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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Buying Flowers and Plants for Christmas in Malaysia

1.
If you are still wondering what or where to buy flowers and plants for Christmas and if you are in the Klang Valley, perhaps it is a good idea to head over to Selangor Green Lane in Jalan Subang-Sungai Buloh, Selangor and look around the nurseries there. There are lots of them.

Last weekend, I visited Paling Horticulture Sdn Bhd at Lot 61, Selangor Green Lane. Wow, they have indeed stocked up on lots of flowers and plants for the festive season. Coming here is like going to a flower festival because there are so many flowers in many colours and varieties. Like they say, "rambang mata memandang". Poinsettias, amaryllis, kalanchoes, azaleas, chrysanthemums, cactus, Christmas trees... you name it, they have it. Instant flowers for the instant garden and to suit your home indoor/outdoor decor or house parties.

Paling supplies plants and flowers wholesale. Their products are obtained from many sources, e.g. growers from Cameron Highlands and all over Malaysia, also imported from overseas countries like Holland, China, etc.

Here are some flowers that captured my attention:

2.
A white and pink Hippeastrum Lily. 

3.
Pink Stargazer Lilies in pots.


4.
Yellow Asiatic / Oriental Lilies

5.
Orange Asiatic / Oriental Lilies

6.
Potted Christmas trees that can fit into any garden

7.
More potted Christmas and pine trees.

8.
Potted herbs like dill, rosemary, sage and mint, 

9.
Foliage plants, hanging plants, potted plants, flowering, non-flowering, climbers, vines and shrubs, even orchids!

10.
Purple and red gloxinias to brighten up any home.

11.

Christmas Kalanchoes - red, pink, yellow, orange, from pale pink to white.

12.
Gerbera daisies in many colours.

13.

Paling Horticulture Sdn Bhd is located at:
Lot 61, Jalan Subang-Sungai Buloh,
Selangor Green Lane, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Tel: +6012-372 2006 (Mr Bernard Looi)
Opening hours: 8:00am - 7:00pm


To view Google interactive map, click here

Monday, December 19, 2011

Buying Live Christmas Trees and Pine Trees in Malaysia

1. Christmas Pine

During the festive season this year, I find that quite a number of nurseries and garden centres are stocking up on Christmas trees, conifers and pine trees. Since there are more choices and varieties now, it may be a good reason to pop in at the local nursery if you are thinking of buying an evergreen tree for your garden:
  1. To be decorated as a potted indoor or ground-grown Christmas tree with lighting and ornaments. The indoor tree can be replanted later in your garden. This way, you can have an Eco-friendly Christmas.
  2. To landscape the garden like resort-living
  3. To grow a pine tree in the garden for good fengshui

I do hope that you can find your evergreen trees to build up many happy everlasting memories to last a lifetime. Why not then, have a Christmas Tree that is always living and growing in your garden?

2. Round Pine

What we commonly call "pine trees" are actually conifers, i.e. evergreen coniferous trees. These trees have existed since time immemorial, i.e. about 350 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period, long before the Jurassic times. The height of a pine conifer tree varies from 3m (dwarf) to 80m tall. You can differentiate pine trees conifers from one another by the number of needles they have per bundle/cluster.


3. Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Island Pine tree, also known as Hong Kong Pine, House Pine or Star Pine.
Scientific name: Araucaria heterophylla
Family: Araucariaceae
Category: Evergreen coniferous tree

This tree is native (and was endemic) to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. It is a very popular Christmas Tree. This slow growing tree can reach a height of 6-12m tall. However, the tree trunk tends to bend as the tree ages.  


4. Blue Pine

The Blue Pine, also known as Chinese Juniper or Blue Fir
Scientific name: Juniperus chinensis
Family: Cupressaceae
Category: Coniferous evergreen shrub

Chinese Junipers are very popular in public gardens, stately homes, colleges and universities grounds. There are a few variations; some with a narrow crown and single trunk, some have multiple trunks growing from the base, or the foliage may be yellow and some are dwarf trees.

5. Sleeping Pine

Pine trees are popular in Chinese/Oriental/Japanese Rock/Zen/Water Gardens. Some pine trees can be grown as bonsai. You can also find them in Chinese landscapes painting and calligraphy.

A pair of healthy living pine trees in the garden is a symbol of marital bliss for the couple.

6. Snake Pine

Pine trees remain evergreen throughout winter and their leaves do not fall off. Other plants drop off their leaves, turn dormant or wither and die but not for the Pine, Bamboo and Plum which are regarded as the "3 Friends of Winter" (sui han san you - 岁寒三友). Together they represent perseverence, integrity and modesty. When pictured or painted togerther, they signify a strong friendship that can overcome all kinds of trials, tribulations and adversity. Old and long-living pine trees are highly valued and treated with great respect.

7. Pencil Pine


For the Chinese, pine trees are a symbol of longevity, resilience and strength.


8. Arborvitae

Scientific name: Platycladus orientalis
Common name: Oriental Arborvitae, Oriental Thuja, Biota
Formerly known as: Thuja orientalis
Chinese name: ce bai (側柏)
Family: Cupressaceae
Origin: China, Korea, Iran
Category: Evergreen coniferous tree

It is a compact shrub from the cypress family. This is a popular tree grown in Chinese homes and on the grounds of Chinese temples and associations as a symbol of longevity and vitality. "Arbovitae" is a Latin word meaning "tree of life". The tree can grow to about 15m tall with a spread of 6m. The needles are soft and do not prick your hand. This is a maintenance free tree as it is drought tolerant and quite resistant to pest attack. It grows uniformly, hence it will need very little pruning.The foliage is dense and fan-shaped. Established plants are drought tolerant. Some trees in China are more than 1,000 years old. There is a dwarf variety that grows to about 60-80m tall.

It used to be a custom in traditional Chinese weddings to place P. orientalis leaves inside red envelopes (ang pow packets), gift trays and marital bed during the ceremonies and rituals. E.g. during the "seong tau" (hair combing ceremony) the night before the actual wedding day, a sprig of P. orientalis  leaves was worn on the groom's headdress, also placed in the urn during the prayer session. Nowadays, they have replaced it with pomelo leaves.
  
9. Podocarpus macrophyllus

In temperate countries with the 4 seasons, pine trees which are non-flowering will bear cones that contain the edible pine seeds called pine nuts that we use for cooking. In our warm Malaysian weather, you won't be able to see this happening to your garden tree!

How to select your tree:
  1. Ask the staff to show you the different types of trees. Chose one that you like according to your budget and your preferences to overall shape, height, spread, texture, foliage colour and growth rate.
  2. Hard and dry soil is a sign of neglect
  3. The tree should not have a lot of needle drop
  4. The tree should not have a lot of foliage that has turned brown and off-colour.
  5. The branches should not snap easily
Finally, remember NOT to prune off more than 2ft from the top of your pine tree!

    My grateful thanks to Soon Lee Landscape at Lot 21 Selangor Green Lane for giving me the permission to take the above photographs. My special thanks to their friendly and knowledgeable staff  for the explanation on the different types of pine trees that we can grow in Malaysia.

    My article, "Evergreen Christmas" about planting live trees first appeared in the New Straits Times on 10 Dec 2011. The link is here.


    Christmas Tree Options:

    1. Imported pre-cut trees - this will cost more than buying a live potted tree from the local nursery. You need to make sure the tree does not dry up or dies before the big day. Most probably, you can't replant the tree after the season is over, so it'll end up in the compost bin or a landfill. You need to cut up the tree into smaller pieces and dispose it off properly. 




    2. A live potted tree from the local nursery - If you choose a healthy tree and maintain it well, it can last many years in a container or replanted on the ground. 



    3. Fibre Optic and/or plastic tree - You can put all sorts of ornaments and lights on the tree. After the season, the tree can be packed and stored up, to be recycled again in the following years. A good choice for an indoor Christmas tree.


    Tuesday, December 13, 2011

    Floristika in Bangsar - Fresh Flowers Wholesale & Retail

    Floristika.Com.My Sdn Bhd
    16, Jalan Liku, Off Jlan Riong, Bangsar
    59100 Kuala Lumpur

    Tel: +603-2287 6113
    Fax: +603-2287 7213
    Website: here
    Location map: here.
    (From highway along Jalan Bangsar to KL - after Tenaga National Berhad, look out for 99 Speedmart (Pasar Mini 99) at Wisma Dicklin, turn left into Jalan Riong where you will pass by China Press. Take the first turning into Jalan Liku. Floristika's building is just behind NST).

    Opening hours: 8:00am - 9:30pm


    Products and Services
    • local (e.g. Cameron Highlands) and imported fresh flowers (e.g. Holland, Kenya roses, India, China) 
    • potted plants
    • artificial silk flowers and floral accessories
    • pottery, baskets, glassware, containers, stands, display materials, gift wrapping
    • Festive plants
    • Christmas season plants (eta mid-November)
      • Scented Live Christmas Trees from USA from 4-12ft
      • Elwoodii, Ilex, Nobilis, Poinsettia - Red and White (limited stocks)
    • pre-cut Christmas trees (eta early December)

    Example: fresh orchids at RM 4.00 - RM 8.00 per bundle of 10 stalks each.


    Thursday, December 8, 2011

    Orchid Festival at Penang Botanic Gardens 3 -11 Dec 2011



    Date: 3rd Dec ~ 11th Dec 2011
    Time: 9:00am - 7:00pm
    Admission: FREE
    Location: Botanic Gardens, Penang

    Organisers:
    Federation of Malaya Orchid Society (FOMOS), and
    Penang Sate Tourism Development and Culture Office
    Contact: +604- 227 0428 or +604-228 4124
    Event details from Penang State Tourism website here
    Location map here




    Objectives :
    To promote Penang as an orchid growing state
    To educated the public on how to grow orchids.

    Highlights:
    • Over 300 orchids of 35 species which will be on display by experienced and dedicated orchid growers from every state of Malaysia.
    • Participants from Singapore and Thailand
    • Malaysian Nature Society and Friends of Botanic Gardens activities
      • Recycling clinic
      • Nature walk
      • Nature book sale
      • Group discussions on herbs, bird-watching, etc.
      • Exhibition on the environment
    • Glass painting, paper quilting, leaf craft, origami, T-shirt and canvas bag printing
    • Many varieties of orchids and related accessories on sale by different vendors
    • Flowering and ornamental plants, fruit trees, gardening tools and accessories on sale

    Wednesday, December 7, 2011

    Orchid Festival (18th) at SACC Mall Shah Alam 9-11 December 2011



    Activities:
    Orchid Competition
    Orchid Sale 
    Orchid Exhibition

    Organisers:
    Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MSBA), Kelab Anggerik Shah Alam, SACC Mall

    For enquiries, please contact Landscaping Division:
    Tel: +603-5522 2833 ext. 365 (Cik Elly Faheeda)
    +603-5510 5133 ext. 218 (Hamimah)
    Location map to SACC Mall, click here.

    For a glimpse of this year's Orchid Festival, please visit this post by Sean L of  Half a Pound of Treacle blog here. There is also another Pesta Bunga Shah Alam on 16-18 Dec 2011 at Lake Carnival just opposite PKNS complex. Sean L has written a post about it here.

    Monday, December 5, 2011

    Tiara Bali Concept - Stock Clearance Sale 2-11 Dec 2011 (up to 70%)


    Jualan penghabisan stok.

    Tiara Bali Concept

    Address:
    No.1, Jalan Perniagaan Masria 3
    Pusat Perniagaan Masria, Batu 9
    Jalan Cheras, 43200 Cheras, KL
    Tel: +6012-293 9836 or +6016-330 1775
    Fax: +603-924 4318
    Website: http://www.tiarabali.com/ (with online location map to showroom).


    Products & Services:
    • Handmade sandstone carvings from Bali - from 300 gm to 2 m tall
    • Custom-made wall panels, murals and scenery for outdoors and indoors
    • Balinese gazebo, water features, pond, water fountains
    • Specialist in stone/concrete wall panels from 100cm x 100cm to 1m x 1m
    • Bali pebbles, river stones, Castle stones,
    • pebble pot, marble basin, wood basin, rock basin
    • Tumble/mosaic motif and pebble wash walkways
    • Bamboo products

    Translation
    • Air pancuran, pasu, batu panel/siar kaki/mangkuk hiasan, patung, ornamen hiasan laman
    • Batu-batu sungai, batu kerikil, sandstone,  dan bangkah batu
    • Lantai bermotif mosaic, panel hiasan sebesar 2m x 3m
    • Keping batu dan papan untuk tempat laluan
    • Granit, mamar dan slates
    • Batu-batuan semula jadi yang telah diimpot
    • Kolam hiasan pelbagai saiz dan konsep


    Note:
    This was first posted on Sept 4th, 2010, now updated on Dec 2nd, 2011. My grateful thanks to commenter Cheah who informed me.

      Sunday, December 4, 2011

      Ekspo Flora Klang 2011 pada 2-4 Disember Part 2


      Pintu masuk ke Expo Flora Klang 2011 yang sedang diadakan di Taman Rakyat, Taman Sri Andalas, Klang.


      Lukisan berwana-warni di papan ini sangat sesuai untuk mengambil gambar foto dengan ahli keluarga atau kawan-kawan.



      Khemah-khemah karnival jualan dan pameran. Terdapat gerai-gerai yang menjual makanan dan minuman, peralatan kahwin untuk pengantin baru, pakaian dan alat-alat permainan kanak-kanak. Kemudahan seperti tempat parkir dan tandas bergerak juga sedia ada.


      Bunga-bunga angerik yang menarik dari Lum Chin Orchid Garden Sdn Bhd.
      Anggerik-anggerik yang berbunga dan di dalam pasu yang paling murah ialah RM 8.00 satu.




      Pokok-pokok cili ini disiram air and dibaja dengan mengunakan alat "DIY mini fertigasi" di pondok Green Agro World.


      Baja-baja organik, baja cair, tanah, biji benih dan juga racun serangga di antara barang-barang yang dijual.

      Produk dan pokok stevia pula dijual oleh syarikat Agro Sweet Paklong. Pokok stevia muda dalam beg hitam (polybag) dijual dengan harga RM 10.00 satu.



      Pokok-pokok hutan, herba dan buah-buahan tropika dari NHY Nursery. Terdapat pokok-pokok mas cotek jantan dan betina, kacip fatima, ekor kucing, kunyit hitam, longan "ping-pong", nangka dan limau nipis.



      Pembekal ini (Medinar Enterprise) menjual pelbagai produk-produk Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa), misalnya pokok muda, daun kering dalam pek uncang atau racik. Harga bermula dari RM 15.00 satu paket/berkas.


      Persembahan lagu dan tarian memeriahkan lagi suasana ekspo.


      Acara senamrobik bersama jurulatih dari Majlis Perbandaran Klang (MPK) pada pagi ini.