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Friday, November 21, 2014

How to go to MAHA 2014


1. Visitors Guide

MAHA 2014 (Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show) & HPPK is held on 20th - 30th November 2014.

Venue : MAEPS (MARDI HQ in Serdang)

Opening hours:
20 & 21 Nov 2014 for Trade Visitors only (10:00am - 6:00pm)
22-30 Nov 2014 for PUBLIC (10:00am - 10:00pm)

The theme of MAHA 2014 is "Agroteknologi Pemangkin Transformasi" (Agrotechnology - Catalyst for Transformation).

MAHA is Pameran Antarabangsa Pertanian, Hortikultur dan Agro Pelancongan Malaysia.
HPPK stands for Hari Peladang, Penternak & Nelayan Kebangsaan (The Farmers, Livestock Producers and Fishermen's Day)
The venue MAEPS stands for Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang


2. The road leading to MAHA 2014 venue

How to go to MAHA 2014:

(1) Visitors using the North-South Expressway, exit Kajang to enter SKVE (South Klang Valley Express) highway towards Hospital Serdang

(2) Visitors using the LDP (Leburaya Damansara-Puchong) highway can directly exit to SKVE and drive towards Hospital Serdang

ENTRANCE 1 - via Hospital Serdang
ENTRANCE 2 - via SKVE (exit 5 MARDI)

(3) WAZE users just type MAEPS Serdang

(4) Google maps: click here or here

(5) Free Bus Shuttle Service (Rapid) is available from Serdang Kommuter Station between 9:00am - 10:00pm at half hourly intervals.

3. Stalls at the Gate 2 entrance

20th and 21st Nov (10am - 6pm) - for Trade Visitors Only, meaning that
  1. It is opened to professionals, trade and business visitors by invitation or business card registration only
  2. Admision is free but registration is required 
  3. Children below 12 years old are not allowed in
  4. Visitors have to be properly attired. 
  5. Visitors who are inappropriately dress, in bermudas, shorts, sandals and slippers are not permitted to enter
  6. The organisers have the discretion to refuse entry to certain visitors  

4. Parking area

MAHA 2014 will be opened to the PUBLIC on 22nd - 30th Nov 2014

Visitors can enter via Entrance 1 or Entrance 2.

Parking at MAHA 2014
Park at the allocated Visitors Parking areas and thereafter walk towards the Entrance 1 or 2. Follow the instructions of the parking officials/attendance.

Parking fees : 
RM 5.00 per entry for cars and RM 2.00 for motocycle, to be paid upon exit.

At the Arrival Complex 1 or 2, there are FREE shuttle buses to transport you to the designated locations. Collect the Visitors Guide (Panduan Pengunjung) and plan where you want to visit.


5. Bus Stop cum Information Counter

This 'pondok bas' or bus stop (tram stop/station as in brochure) is provided with canopy shade and plastic chairs to sit on while waiting for the buses to transport you to the respective venues. You can ask the officials in red T-shirts and ID tags to help you go to the right location.

6. Shuttle Bus Route Map
There are 4 routes to select for the MAHA 2014 free bus shuttle service provided.

FACILITIES at MAHA 2014
1. Toilet 
2. Eateries 
3. Surau (Prayer Rooms) 
4. Information Counter 
5. Rest and Waiting Areas 
6. ATM 
7. Child Care 
8. Taxi stop at Entrance 1
9. Shuttle bus service 
10. Sick Bay 
11. Lost & Found 
12. Assistance for the disabled 
13. Public Paging 
14. Refexology 
15. Sourvenir Shop 
16. Pedestrian walkway 
17. Tram stop/station 
18. Visitor Centre


7. Shuttle bus
The buses are painted in 4 different colours.
Look out of the route signage i.e. Laluan A, B, C or D.


8. Location Map in Visitor's Guidebook

Location Map of MAHA 2014 VENUES
Decide where you want to go before boarding the shuttle buses:

A. Laman Tiba 1 (Arrival Complex 1)
B. Gerai Jualan & Buah-Buahan (Fruits & Agriculture Produce Stalls) 
C. Dewan Pameran Utama (Main Exhibition Hall) - Dewan A 
D. Popular Dish - Dewan DG
E. Bazaar IAT 1&2 - Agrobazaar at Dewan B1/B2
F. Amphitheatre 
G. MAEPS Bistro 
H. Laman Sayur & Herba (Vegetables & Herbs Showground) 
I. Laman Perikanan (Fisheries Showground) 
J. Laman Florikultur (Floriculture Showground) 
K. Rumah Negeri (State Pavilions) 
L. Laman Padi (Paddy Showground) 
M. Laman Nanas (Pineapple Showground) 
N. Laman Ternakan (Livestock Showground) 
O. Laman Jentera (Machinery Showground) 
P. Laman Tiba 2 (Arrival Complex 2)


8. Bazaar 
This open air bazaar with white canopies sells all kinds of agriculture and floriculture stuff.
The building in the background is the Main Exhibition Hall.

Where to eat at MAHA 2014
  1. Popular Dish at Dewan DG serves popular dishes from various states of Malaysia
  2. Laman Ternakan (Livestock Showground) for meat dishes
  3. MAEPS Bistro serves Malay and steamboat dishes in the evenings and night
  4. Rumah Negeri (State Pavilion) serves popular state dishes
  5. Laman Perikanan (Fisheries Showground) serves fish and seafood dishes at the food court
  6. Restaurant Jelapang at Laman Padi (Paddy Showground)

9. xhibition Hall area

This is where the Main Exhibition Halls, State Pavilions and IAT 1 & 2 Bazaars are located.

The IAT Bazaars are located indoors and air-conditioned. You can sample food and beverage items and also make purchases of the products related to the technology and industrial sector.

Contact details:
MAHA 2014 Secretariat
MARDI HQ
43400 Serdang, Selangor
Malaysia
Tel: +6011-1288 7220, +6011-2332 7400, +011-2806 7001
Fax: +603-8945 3816
Website: here

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Plants in Tropical Cities - The Tropical Plants ID Book and Plant Finder



BOOK REVIEW
Plants in Tropical Cities
by Boo Chih Min, Sharon Y.J. Chew, Jean W.H.Yong

I am so glad to get hold of a copy of the newly released "Plants in Tropical Cities". I find that it is a clear and concise handbook (or mini-encyclopedia) of tropical and sub-tropical plants. This book is 100% loaded with vivid and colourful pictures of plants and flowers found in tropical cities ...1 000 pages, 2 800 featured plants and 6 800 photos!



The aim of this book is to increase awareness among the general public and nurture interest in tropical plant species. This guidebook will be very useful to gardeners (green horns and green thumbs), horticulturists, landscapers, students and researchers who are keen on plant identification and understanding their growth requirements.


The authors:
1. Ms Boo Chih Min, is a graduate of botany from the University of Singapore. She is the author of the best-selling gardening book in our region, "1001 Garden Plants of Singapore"(one of my favourite reference books for plant ID of tropical plants). Chih Min is an experienced landscape consultant with many years of experience working at the National Parks Board of Singapore.

2. Ms Sharon YJ Chew, a graduate of Applied Science, majoring in plants from the University of Queensland; and also in Horticulture and Landscape Management from Ngee-Ann Polytechnic Singapore.

3. Prof. Jean WH Yong, an Associate Professor at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. He studied botany at the National University of Singapore; and biochemistry and physiology at the Australian National University. More information about him here.


In the first 867 pagers, plants are categorized by Scientific Name in alphabetical order.

Here's what I love most about the book: In the next section (page 875 to 979), there is an index of plants grouped into the different categories according to type and purpose, taking into account areas of specific interest such as indoor plants for the apartment dweller with limited space, and vertical or rooftop planting for the eco-gardener.
  1. Cycads
  2. Palms
  3. Ferns and Fern Allies
  4. Climbers
  5. Trees
  6. Ground Covers
  7. Hedges
  8. Plants that attract butterfly
  9. Plants that attract birds
  10. Indoor Plants
  11. Aquatic Plants
  12. Drought Tolerant Plants
  13. Fragrant Plants
  14. Seaside Plants
  15. Roadside Plants
  16. Plants for Green Roof Planting
  17. Plants for the Greening of Vertical Wall
  18. Epiphytes
  19. Mangrove and Mangrove Associates


For each plant species, there are pictures of the foliage, flowers and fruits highlighting important morphological characteristics. Information provided include the Scientific Name, Common Names and Synonyms if any. The common names are in English and where applicable, the Malay name and Chinese characters are also provided.



Pictorial icons are used to denote botanical information, characteristics, plant care requirements, planting guide and potential horticulture application.

What the symbols (picture icons) indicate:
  1. Plant habits: Trees, shrubs, climbers, ferns, palms, cycads
  2. Plant care requirements: Sunlight, watering
  3. Plant use/characteristic: Tropical native, plants suitable for roadside planting, seaside planting, aquatic plants, drought tolerant plants, indoor plants, ornamental flowers, ornamental foliage, herbs & spices, plants that attract birds or butterflies are all indicated by picture icons.
A summary of the genus names in alphabetical order is provided at the back of the book (page 982-989) for easy and quick reference.

What is missing from this book is the summary list of Common Names for plant species matched with the Scientific Names and the location page. This will be useful for the layman who only know the common name or local name and wish to find the scientific name of a particular plant. Also, the specific region or country of origin of each plant species is not mentioned but if the plant is native to Singapore and neighbouring countries, it is indicated with an icon depicting "Tropical Natives".


The good quality photos of plants and flowers are itself an attraction that motivates the reader to flip through the pages again and again to familiarize him/herself with the many tropical plant species that are commonly found in our region. Like the saying. "a picture speaks a thousand words", therefore with the clear and comprehensive method of presentation, it makes the plant ID learning process so much more interesting and simplified. The authors' passion for tropical plants identification and flare for photography is clearly exhibited in every page.

I would like to emphasize that it is good for the gardener to know the scientific names of the plants that we want to grow. If we know the scientific name, then we can search for more details about the growth requirements, specific needs and habit of the plant. This will increase our chances of success in growing the garden plants that we like. It will also reduce our tears of plants dying on us suddenly, seemingly without reason. Do be brave and adventurous to try out as many plants as you can. After all there is nothing much to lose but our time and efforts. The wealth of knowledge and experiences is the soul enriching and happy reward....Elaine Yim


HOW TO BUY THE BOOK (Updated: 1st Jan 2015)

This book is published in Singapore. The normal price is SGD 60

The price in Malaysia by own collection is RM 150.00.

At the moment, it has not reached the bookstores in Malaysia yet. Malaysians who wish to buy this book can send an email to me at mynicegardenblog(at)gmail.com.

Postage charges: The price is inclusive of postage charges within Peninsular Malaysia. For deliver to other places, additional postage charges applies and will be revealed to buyer once the destination is known.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Eco-Friendly Klang Bukit Tinggi Nursery

1
This nursery is one of the largest in Klang. It is located in front of SRJK (C) Hin Hwa or Hin Hwa Chinese Primary School in Bandar Bukit Tinggi, also very near to Giant.

2
Entrance to the BBT Nursery which is like a one-stop centre that sells ornamental as well as foliage plants, herbs and trees and all kinds of garden supplies. 

3
Vertical garden set which is sold in assorted pieces of plastic pots and racks to be assembled depending on your requirements.


4
A life sized picture of the boss showing that this nursery is eco-friendly and certified by BABA. It means that no toxic chemical pesticides are used on the plants sold in the nursery.


5
Most of the herbs sold here are safe to be eaten from the pot as no toxic chemicals are sprayed on them. You can find basil, rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, stevia, kesum, lemon balm, mint and many others.

Some herbs are from the highlands and need a period of adjustment to the hot lowlands. Please check with vendor how to care for the herbs and if a waiting period is needed before consumption.

6

They have a collection of printed information on recipes for using herbs in cooking. The boss Mr SK Lim is very friendly, knowledgeable and seems to be quite committed in eco-friendly methods of gardening and nursery management. He also give talks to school and kindy kids and take part in Earth Day activities. The pile of photo albums is a collection of photographs taken during such events.

He tells me that he travels regularly to Taiwan to update his knowledge on the latest developments in the gardening scene.

7
Ezy Garden Potting Mix is a BABA product that is light and easy since it is specially formulated to be women and kids friendly. It claims that:
  • 3 times lighted than normal soil
  • natural and clean, safe for the skin
  • retain moisture and fertilizer, reduce time of watering and applying fertilizers
  • pest resistant
  • purely organic and environmental friendly
  • can be used immediately without having to mix with other media/soil.


8

This is 6-in-1 potting mix is contains coco peat, burnt soil, river sand, burnt husk, rich humus and charcoal powder.


9

Many types of garden supplies such as fertilizers, black soil, burnt soil, organic soil mix, organic pesticides, pots and fancy containers are sold here.


10
If you wish to 'buy local' - here's a bio organic fertilizer produced by biotechnology.

11
This 6-in-1 natural organic soil is produced under the BBT Nursery label.


12
"Eco Mulch" made of wood chips.


13

The herbs are organically grown on the lowlands while some are from Cameron Highlands.

14
Sweet basil


15

The surroundings are kept clean.

16

17
Butterflies can be seen flitting about the gorgeous petunias.


18
The ornamental flowers section with petunias, vincas, zinnia, cosmos, sunflowers, marigolds.


19
Cactus and succulents


20
Sharp tongues and hanging air plants.

21
Butterfly on a yellow lantana flower.

22
Section selling garden ornaments such as bird houses, figurines, water features and fancy containers.


23
Cactus and succulents.
24
Ceramic statues of Fu Lu Sou among the plants

25

Bukit Tinggi Nursery 
Address: Lot 36333, Jalan Bahagia,
Off Jalan Batu Unjur
Pandamaran,
41200 Port Klang, Selangor
Contact: Mr S.K. Lim +6012-3218119 or Mdm May Tan +6012-3297917

Monday, June 2, 2014

Putrajaya FLORIA 2014 - Pesta Bunga & Taman Floria 2014


Putrajaya Floria 2014 is here again!
Festival Bunga & Taman Putrajaya Floria 2014.

They are moving to a new permanent venue!

Seri Saujana Bridge / Jambatan Seri Saujana 

Date: 14th June (Saturday) to 22nd June (Sunday) 2014.
Theme: Begonia - Mesmerising Colours



Venue: Promenade Precinct 4, Putrajaya 
(Persisiran Tasik Putrajaya Presint 4)


Location is near to Putrajaya Lake Cruise Terminal and Seri Saujana Bridge. Actually is is further up along the waterfront/lakeside area from last year's Floria 2013 at Precinct 2.



Admission Fee of RM 3 for adults and RM 1 for children
(according to Bernama news but PPj says it is not confirmed yet).



Begonias are known as "Asam Batu" in Malay.
It is named in honour of French botanist Michel Begon. 
There are more than 2,000 types of begonias.

Updated: 15 Jun 2014
Below is a video of this year's Floria:


 

Part 1 - Highlights of Floria 2014

 

Part 2 - Wedding Gardens theme

Opening hours:
Mon - Thurs from 9am to 10:30 pm
Friday - Sunday from 9am to midnight

Floria 2014 Official Website is here.
For show venue and Waze - click here.
Floria 2014 Facebook page is here.

Click on picture to enlarge

Location MAP: 
Interactive Google Map click here.
GPS: (to be updated)

How to go to Putrajaya Floria by car: (refer to Google Interactive Map above)
  1. From KLIA 
    • turn left to Putrajaya
    • Follow Lingkaran Putrajaya all the way until Jambatan Seri Saujana (JSS)
    • Turn left after JSS to Precinct 4
    • Floria 2014 is near the lake overlooking JSS
  2. From Leburaya Lembah Klang Selatan 
    • turn in to Persiaran Persekutuan
    • you reach Precinct 1 (Persiaran Sallahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah)
    • you can 
      • (a) take Lebuh Perdana Barat to Lebuh Sentosa and turn left to Perisaran Barat, continue to Lebuh Wawasan and cross the JSS, then continue through Persiaran Perdana
    • or
      • (b) take Lebuh Perdana Selatan until you reach Lebuh Bestari junction, then turn right into Lebuh Bestari until you reach Persiaran Perdana
    • from Persiaran Perdana, you may take any routes to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak
    • continue towards Percinct 4. You may see Kementrian Kesihatan and Wisma Tani on your left and the lake on your right. Look for any routes to your right towards Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
    • Floria is along the lake overlooking JSS.

How to go to Putrajaya Floria by public transport (Bus/train/taxi):
From KL Sentral
Take the KTM Commuter to Serdang Station. From there take RapidKL Bus No. U42 or Metro Bus No.68 to Putrajaya Sentral Bus Terminal. Thereafter, you can take a taxi to Precinct 4 or the Nadi Putra bus to Wawasan Bridge.

You can also take the KLIA Transit and stop at Putrajaya Station. From there, take the Nadi Putra bus. Note: Do not take the KLIA Express as it does not stop here.

By Taxi - buy the one way coupons KL Sentral to Putrajaya.

From Kotaraya KL 
Take Metro Bus No.68 to Putrajaya Sentral and same as above.

*Attractions:

1. Flowers Galore - The Grand Flower Bed as the centrepiece of the event has become an annual draw for visitors, a spectacular display of colour with flowers in full bloom. In addition to exceptional displays of the theme flower - orchid, expect to see roses, heliconia, hibiscus, bonsai, herbs and much more.

2. Begonia Garden - look out for a display of many species, cultivars and varieties of begonias, the theme flower of this year 

3. Royal Garden, a resplendent tropical garden of the Malay Sultanate aglow in royal yellow will certainly be a sight to behold. Design will be based on the royal palaces in Selangor e.g. Istana Kayangan, Istana Alam Shah, Istana Darul Ehsan and Istana Jugra.

4. Wedding Gardens by government agencies and local authorities.

5. Tea Party Garden
 affords visitors a welcome respite in the form of a cafe in a garden setting offering various flavours of tea served with tea-time favourites. 

6.  Orchid Garden will see the best orchids on display at FLORIA 2014 

7. Floral Pavilion is the ever popular air-conditioned indoor space for floral displays by international and local exhibitors that never fails to wow! visitors.

8. Petting Zoo: With adorable animals and interesting creatures, petting zoos are a hit with the kids and parents alike. Nothing draws attention like cute little animals around you. Experience the thrill of petting animals that include rabbits, snakes, birds, iguanas, hamsters and more. Get the chance to feed the animals and take memorable pictures with your favourite animal at the Petting Zoo.

9. Vertical Wall Showcase - designed by undergraduates combining the artistic impression of nature's landscapes. 

10. Garden Bazaar & Horticulture Market and is a horticultural market where visitors can buy plants, garden products, outdoor furniture, play equipment, biotech products, landscaping services and more.

11. Flora Arts & Crafts is an exhibition and retail space for arts and crafts inspired by nature.

12. Special Showcase Gardens by Ministry of Federal Territories and related agencies such as Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj) for Innovation Garden, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and Perbadanan Labuan for Urban Gardens.

13. Designer Gardens by 5 landscape architects from the Institude of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) and 5 international participants.

14. School Gardens Competition - participation from 20 primary and 20 secondary schools involving students, teachers and the Parent Teacher Association (PIBG) members. Garden size is 2.5m x 2.5m

15. University Gardens Competiton - 20 universities will be competing, garden size is 5m x 5m 

16. Therapy Garden - services of foot, hand and shoulder massage and reflexology

17. Activities include flower arranging contests, gardening demonstrations, cooking workshops, nature themed photography and watercolour competitions.

18. Entertainment is accorded by street entertainers, brass bands, cheer leading and fireworks displays while parents welcome a respite with the ‘kiddyland’ that keeps children occupied.

19. Food is aplenty and visitors are spoilt for choice with the variety available from food retailers and fruit sellers with souvenir shops also offering items at affordable prices.

20. Magic of the Night and Fireworks Display: (updated June 16) - This year, the floats and fireworks display is at the Putrajaya Marina (near Seri Gemilang Bridge and Pullman Hotel), and not at the Floria 2014 site. Fireworks is NOT very night but only on Jun 14, 20, 21 and 22. 

International Participation: 35 international designers and landscape architects from Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Hong ong, USA, UK, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and New Zealand will put their best design on display at the flower and garden show.

* Information as advertised in Floria 2014 Official Website is here.

Organiser details :

Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex 24,
24, Persiaran Perdana, Precinct 3,
62675 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Telephone : +603-8887 7137
Fax : +603-8887 5000
For more information visit PPj website here.


Friday, May 16, 2014

Green Fingers Garden Care Centre in Puchong

1 - Green Fingers Garden Care Centre in Puchong

Yay! Now gardeners, hobbyist and enthusiasts, have another place to go shopping for gardening products, gardening accessories and equipment in the Klang Valley. This is not a hardware shop or just any DIY outlet but a garden care centre specially for gardeners.

This garden centre which opened its doors to the public early this year, occupies the space of 2 shoplots in Bandar Puteri Puchong, Puchong, Selangor. They had their opening ceremony on January 18th, 2014.



Seeds sold in packets for ornamental flowers, annuals, vegetables and herbs. There are so many choices.

2

The Green Fingers Garden Care Centre is managed by 2 young and bubbly entrepreneurs, Mr Jason Teng and Ms Ann Choong. Together with their family members and partners, they lead a team of friendly and helpful staff members.

I am really delighted to see young blood in gardening and I look forward to the youngsters of today to take the lead and enliven up our gardening experiences. Afterall, gardening is an adventure with Mother Nature and with this fun and healthy activity, we also learn to care for our environment by preventing further damage to it. In the end, we can help save planet Earth by reducing our carbon footprints.

3
This section is for succulent plant lovers. 


4
They have a good selection of indoor houseplants such as bromeliads, orchids and foliage plants. Looking for variegated varieties? I guess we can probably find it there.


5

Air plants, drift wood, tools and accessories for the indoor gardener.  

This is good news for those staying in apartments with limited space for gardening. They also conduct and organise gardening courses. You can learn how to make terrariums and mini topiaries for your desktop gardens.


6
Storage containers, trolleys, wheel barrow, wires and hoses of varying brands and sizes.


7

Big bins, small bins made of plastic or metal.
Hey, what's that black container in the shale of a ball/globe?  

8
Watering cans with sprinkler heads, normal or long narrow spout, spray bottles big and small, also hose heads for different functions.


9
They even have their own brands of products such as the "All Purpose Organic Compound Fertilizer", "All Purpose Chicken Manure Fertilizer" and "Ready to Use Mushroom Compost". 


10
Besides the house brand, they also stock up on other brands of fertilizers.


11
Ceramic, porcelain containers with lovely designs.


12

Plastic flower pots, biodegradable and non-biodegradable, garden spades and shovel, mats and covers. You can do your shopping in a neat, clean and cool, air cond. environment. This is definitely what I call shopping in comfort!


13

Live plants - foliage plants, bromeliads, flowering annuals, orchids, succulents and carnivorous plants. The staff members are able to give advice on plant care and they also do repotting.


13
Roses!

At the Green Fingers Garden Care Centre in Bandar Puteri Puchong, you can find all sorts of stuff for your gardening needs – seeds, soil, fertilizer, gardening accessories, outdoor power tools, and even live plants.

14
Exotic ornamental plants called "flaming sword"


15
These are strawberry plants. 

If you are a novice gardener, why not try growing some of these plants. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. This is the learning process and we gain more knowledge and knowhow by trial and error.

Look out for their booth at the coming Floria 2014 on June 14-22.


The Green Fingers Garden Care Centre contact details:
Address:
5, Jalan Puteri 4/7a
Bandar Puteri Puchong
47100 Puchong, Selangor (opposite Puteri Mart)
Tel: 03-80523757 Fax: 03-80627663
Email: hello@greenfingers.com.my
Opening hours from 11a.m. to 9p.m. Closed on Wednesdays
Website: http://www.greenfingers.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mygreenfingers