Bamboos in the Garden

Appreciation for bamboos in gardening has gained worldwide interest. These fascinating plants, much linked to Asia and tropical America, have much to offer landscapes, imparting elegance, cultural significance and a versatility that is truly amazing.

Bamboos are well known to many people, especially in Asia and tropical America, as they are a part of many significant cultures in these places since ancient times and a distinctive feature of the natural landscape there. Sometimes known as “poor man’s wood” because they can occur naturally in abundance and are accessible to people as a relatively cheap material, bamboo can be utilised in many ways. The versatility of bamboo is reflected in its use as material for making delicate ornaments and musical instruments to products such as baskets, fish traps, furniture and water pipes, to name only a few items. Even nowadays, bamboo is still used in construction in many parts of the tropics, as an alternative to more expensive material.

Botanically, bamboos are members of the grass family, Poaceae (also known as Gramineae), which includes well-known crops like barley, oat, paddy and wheat. With about 1400 species enumerated worldwide, including over a hundred genera occurring in all continents except Antarctica and Europe, their diversity is somewhat centred in South and Southeast Asia, and tropical America. 

A Very Small Garden with Very Big Ideas

I did not know what to expect of the garden we were asked to see but as we made our way through to the housing estate it looked like the house is in a fairly new area. We wondered whether the garden we are about to shoot is going to be mature enough.

As we approached our destination, we can see the terraced house standing out in its road as unmistakably the house with the garden we were looking for. The wooden gate was not rustic but had a fresh elegant look and the road shoulders were planted with luxuriant bushes. Plants with striking colours such as the hibiscus peek over the fencing, competing with some climbers to show off their blooms.

Entering the gate gives one the feeling of entering into a tropical enclave despite the garden space being very small. The plants were tall with dark green leaves, giving a shady jungle feeling with ground covers enjoying the shade. Imagine creating this ambience in such a small space. I even suspect that the owner had the help of a landscape architect, but Encik Tariq, the owner said that it was all his own work.

Growing Fruit Trees in Pots

Most Malaysians grow at least one fruit tree around their houses whenever condition permits. Due to the large size of the trees, house owners need to have sufficient land to grow them. However, not all Malaysians are lucky enough to have such land around their houses. At least not for those who stay in multi-storey flats and condominiums or those having a fully paved compound.

For those who do not have the privilege to have such space however, can still grow fruit trees, but the choice would be limited and certain procedures must be followed. This can be done by growing them in big pots or containers. Pots smaller that 45 cm in diameter are not suitable as they dry out quickly, especially on hot sunny days and when full of roots. It is also useful to remember that plastic or glazed clay pot would be more suitable compared to the ordinary clay pot as the latter would loose water more rapidly. 

The Ethnobotanical and Herbal Garden of Terengganu Museum

As your flight glides into Kuala Terengganu airport, one cannot help but notice an exceptionally large rooftop of a huge building amidst lush greenery besides a meandering river. The rooftop belongs to the Terengganu Museum Complex which is the largest museum in Malaysia, and part of the greenery houses the botanical collection of the Herbal garden of the Museum. If you travel by road, the Museum is about five kilometers from the center of Kuala Terengganu town and the drive from the city centre is only ten minutes. The Museum Complex comprises of several types of buildings, the Main Exhibition and Administrative building, the Maritime Complex and the relocated ‘istanas’ or palaces of old royalty and nobility. In between these buildings are the gardens, the ornamental gardens around the Main building, the mixed ornamental and herbal gardens around the Maritime complex and the old ‘istana’s, and the ethnobotanical garden located on one hill of four acres.