><br /></div></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-5020577414272875932011-04-05T21:40:00.006+08:002011-04-05T21:58:26.636+08:00Glorious Pink Blooms<div style="text-align: justify;">My Hydrangea plant has a huge cluster of pink blooms now. I can't help beaming with pride every morning when I checked on it before I leave for work. And they are P-I-N-K!! They are so BEAUTIFUL to look at!<br /><br /><br />It is said that the soil pH defines the colour of Hydrangea blooms. I guess my soil pH would be alkaline since I have pink bloom. My friend, Poh, who gave me the cutting of this Hydrangea has blue blooms. I assume that the liquid fertilizer that I sprayed on the leaves of the Hydrangea may be the reason for the pink blooms. Usually organic fertilizer (in my case, I use goat dung) will cause soil pH to be acidic (I read this somewhere). Since I didn't use much fertilizer on th soil, I guess that's why the soil pH is alkaline.<br /><br /><br />What ever the reason, I really love these pink Hydrangea blooms.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xNAitofWABN03M8BWdudjA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TZsaP1FwpwI/AAAAAAAAC9E/5Q2B297GYo4/s800/DSC02450.JPG" height="547" width="632" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ElRHZo9fvT3FW4coeewuQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TZsZhvqs7qI/AAAAAAAAC88/IIEpU52QA_4/s640/DSC02462.JPG" height="558" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tUmSJufoarxzOM1zQ6kAfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TZsZhobeg8I/AAAAAAAAC84/HBTzw09HrYY/s800/DSC02463.JPG" height="486" width="648" /></a></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-30519576666430369062011-03-20T13:07:00.003+08:002011-03-20T13:17:13.981+08:00Strolling Through The Old Streets of Melaka<div align="justify">My friends from afar came to Melaka this weekend for our a close friend's wedding. I had a splendid time taking them through the old streets of Melaka town for food and shopping. While strolling through the old shops, I came across several shops that used plants to decorate the shops. The plants add a touch of nature to these shops that are located no where near any natural surroundings. Amazing, how these plants add a touch of green and freshness to bring charms to these outlets.<br /><br />Walk beside me and let's stroll through these beautiful gardens in the old streets of Melaka town.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /><br />A pot of lotus and some bamboo plants placed outside a Chinese paper-cutting handicraft shop add an Oriental feel to the exterior of this shop.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YnX92x-o1o0DMWJlVRm1VQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-NQIhZfI/AAAAAAAAC7U/0iayE8LVY18/s640/DSCF7736.JPG" width="473" height="640" /><div align="justify"> </div></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/etE_05KfYUWEotFcX6Rtag?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-S3aXBRI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/FGl0z3venjo/s640/DSCF7738.JPG" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uAsWpt39Ow7DKxXfFyeuyw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-XiFiVxI/AAAAAAAAC7c/Br_m8r1nb7c/s640/DSCF7739.JPG" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wjn1IaQpmRGM7LveznudBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-cjDOAdI/AAAAAAAAC7g/0kdhwAwWs_8/s640/DSCF7740.JPG" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PsPonWD4TaiGGl-Wsab1zQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-hHikidI/AAAAAAAAC7k/L5rB2mxxSZw/s640/DSCF7743.JPG" width="480" height="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /><br />A row of Mother-In-Law Tongue plants were placed to cover a drain. What a good idea! I don't usually find these long tapered fronds with pointed blades attractive. </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />But in this instance, the green succulent with yellow edges in a mass display really beautify this shop.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/37IHaS0q_LYJaFO6TdLlmQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-nRY1krI/AAAAAAAAC70/p_mShx0Ew2k/s640/DSCF7744.JPG" width="447" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hZmlIfhhUULkn8MdKu5MnA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-tc-7FpI/AAAAAAAAC74/y1ivYpfD4Lk/s640/DSCF7746.JPG" width="640" height="480" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /><br />I am also drawn to these Balinese-influenced home decor shop called Puri Padi. I have always thought this is a spa theraphy centre. The calming surrounding with the lush, green garden has drawn many into its compound.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hqf0OijPD0aqZ22ZL-Ft6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-ybkCHeI/AAAAAAAAC78/mj876XieUMU/s640/DSCF7747.JPG" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LFTlMOxIP759R8RLBnXC2Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-2_eHfqI/AAAAAAAAC8A/4ppeWNj-paQ/s800/DSCF7748.JPG" width="627" height="470" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />A water feature comprising of a waterfall and a koi pond.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SV5-UTweVcT9vyYRpiJdVg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV-6SmK3bI/AAAAAAAAC8E/6aO4Dk3-Fpo/s640/DSCF7749.JPG" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i6Ir-C43_pHQSgXJRPmc8Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV--RtjyPI/AAAAAAAAC8I/tOJ8bo30yQM/s640/DSCF7750.JPG" width="640" height="480" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />A grass-thatched roof gazebo greeted customer at the entrance. Next to it was a big bush of tall heliconia with bright red blooms.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YpXLFfw80nI59PuN4XFdBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV_FSIwFtI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/KWR1yGh7bNw/s640/DSCF7752.JPG" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />Lush greens were so welcoming!</span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lgngY8_xlGa7igpsobChaQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV_KufcI5I/AAAAAAAAC8U/L36nCJXol4E/s640/DSCF7753.JPG" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />Plumeria is a must-have plant in any Balinese garden. In Puri Padi, there's a big Plumeria with white blooms.</span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pdOdpii4IBffCbhGUSLrXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV_QM7Cg2I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/Xzcl3gmFaeg/s640/DSCF7756.JPG" width="480" height="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />Railway sleepers path leading customers to the entrance of the shop.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TmYavHOBOdpc3FeylIAbiQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV_VzqvitI/AAAAAAAAC8c/FOoN6_kCBhU/s640/DSCF7757.JPG" width="480" height="640" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />Looking at the garden of Puri Padi, one would never know that it's located amidst blocks of boring, concrete buildings!!! The plants truly gave the place a peaceful and calming effect, right? Just like any spa centre set in the hilly town of Ubud in Bali.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OivKZiiJ25WtP7umTMVBtQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV_ZSOv1LI/AAAAAAAAC8g/-dWwuQILOCQ/s640/DSCF7758.JPG" width="640" height="480" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br />The last shop that I feature today used Bird's Nest plants placed beside 2 water feature, with some wooden blinds to give it a rustic charm.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZlssfcjGMCifulLX9T3Zog?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TYV_cuTK5ZI/AAAAAAAAC8k/iNjpLhWE_tA/s640/DSCF7762.JPG" width="640" height="480" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br />Hope you enjoy this stroll of gardens in the old streets of Melaka town.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-77088277017280769582011-03-12T17:59:00.003+08:002011-03-12T18:03:48.307+08:00March 2011 - What're Growing in My Garden?<div style="text-align: justify;">I have been on hiatus from blogging lately. It has been a loooong break. Why? I gave the excuse that I am too tired after work to take pictures of my plants, upload them online, follows with blogging about them. Deep inside, I know that I am just being plain lazy. Hee...hee...I am indeed embarrassed about it. Fortunately, I am saying this online and not face-to-face. Or else, you would be witnessing my rosy blush!<br /><br /><br />Enough about me, let's move on to what I have to share about my garden. Like my blog, I have not been caring about my garden much. But I have added some plants that I bought from nurseries in Sg. Buluh after Chinese New Year. It's hard to resist the temptations to buy plants whenever I drive all the way to Sg. Buluh. My purpose was to get some flower pots. Alas, I came home with more than that! My neighbour commented when he saw me unloading goodies from my car boot, "You already have so many plants in your garden!" My plain reply was, "It's never enough!" Sorry that I have to trouble him with watering more plants when we are away from home. I truly appreciate my next door neighbour and family who gladly offer to water our plants whenever we are away. Thank you my dear neighbour!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">HYDRANGEA</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">============</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Back to my garden, my Hydrangea has started to show some buds. With the help of liquid fertilizer, it has grown healthily.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sRVwnvqk4wKEtanTRx7lDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXspiwLbjVI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/c_uRabc1EqM/s640/Hydrangea.jpg" width="562" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">This was how my Hydrangea looked when it first started to grow shoots 8 months ago.</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">I wonder if 8 months a bit too long or is it normal duration for Hydrangea to grow into an adult plant? Would any of you who are familiar with growing Hydrangea able to tell me?<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hJgKKTgqS1acMKEZirLXAQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXstqaqi1GI/AAAAAAAAC50/muCuDxa_r8k/s800/Hydrangea-June2010.jpg" width="432" height="576" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Soon, I will have huge Hydrangea blooms gracing my garden! I am overly eager to see this manifest!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-bC6zFEfD5P9CALWi-o5Wg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXsxciJ5glI/AAAAAAAAC58/qstRPQIyQL0/s640/HydrangeaBuds.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">ADENIUM</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">============</span><br /></div> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Adeniums are displaying their big, bright pink blooms flamboyantly. They even have 2 seed pods to show. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UwUpv3pb2UXW0rF7IlMDqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXs0Gjjf1gI/AAAAAAAAC6E/qPh-KM7Tcfk/s800/Adenium-SeedPod.jpg" width="650" height="488" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Looking at this big cluster of bright Adenium blooms before I leave for work, makes me start my day on a cheerful mode.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wsex3REgkEnRgDfdhqoiIA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXs0HnJSE1I/AAAAAAAAC6I/M7u85d5R5-E/s800/Adenium%20Blooms.jpg" width="650" height="454" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 204);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">GARDENIA</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">============</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I used to blog that my Gardenia buds were falling off the plant before they bloom. Somehow, my plant condition has improved. Lately I have been getting sporadic blooms.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kv9KjhaL0qSCaisxtMekDg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXs2ij1j0_I/AAAAAAAAC6Q/yVo037kt9PM/s640/Gardenia.jpg" width="534" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">SUNFLOWER</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">==========================</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Sunflowers are still blooming in my garden.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LxX0f6MyoMRRpemBLgN2QA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXs5ueTg8DI/AAAAAAAAC6g/Yxke2lNxbx0/s800/Sunflower.jpg" width="650" height="488" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">NEWLY PURCHASED PLANTS</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">==========================<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">PERIWINKLES</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">==============</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Periwinkles in pink and white. Their bright blooms are heart-warming!<br />I only pay RM2.50 for each plant. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Instead of spending money on clothes or food, how about spending them on plants! </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Think about that! For such meagre amount of money, it can buy us happiness!! More so, when the plants can last for months!<br />Aren't the purchase worthwhile? What do you say to that?<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aZGbX3apYDfpkpX7s9Tsng?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXs3vhX2QoI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/w_5m-3xnd5U/s800/Periwinkles.jpg" width="650" height="488" /></a><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">COLEUS & CANNA</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">==============</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">==</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">The colourful Coleus were sold for RM4.00 per plant too. They were hard to resist.<br />I love Canna. So I bought them in yellow and bright pink. The blooms didn't last as it has been raining daily.<br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0Qq3PeXGLPdMCKSxXdnOzQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXs5vkxjPgI/AAAAAAAAC6k/vCqW8LT3oV8/s640/Coleus%26Canna.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Jasmine & Vallaris Glabra</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">==============</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">========</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I miss having the fragrant of Jasmine & Vallaris Glabra (in local Malay, Bunga Kerak Nasi) in my garden. I used to grow them in our garden in the old house. But their pots were too big for me to bring them over when we moved.<a href="http://mysunnyhappygarden.blogspot.com/2009/04/bunga-kerak-nasi-fragrant-blooms-series.html"> So I left them in our old place</a>. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9yoJSMeXEiImxPvGJYyVLg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXs7bG3Hz0I/AAAAAAAAC6s/LTGGfKyti44/s800/Jasmine%20%2B%20Vallaris%20Glabra.jpg" width="650" height="488" /></a><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;"><br />Celosia / Cock's Comb</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>==========</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">========</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">I have been eyeing to get Celosia or Cock's Comb plant after seeing them being used widely for landscaping in my hometown, Melaka. I choose a plant with vibrant red bloom.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3fP0BUkziQU11LosTPwMrA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TXtCNaFRbXI/AAAAAAAAC64/fqkJMdgmCFM/s640/Celosia%20%28Cock%27s%20Comb%29.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />These are the latest from my garden.<br />How is your garden doing?<br /><br /><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-42938717390046384682011-02-02T22:09:00.002+08:002011-02-02T22:13:14.055+08:00Happy Year of Rabbit<div style="text-align: justify;">It's less than 2 hours away before we say goodbye to the Year of Tiger and usher in the Year of Rabbit. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our fellow blogger friends around the world a great year ahead. May all of us receive abundance of blessings in all aspect of our lives!<br /><br /><br />Let's have another great year of gardening & blogging, my fellow gardening friends! May your garden be blessed with sunshine and rain. Blooms and greens are everywhere. Butterflies and ladybirds dance daily among your plants. May you have smiles as you toil away! Happy Gardening, my dear friends!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PppO52kHAL71LftAj44ENQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMqfgkdKQX6raVnfKRhS1wDkuCs6PZgl-FFhJ_gbERbFXpfUNO8x2vIA2bBwJ6TT-JK2F3NB1XfJHUULdiXmYHJO4msedZsKUf-uZeDbc42uH_9wvwDFkHyIfniKA5DyyR10cIcnC6sM/s640/CNY2011.jpg" width="492" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:times new roman;" >Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-family:times new roman;" >Gong Xi Fa Cai, Xin Nian Kuai Le!</span></span><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-6136310273357081502011-01-30T13:08:00.004+08:002011-01-30T13:17:59.130+08:00Bright Sunny Sunflowers<div style="text-align: center;">Before leaving for my hometown for the Chinese New Year holiday, I was lucky enough to see my sunflowers blooming. I was hoping that I would not skip the opportunity and probably my sunflower plants heard my wish and made it happened a day before I left!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">Here are photos of the single bloom. Still waiting for 3 other plants to bloom. In fact I sowed the sunflower seeds about 4 months ago to have the flowers blooming<br />during the Chinese New Year Festival. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year! </div><div style="text-align: center;">May you enjoy abundance in the New Year of Rabbit!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rSdJATInl8-6sfARs3QMhQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TUTvPKg4H7I/AAAAAAAAC44/DKlDj71GabE/s640/DSCF4633.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c3UNBEzefBSCCI7Bge9tuw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TUTvPZaZZcI/AAAAAAAAC48/FUMdcqc1lzc/s800/DSCF4638.JPG" height="800" width="542" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p2tRlbQSoNxD4fwsLVDi4A?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p2tRlbQSoNxD4fwsLVDi4A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TUTvPK9LQSI/AAAAAAAAC40/v1cHLjjfeCQ/s800/DSCF4632.JPG" height="800" width="600" /></a></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-68926434019732578872010-12-19T14:36:00.005+08:002010-12-19T15:19:12.108+08:00Blooming Plumeria, Smiling JC<div align="justify">I posted last May about buying 3 pots of young Plumeria plants. Only 1 pot had blooms when I purchased them. The other 2 pots didn't show any sign of blooming. But early this month, I received a sweet surprise when I saw blooms appearing on my Plumeria that is now over 2 feet tall. What a delight!!! The blooms are dark red in colour, similar to the pot that bloomed earlier. The cluster of flowers is HUGE!! </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://mysunnyhappygarden.blogspot.com/2009/05/ground-cover.html">Posted May 2009</a> the young plant that I brought home. The nursery doesn't know what colour is the bloom of this plant. I was kept waiting for over a year before I discovered what I colour the blooms it would be producing. </div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4eUElWi3Qv3BmjuJonG7vg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="687" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TQ2rBFFYW4I/AAAAAAAAC3s/wIwljsuz9dA/s800/Plumeria-2009.jpg" width="419" /></a></p><p align="center"><br />My tall Plumeria that is almost reaching the roof of our neighbour's driveway.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/42VNwsMyLERijEgtqBWeQQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TQ2rDw6UR7I/AAAAAAAAC3w/C1hqcyArPEw/s800/PlumeriaBloom2010.jpg" width="600" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FW7R7YSLws3xd0Ercayb8g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TQ2rExWUryI/AAAAAAAAC30/oS6R9SRJEbM/s800/DSCF2393.jpg" width="600" /></a></p><p align="center"><br />Taken from my bedroom's window, what a huge cluster of blooms!! I am so proud of it!<br />They look gorgeous! The blooms have been around for over 3 weeks and they are still fresh.<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9UAKHO_sBY_G8uk6UKRLzw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="718" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TQ2rGy3OecI/AAAAAAAAC34/M-_5VpgyNyM/s800/PumeriaBlooms.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><p align="center"><br />The photo below shows the pot of <a href="http://mysunnyhappygarden.blogspot.com/2009/05/red-plumeria.html">Plumeria that was blooming when I bought it last May</a>. The blooms are quite similar in colour except that this one has a tinge of yellow on its petals.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cr5FQUvEua1i9XN0gAQidA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="491" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TQ2uFaUSgYI/AAAAAAAAC4M/31kTikFktGk/s800/Plumeria-May2009.jpg" width="650" /></a> </p><p align="justify">For your info, the growth on my Plumeria has been rather slow. The trunk of the plant kept shooting taller and taller. There are only 3 branches on this plant with very minimal leaves at the end of each branch. I was in despair of what to do. Feeding it with goat fertilizer didn't seem to show any improvement. So, while spraying my Lantana and Adenium with liquid flowering fertilizer (the fertilizer comes in sandy, crystal form and need to be diluted in water before being sprayed onto plants), I also sprayed some onto the Plumeria leaves. Lo and behold....after a month, blooms were showing!!! For those who have not been able to get your Plumeria plants to bloom, do try this. You can get this kind of fertilizer in any nursery or hardware shop. My fertilizer is red in colour. Hope it works for you! </p>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-5935042897825220032010-11-25T23:13:00.012+08:002010-11-26T00:00:36.254+08:00Daiso - A Treasure for Gardener<div align="justify">I found a treasure while shopping at Sunway Pyramid last Sunday. This little treasure came in the form of a Daiso, a Japanese concept store that sells every item at RM5 (USD1.60). It has everything in it. By saying everything...I really mean everything...from kitchenware to food to stationery, stitch crafts to cosmetics, skincare and even DIY tools. </div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0v-L3I3At9peuORd0CuVdg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58XMTOfNI/AAAAAAAAC2o/PirT24w2B-c/s800/daisho12.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dbUU--w-bLF_gZ2ieY8GKg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58XqpAtZI/AAAAAAAAC2s/POqgGbTaX8o/s800/daisho13.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Join me on a virtual tour of what I have found at the Gardening section in Daiso. I find this Japanese shop carries a lot of creative and innovative items. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nHKH3tO0rMC-vqQFv9XCZw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO576mHaRRI/AAAAAAAAC14/AmCQ4dlosSM/s800/daisho1.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><p align="center">Snow White placed her little dwarfs on sale at Daiso??<br />Haha...these are little decoration dwarves made of clay with a hole behind it. According to the instructions, by filling up the hole with water, the water would seep through the porous clay and onto the plant, where these little dwarves are placed. So, in case you have to be away from home for several days, these little dwarves will ensure your plants will have a little moisture on their soils. How about that?<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CrBkBIo1wCOjJR5OULemFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO578X7b9TI/AAAAAAAAC18/aAZl8PfPMF8/s800/daisho2.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />These little mushrooms function like the dwarves above.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gvBPW-Jr8V0gmWfvLhoNeA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58C7x3L_I/AAAAAAAAC2E/ziTReYZxwEg/s800/daisho7.jpg" width="650" /></a> </p><p align="center">Instead of strings/wire to tie your plant to a stake, how about these various kinds of 'binder' (this is a name I coined, coz I don't know how you would call these things).<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n_PfljkHfHSn3DMb3bBvXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58E06H_CI/AAAAAAAAC2I/F1-UiBpRVcI/s800/daisho8.jpg" width="650" /></a> </p><p align="center">Believe it or not, it took me a looooooong search before I found a shop that sells the labels for plants! There are 2 varieties here, the white one and the other packet has labels in yellow, pink, red and blue. How exciting I was to find them here! Fyi, I got a blur look from the sales assistant in Ace Hardware when I enquired about this label. Can't find it in Ikea too.</p><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mqWPgCvOnlbyAJe-ZX3Vjw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58G5JKI0I/AAAAAAAAC2M/vHnZDPNJpZU/s800/daisho9.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />Various kind of tools ~ spade, hoe, tiller, knee support for your gardening needs.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C2eq7q39tf-vqvOHPnXBkw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58KUqMpRI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/hdwK4HmYR7w/s800/daisho6.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />Need a hanging basket to hold your pot of petunia? The green ones cost only RM5!!<br />As I know, my neighbour paid over RM30 for one.<br />The silver coloured ones are pot stands! Innovative, isn't it?<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VBqif2hR-tizrq3OQegdlQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58MbRz4NI/AAAAAAAAC2U/M9P2X270v94/s800/daisho5.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V1UxUhyc-N5VQHWhz_oR_w?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58Ocdv_QI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/Mt8TdJaVlak/s800/daisho3.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />Various sizes of plastic pots. There are also fake flowers for those who learn flower arrangement!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DVKjfcjWVNGDC96wKQvUPQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58RCyiF4I/AAAAAAAAC2c/i_U4MdSie2o/s800/daisho4.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />Gloves, scissors, shearers<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HT0njf40uX5f4_K5a3RYDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58T5EmUwI/AAAAAAAAC2g/j_XP97ikCaA/s800/daisho11.jpg" width="600" /></a> </p><p align="center">Decorative borders in white or brown; plastic, wood or bamboo to add a touch of beauty to your garden? Need a support for your growing plant? The choices are plenty!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GRzpGZYHipBKfKAv5wmaQQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TO58Vp5KwnI/AAAAAAAAC2k/_dmVoJXBpf0/s800/daisho10.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Various forms of water spray or container.<br /><br /><br />Don't you agree with me that Daiso is a gem for us fellow gardeners? I was filled with excitement to share this little gem with all of you. In fact, I secretly took these photos and some turned out to be a bit blur as I was not using any flash. I know that most shops do not allow customers to take photos of their products. So, hope you enjoyed this posting.<br /></p><p align="center">And if you are keen to check out Daiso, it is located on the Lower Ground Floor of the New Wing of Sunway Pyramid, just opposite of Ace Hardware! Happy shopping everyone!</p><p align="center">Lastly, Happy Thankgiving to fellow gardening bloggers who celebrate it!</p><p align="center"></p>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-21673167662399895402010-10-24T22:41:00.003+08:002010-10-26T14:11:13.097+08:00Update on Seeds Sown<div align="justify">What happened to the seeds that I have sowed recently? Some grew speedily (i.e. Sunflower, Water Convolvulus, Basil, Adenium), slowly (i.e. Marigold) and some showed no sign of sprouting at all (Coleus). And I have one seedling that I am not certain of its identity. It seemed like the capsicum that has sprouted...but I have doubts as I had earlier sowed Coleus seeds in that pot. Furthermore, the capsicum seeds in other pots have not sprouted yet. Cross my fingers...if it's the capsicum...ha ha...my wish has come true! </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><strong>Sunflower<br /></strong><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m_6vnrnBxaZzQCySeMJzHw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMREtCjZ-AI/AAAAAAAAC0c/TpI7ZD4H6sY/s800/23Oct2010-SunflowerSeeds.jpg" width="650" height="488" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gGLMJAFgv2NjuhVtnVCT7A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMRE0p1EQfI/AAAAAAAAC0w/H6tjalvKPYM/s800/23Oct2010-SunflowerSeedlings.jpg" width="599" height="800" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><strong>Water Convolvulus (Kangkung)<br /></strong><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nqNSqNt0hnk32tDrKd1Wqw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMRFg7g61tI/AAAAAAAAC08/Mn0yyZVqPeE/s800/23Oct2010-Kangkung2.jpg" width="650" height="488" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RMObiB_elHhh9aSOiPxIJQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMREzSxq4-I/AAAAAAAAC0s/jYgmBL0R_4U/s800/23Oct2010-Kangkung.jpg" width="650" height="488" /></a><br /><br /><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Basil</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EJuu56DxhkINwjq9PeJBBw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMREwdEEi7I/AAAAAAAAC0k/VzRGT5DPbKA/s800/23Oct2010-Basil.jpg" width="599" height="800" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><strong>Adenium </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aCqvEsvLQpzjKWF4VYMzNw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMREvp1boWI/AAAAAAAAC0g/wmavniwwbvU/s800/23Oct2010-Adenium.jpg" width="599" height="800" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><strong>Marigold</strong> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VjT9fvfXBvvEitFw_O-OjA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMRHZuLkt_I/AAAAAAAAC1U/km5Ubeb0Ld8/s800/23Oct2010-Marigold.jpg" width="650" height="799" /></a><br /><br /><strong>No clue</strong> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Atd2CzaWpb4BPuuywPVuDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TMREyIzv01I/AAAAAAAAC0o/kh8m5_RoTsM/s800/23Oct2010-Capsicum-NotSure.jpg" width="599" height="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-84222790765236279812010-10-05T23:50:00.002+08:002010-10-06T00:03:14.755+08:00Sowing Seeds<strong>Adenium Seeds</strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">My Adenium seedpod has finally burst. So I collected some of the seeds and soaked them in a container of water for several hours. This is to expediate the germination of the seeds. I hope the seed would germinate.<br /><br />Later, I intend to give away some of the Adenium seedlings as part of my "Pass It On" activity. Recently I have received some seeds from other bloggers. I would like to give something away too, either to other gardening bloggers or members of our residential forum.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1h0hYiZmDV8z2z3C0gUAmg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKtJGKvA1-I/AAAAAAAAC0A/ZegV0e38694/s800/Adenium%20Seed%20Pod.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mysunnyhappygarden/2010Part1?feat=embedwebsite#5524586869524462578"><img height="488" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKtGfMDK-_I/AAAAAAAACzg/x0-9hLGtS0I/s800/Adenium-Seeds.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br /><br /><strong>Coleus Seeds</strong><br /></div><div align="justify"><br />Bought a pack of Coleus seeds from Ace Hardware after seeing the multi-coloured foliage of Coleus on several blogs. I wonder how well the plant would grow from seeds. In addition, the seeds only cost me RM2...ha ha..that's a real bargain!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /><br />The seeds are so tiny...just like specks of dust. I was worried if I sneeze or laugh aloud, those seeds would be blown away! So I handled them very with extreme care.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/18mIGZkQ_w1jKVqLDQjUuQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKtGdyAqfnI/AAAAAAAACzc/Pwz5UwyI3rw/s800/Coleus%20Seeds3.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QrRq6wk87S0eARXtZVZ40A?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKtGgss3lVI/AAAAAAAACzo/DGmFSq9MznQ/s800/Coleus%20Seeds.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_NnPls4X3Z8hj5Lo7iyshA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKtGhQr08lI/AAAAAAAACzs/13bdgrxHSsA/s800/Coleus%20Seeds2.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br /><strong>Capsicum Seeds<br /></strong></div><div align="justify">Saw gardeners from temperate countries harvesting Capsicum and I am keen to harvest my own too. Before I can do that, I will need to sow some seeds first. I collected some seeds from a Capsicum that I used for a salad and dried them for several days. 3 of the seeds go into these pots. It's an experiment....cross my fingers....I hope they germinate! I am filled with anxiety when checking on these pots to see any sign of development.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WjK6seb6MhWi1GQFhdk5ag?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="488" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKtGfwpQ-RI/AAAAAAAACzk/9hNcPF2_1c8/s800/CapsicumSeeds.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><div align="center"><br />So, what are you sowing in your garden?<br /><br /></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-5378743545609989452010-10-04T15:42:00.009+08:002010-10-04T16:53:22.726+08:00Gardening A Game<div align="justify">Malar of <a href="http://myemeraldgarden.blogspot.com/">My Little Garden</a> has invited me for "Gardening A Game". In this game, I am to list down "10 Things That I Love To Do" and then invite 10 other bloggers to join me in this game.<br /><br />It took me quite a while to participate as I want to feature some photos for the 10 Things That I Love To Do. Some how I realized it takes quite sometime for me to go through my photo collections to do it. So I will use both photos and words in this game.<br /><br />Here are the 10 Things That I Love to Do:<br /><br />1) Visiting markets whenever I travel. I love to check out the food that the locals eat and also the market place. Probably it's because I love cooking and I grew up living next to a wet market. Some of the things that I saw at the markets during my travel:<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b4Zjaqva3k1jj3CI4HXmPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKmEb7hlHrI/AAAAAAAACyk/cfDNyX1s1nk/s800/10%20Things%20-%20Visiting%20Market.jpg" width="468" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><br /><br />2) Having a reading material with me wherever I go. I love reading. Or shall I say I dislike waiting at the traffic light or doctor's clinic without anything to do. So I always bring a book or magazine or newspaper in my handbag or car to keep me occupied when I am kept waiting.<br /><br />3) Cooking for friends and family members is something that I love doing and I do it regularly. I love to try new recipes. Alas, sometimes my food may not turn out well. However, my friends from my cell group would not mind finishing the failed cakes or pies as they believe in being grateful for the time and effort put into preparing the food. I simply love cooking for them for this reason!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sISDBcglsEmyvkpFj5uqeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="701" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKmIqAv8yLI/AAAAAAAACy4/dcuK4r6cEXU/s800/10%20Things%20-%20Cooking.jpg" width="650" /></a></p><br /><br />4) In this electronic mail days, I still enjoy writing letters and postcards to friends and family members. At the same time I also enjoy receiving letters and postcards in my mailbox. My family and friends would write to me as they know I prefer receiving mails than e-mails.<br /><br />5) Taking photos wherever I go has become a die-hard habit. My mom gave me my first camera when I was 9 years old. Since then, I have been bringing my camera everywhere. School mates, colleagues, neighbours, family, friends ~ they all know of this habit of mine! Ha ha...<br /><br />6) I love backpacking. In recent years I have done solo backpacking trips to Silk Road, Manila and Spain. That has given me the confidence that I am able to travel safely alone. Although many funny incidents have happened, but I have always been blessed and met many nice people through my journey.<br /><br />7) Spending time with my nieces and nephews is something that I treasure very much. I usually plan outings or activities for them before I go back to my hometown. It can be going for morning walks at Tun Fatimah Park on Sunday, flying kites on Saturday evening, Melaka Riverside walk, museum visit, climb-up to St. Paul Hill, playing at Portuguese Settlement's playground, visiting the beach in Pantai Kundur or simply cookie-, cake- or pie-baking at home.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t-8B7EK7jfoYlquAMJCjQw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKmIyc3_cpI/AAAAAAAACzA/nSonHHyzQws/s800/10%20Things-OUTDOOR.jpg" width="526" /></a></p><br /><br />8) I enjoy working on activities with youths. I have been involved actively with Buddhist youths. Early this year I helped with organizing the ASEAN International Buddhist Youth Exchange programme. By participating in youth activities, I learnt how to interact and work successfully with the younger, energetic generation. As a result, I get regular dosage of new ideas, energy bursts and fun! At the same time, it helps me to continue learning and practising the Dharma (Buddha's Teachings).<br /><br />9) Going home to Melaka is something that I enjoy doing on a monthly basis. I love spending time with my family members, helping out at home, catching up with each other, enjoying the delicious Melaka food with my nieces and nephews.<br /><br />10) Of course, I can't miss this ~ I love gardening!! It may be weeding, watering, fertilizing or simply just talking and watching my plants. I love doing this in the cool hour of the morning. I love getting my nails dirty with soils and sweat dripping from my forehead, as long as I am out in the garden, among the greens and blooms.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-ri9hT9aXQ6EQnZTjnFyew?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKmItmTFSaI/AAAAAAAACy8/rWJ59NERPiA/s800/10%20Things%20-%20Gardening.jpg" width="526" /></a></p><br /><br />Those are the 10 Things That I Love To Do! How about these 10 Bloggers that I would like to invite for this game:<br /><br />1) Annie of <a href="http://annieskitchengarden.blogspot.com/">Annie's Kitchen Garden</a><br />2) Callum of <a href="http://londonvegetablegarden.blogspot.com/">The London Vegetable Garden</a><br />3) Natarajan of <a href="http://nattigoesgreen.blogspot.com/">My Balcony Garden</a><br />4) Helen of <a href="http://benthamshouse.blogspot.com/">My Rustic Bajan Garden</a><br />5) Elsie of <a href="http://stiletto-hottie.blogspot.com/">STileTTo</a><br />6) <a href="http://www.mygardeninjapan.com/">My Little Garden in Japan</a><br />7) Tatyana of <a href="http://tanyasgarden.blogspot.com/">My Secret Garden</a><br />8) Margaret of <a href="http://awaytogarden.com/">A Way To Garden</a><br />9) Aaron of <a href="http://aaronvft.blogspot.com/">Aaron's Gardening Blog</a><br />10) Chawanmushi of <a href="http://gardeningdreaminspire.blogspot.com/">Gardening Dream Inspire</a><br /><br />The rule of this game is to:<br />1) Inform who invite you<br />2) What are the 10 things you like to do<br />3) Invite another 10 other bloggers<br /><br />Have Fun! Waka, Waka!J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-14881278737466091662010-09-28T13:59:00.002+08:002010-09-28T14:37:00.003+08:00A Gift of Seeds<div align="justify">Ho..ho..ho..Christmas came early for me this year! I was surprised by a big mail from Maryland, USA when I went over to my old address to collect my mails. The package came from Wendy of <a href="http://www.greenishthumb.net/">Greenish Thumb blog</a>.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b9Fj00LSxYfWFb81IpwNbQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKGD2tGAjGI/AAAAAAAACxQ/tUp5Omad4fA/s800/Seed-gift1.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br />Wendy celebrated her blog's 1st Anniversary by organising a <a href="http://www.greenishthumb.net/2010/07/1st-blogiversary-giveaway.html">Seeds Giveaway</a> for the first 25 persons who e-mailed to her for seeds. I was one of the fortunate ones that responded and received this gift from her. Thank you very much Wendy for your kind generosity to share the seeds that you and your Dad had collected!<br /></div><div align="justify">There are 24 packages of seeds all together! Your generosity moved me, Wendy!<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fMY3aNnOZF2xG18ZtjglmQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKGD3MYLi2I/AAAAAAAACxU/AsttQODRDzo/s800/Seed%20-%20Gift2.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="justify"></p><div align="justify"><br />The seeds were all beautifully packed in individual parchment paper envelope that allows us to see the seeds. Each seed name is hand-written on the envelope. I can imagine the thoughts, effort and time put into preparing these beautiful gifts for all of us.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qCCMFHIJWH5ZGNXd_-jghQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKGLYh7Is5I/AAAAAAAACyI/q5si4OGC_O0/s800/Seed-gift5.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify">Some seeds even came in this professionally designed matchbox. How creative! She got the idea from Martha Stewart. If any of you are keen to learn how to create this beautiful packaging for your plant seeds, please visit Wendy's posting <a href="http://www.greenishthumb.net/2010/07/gotta-match.html">here</a>. </p><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1qoqwavsAAhDc8VeoXrNKQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKGG_5s8rgI/AAAAAAAACxo/4nh9KheuuHI/s800/Seed-gift4.jpg" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hu-a8mWLlBvwJzLmKl7hTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TKGHAqK9geI/AAAAAAAACxs/qbCrv55I678/s800/Seed-gift3.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><br />Thank you Wendy for these wonderful gift!<br />Wishing you a Happy 1st Anniversary to your blog, <a href="http://www.greenishthumb.net/">Greenish Thumb</a> and may you celebrate many more anniversaries in years to come!<br /></p>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-37065828941847221752010-09-25T17:55:00.004+08:002010-09-25T18:06:55.908+08:00How Is My Garden Growing?<div align="center">With spring onions here and there....<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kxsNSETIovkimOLCXc-cRA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TJ3FLU51XAI/AAAAAAAACwI/LuqGYE_UlXM/s800/springonions.jpg" /><br /><br />Blooming Thai basils everywhere...snip, snip....gotta keep the flowers away so that the plants can live on.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7RkvB2cGtgFl8s45r6JkXQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TJ3FMX3thJI/AAAAAAAACwM/KI8okMfeNPw/s800/Thai%20SweetBasil.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Marigold is over 3 feet tall and giving me blooms!! Yahoo! I now have yellow and orange Marigolds. Sorry didn't take any shot of the Yellow Marigold.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c7Wb8mkvHNxOMexyhu3D3Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TJ3FNzXzmRI/AAAAAAAACwQ/hmx70yhPGBE/s800/Marigold.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Gardenia buds showing <br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dcNVlxN0HgDb6nzG9745ww?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TJ3FOSPwAgI/AAAAAAAACwU/KZHsem07qag/s800/GardeniaBud.jpg" /></a><br /><br />but.....they never did bloom...<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cX7hseZoG76k_Su_iKl-0A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TJ3FPRpaRiI/AAAAAAAACwY/xoGkK-BXTro/s800/GardeniaBud2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />until I see this sweet smelling white blossom that made my heart skipped with delight!<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h0-Fdss38sioi0TLoF6Ogg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TJ3JKUiN1rI/AAAAAAAACws/RUqttZrfkqk/s800/GardeniaBloom.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></a></div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-35037409279523055292010-09-09T01:53:00.001+08:002010-09-09T01:56:46.954+08:00Selamat Hari Raya<p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n7rNr4eHSEUTqnGz0CWu1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHw8k7ML9ZW6BMG2GLS-43LWWOLS5r_qu5YihqcAIQlL7DckvRh9UPqCLmyd1wlqU7cDuVrQneLYIKRkk30Q1aaHgT7QXQh58QcHzh22J3U2i9NEVbEH0VmuSnwRRn6p0h_Pbtiz82a4/s800/HariRayaCard-650.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Wishing all Muslims <em>Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri</em>.<br />May you have a blessed and joyous celebration with family & friends.</p><p align="center"> </p>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173433339346568152.post-76532666767053879192010-09-08T14:54:00.006+08:002010-09-08T15:49:03.489+08:00Easy to Care<div align="justify">I love seeing constant blooms in my garden. However many profusely blooming plants that I like, e.g. petunia, zinnia, impatiens are annuals that will need replacements after they grow, bloom, produced seeds and wilted. I try to grow blooming annuals such as Costus and Birds of Paradise. These plants produce blooms constantly and they are tough plants that can sustain hot weather and occasional lack of watering. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><br />I have 3 pots of Costus in my garden. One of the plants have over 9 blooms now. It is a beautiful plant to have as the inflorescence really brighten up my garden. Each bloom can last for a loooong time (over a month). The inflorescence will turn brown over time and I just snip the stalk off to allow space for newer stems to grow. The inflorescence is tough and rainfall does not affect its blooms.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NyMinwAr5oBpRU9rQXTZMg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TIcvwFV81AI/AAAAAAAACvQ/p_OCQmjP_uc/s800/Costus3.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify">As seen in the photos here, the red, vibrant inflorescence is a spectacular bloom. The long red inflorescence is complimented with bright yellow tubular flowers. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OgtOwOwFtRATICZ1PxeuRA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TIcvxiMbBQI/AAAAAAAACvU/YlKFMf0NhHY/s800/Costus1.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TIcv1SRdwZI/AAAAAAAACvY/HcppiY2pYFw/s800/Costus2.jpg" /></p><div align="justify"> <br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/smDMWuqpMn4cNs0vkY1ubw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TIcxOd_wV_I/AAAAAAAACvg/Ncj3nPWJazE/s800/Costus5.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W1_ZhC952Mk7BXISpNR5uQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QUFxz9Zy74I/TIcxPijajHI/AAAAAAAACvk/g6DhhDBauJM/s800/Costus4.jpg" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br />My Costus is fertilized with goat dung manure on a monthly basis. That, I believe, ensure regular blooms are being produced by the plant. When the weather is too hot, the leaves will curled up by afternoon. However, the thick leaves are able to sustain 2-3 days of no-watering in current hot weather. That is another reason that I love this plant. At times, when we are away from home, not being able to care for my plants kept me worrying. It is most worrying in the current hot spell season. Usually I will water this plant once in the morning. These days, watering twice a day is the practice.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I would certainly recommend this plant to anyone who loves regular spectacular blooms in their garden. This plant is also easy to care for any new gardening enthusiast! </div>J.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10904882913688765735noreply@blogger.com9