Going the whole nine yards

When it came to landscaping and greening the outdoors of a high-end property, going the whole nine yards was par for the course.

Admittedly, a pat formula for designing a garden landscape simply does not exist but a good place to begin would be to understand who you are and what you want in a garden while keeping in mind the existing site features, boundaries, municipal laws, availability of materials, ideas and turnaround time.

“And it certainly didn’t hurt when money was no object and that the owner kept an open mind to our ideas and suggestions,” admits landscape designer, YK Tang of Just Right Design. “However, the bottom line was that we should make the most of the outdoor spaces,” adds Tang.

While Just Design was commissioned with designing the landscape, another landscape company, Nature Decor, was roped in for the logistics and landscape planting work. The finished product was an outdoor sanctuary that not only resonates with owners and guests all year long but one which is a fitting tribute to the stately property located within a gated community.

Tang nails down some key features in getting this garden off the ground.

Setting out a “Selamat Datang” mat

Plantings such as palm trees, lush shrubs and thick groundcover outside the walls create an inviting atmosphere and soften the buttoned-up appearance of this impressive property. On entering the imposing wooden gates into the driveway, the visitor is at once greeted at the front yard with a lush planting of trees and shrubs, among which a trio of gardenia carinata trees decked with vivacious fragrant flowers perk up the front garden instantly. As an added bonus, at certain times of the year, the trees will shed their blooms, rolling out a luscious natural carpet of welcome on the driveway.

Seeing spaces

A trick of the landscape trade in making the garden look larger is by creating hidden nooks or areas with a “come-hither” dimension. In the case of this decidedly irregular structure of the house, hidden areas come aplenty. The raised beds and borders, paved pavilion terrace and the curved koi pond contribute to an element of surprise and beckon visitors to venture into the garden.

Incorporating vertical dimensions into the garden is another nifty way of making a garden seem larger, such as by varying the surface and level of the garden ground, and introducing plants of varying heights and structures such as the cengal timber pergola and the pavilion. Built-in furniture such as the cengal bench hugging the perimeter of the koi pond is a space-saving solution and acts as part of the overall composition.

Constructing an imposing crescent-shaped pergola to shade a curved walkway that wraps around the koi pond is another versatile device that has been employed to make the space look larger while extending the garden vertically.

Bringing the outdoors in

Unobstructed views of the outdoors through large expanses of glass and generously sized doorways not only expand the indoor living areas but lure the owners and visitors alike into the garden grounds.

Architectural and specimen plants that offer an array of rich details such as colours, textures and shapes are also planted near the guest room and dining area which besides contributing to an intriguing view from the window also encourage the visitors to enjoy the garden spaces close to the house.

A pair of frangipani trees planted in the courtyard and specially selected for their sculptural form can also be viewed from the indoor living rooms through the many glass walls, doors and windows. Sporadically planted trees in the corners and nooks around the house not only blur the line between the indoors from the outdoors but provide much needed shade and shield the house from prying eyes.

Celebrating with friends & family

There is something decidedly convivial about entertaining good friends in an outdoor living space amidst the soothing sound and sight of moving water. The back terrace built within a pavilion structure with its pebbblewash flooring set flush with the koi pond is the ideal outdoor room to hold a barbecue feast and do a spot of anecdote telling or for morning coffee or afternoon tea, or simply to watch the symphony of movements of fish in the pond.

With wide steps leading from the terrace down to the walkway outfitted with a long bench hugging part of the koi pond, guests can stretch their limbs after the satiating meal and travel along a path with unexpected turns along the length.

The space around the walkway can also be modified as the needs of family change. A play structure or a spacious swing set can be installed on the lawn area when the grandchildren arrive or it could be transformed into a small orchard or an organic vegetable patch. After all, a meaningful garden design is always evolving even as passions and needs will surely change.

Ode to the Outdoors

Urban homeowners are now paying closer attention to the outdoors. And about time in this day and age of rising green consciousness.

No paradise would be complete without a garden, especially when it is an extension of a high-end home in an exclusive gated and guarded community. Add this to the fact that the owner who is both a builder and contractor who does not pull any punches, and you have a garden landscape that is a fitting tribute to the property.

A firm believer in the philosophy of teamwork, he roped in the expertise of a team of landscaping professionals from Just Right Design and Nature Décor who worked towards the owner’s broader aim of a crisp, contemporary design placing emphasis on ensuring adequate privacy and shade.

From conceptualization to completion, the team’s approach was nuanced rather than strictly black and white. “Landscaping the garden grounds was a constantly evolving process where we kept what worked and abandoned those that didn’t, such as the choice of plantings, materials for the hardscape and even the dimensions of the outdoor structures, shares YK Tang of Just Right Design.

At the front yard, the curving driveway frames lush, layered masses of plants such as the cabbage and livistona palms and elephant’s ears. The swaying fronds of the palm trees not only screen out the house opposite but send out a cheerful welcome to guests. On the sloped side of the driveway, flowering shrubs, a single filicum tree and a trio of gardenia carinata vie for attention, with the latter sending whiffs of fragrance into the air.

Slender lines of attractive and low-lying foliage plants flank both sides of the front entryway. Held back by brick edging, the plantings not only provide a convenient link between house and garden but extend a friendly appearance without getting in the way.

The gardens on both sides of the building are long and narrow, creating a strip of land whose dimensions can seem almost discouraging, at first glance. They have, however, been designed to be people-orientated with plants playing a secondary role of softening the hardscape and endowing the space with beauty. Long pathways of stepping stones snake through both the side gardens making them perfect for taking long, leisurely strolls and working off the pounds.

It is at the west-facing rear garden where the owner and his family can unwind or entertain friends. The owner is able to indulge his passion for koi where an above–ground free-form pond hugs the foundations of the building just off the pavilion and right through outside the audio room. This not only ensures the security of the prized fish but literally places the fish at the tip of their owner’s fingers.

From the bottom of a flight of steps down the pavilion, a pebblewash walkway that has been gently graded with the natural fall of the land enfolds the perimeter of the koi pond, setting the stage for exploring the grounds and enjoying the garden views. Topped by a semicircular pergola supported on tapered stone columns, the imposing structure casts cool shade in the garden’s otherwise sunny exposure. The curve of the overhead beams also broadens the garden vista giving the outdoors an illusion of enlarged space.

With its richly diversified palette of flowering plants, shrubs and trees flourishing in the dappled shade, and the sights and sounds of birds, the back garden is a peaceful retreat from the rest of the world promising many years of outdoor pleasure to come.

Granted the landscape design team had their fair share of challenges in seeing both home and garden take shape, but all have come up smelling like roses. As for the owners, they can rightfully claim to have found their piece of paradise on earth.

Green Gadgets - Do they cut it?

While adopting energy-saving measures at home will most probably mean changing the way you do things, embracing a greener lifestyle has turned out to be easier than ever, thanks to nifty gadget such as Dasar Induk's E2 Saver, developed with UK technology. All it requires of you is to plug it in, switch it on, and the rest is left to E2 Saver to start cutting back on electricity usage.

For a price of under RM400, it won’t cost you the earth and may even earn you green points for helping to slash carbon emissions. To put you in the picture, occasional surges in electricity supply can ramp up energy consumption and lead to overheating, which invariably shortens the lifespan of both the electrical wiring and household appliances. In extreme cases, these electricity spikes can result in blowouts and power outages.

How it works

The E2 saver is hardwired to reduce the reactive energy consumed by inductive receivers, while its capacitor receiver stabilizes voltage by storing and supplying the reactive energy at the load
during sudden power surges. In essence, the capacitor attempts to rein in energy waste, and hence reduces the amount running through the wires, making it possible to take the monthly electric bills down by as much as 40%.

E2 Saver has been tested and approved by SIRIM and Energy Commission of Malaysia. At the reasonable investment of RM359 a unit, this compact, maintenance-free energy saver also
comes with a 3-year warranty against all defects, including lightning-related damage. If you are still holding out to the promise of real savings on your electricity bills, take heart as Dasar Induk has upped the ante with a 60-day money back guarantee.

It is highly recommended that E2 Saver be plugged into any 13A 3-pin power outlet nearest to the DB (distribution box). To optimize the benefits of E2 Saver for a house with single-phase wiring, use one unit of E2 Saver if your monthly electricity bill is between RM80 and RM250 a month, but 2 units or more if it runs up to more than RM250. For three-phase wiring, one unit at each phase will suffice when the monthly bill is between RM200 and RM600, but go for two units at each phase if it exceeds RM600 monthly.

So if you are looking seriously into energy savings, perhaps it may help to think of it as one-off hardware purchase and better yet, bear in mind that the electricity bill will arrive in the mailbox month after month.

Heaven-Scent High-Fliers

With sunshine 365 days in a year and an abundance of rainfall, is it any wonder Malaysia is graced with a fascinating diversity of flora?

Plants shape the design and set the mood of the garden with their arresting array of colors, forms and habits, leaf types and textures. But it is fragrance that adds excitement by perking up the sense of smell as well as sight. The following are just a few whose sweet aroma perfumes our Malaysian gardens.

Cananga odorata Better known as ylang ylang in the West, it is native to Southern India, the Malay Archipelago and the Pacific Islands. Catapulted to international fame in 1923 by the iconic Coco Chanel, it has been feted as the inspiration behind the Chanel No.5. Its blossoms have since become a highly sough-after ingredient in many perfumes.

Gardenia carinata Originating from the northern region of Malaysia, it is better know as the cempaka hutan among locals. The flowers can change from ivory to golden-yellow. When not in bloom, they are mottled in appearance. The tree is valued for its strong fragrance and vigorous growth but can be trained into a small tree. Organic and fertile soil acidic in PH is a must.

Muraya paniculata Variously called as orange jasmine, mock orange or China-box, this evergreen shrub bears dark green leaves which make for a striking backdrop to its profusion of highly fragrant small creamy-white flowers. It makes an ideal screening hedge or container plant and grows well in rich, moist humus in full sun or part shade.

Rangoon creeper Indigenous to Malaysia, the Philippines and Western Africa, it is a rampant climber and is ideal for supports such as the trellis or pergola posts. Being a robust plant, it is used to hide unsightly walls and has a preference for light soil. The flowers hang in large bunches and release a pleasant perfume in the night. Each bunch of flowers can be a mix of white, pink or reddish pink colours.

Vallaris glabra Also known as the bread flower or kesidang, it is a highly popular woody climber native to Southeast Asia. Its white flowers form clusters with a fragrance similar to the pandan. It is highly tolerant of wide ranging conditions and can be trained as a compact bush or grown in a container. Hummingbirds and butterflies are frequent visitors of this plant.

Jasmine sambac This woody shrub bears waxy, flowers that emit an intense fragrance, the flowers being harvested for use as tea flavouring or as garlands.

Garden Getaway Rooted in the Past

Rooted in symbolic meanings while celebrating the harmonious balance of opposites, this garden retreat offers a peek into a past rich in poetry, painting and personal scholarship.

Just as there are two faces to our personality – the public persona we project to outsiders and the private side that family and friends are privy to – so it is with this garden.

A Formal Facade

Approaching the house in a residential development nestled amidst rolling fairways and undulating greens, a spacious wide lawn can be made out clearly through the open airy design of the wrought iron railings bordering the property. As the filigreed gates open to admit the visitor, a three-tier white marble water fountain topped with a globe artichoke finial makes a regal statement with its lively cascades gushing invitingly into an aquamarine pool. A trio of life-size white cranes sculpted form fibreglass wading in the pool adds an alluring accent and demands that one stop and enjoy the compelling scene. This composition not only brings a sharp sophistication to the facade of the house but is a view that can be enjoyed from the indoors looking out.

The low iron railings delineating the property were intended to enhance the spaciousness of the front lawn which has been designed for plenty of strolling and avoids the claustrophobic feel often found among many upscale suburban homes. However, the structural planting of clipped tea tree topiaries along the front lawn prevents the garden from being overwhelmed by the buildings across the street while lending an air of formality and a well-tended look.

A meandering pathway of concrete pavers leading from the porch beckons to a classical Chinese gazebo sited at the far end of the garden. Capped by a sloping glazed porcelain roof in jade green and partly screened by a grove of wispy chartreuse leaved melaleuca bracteata trees, this outdoor structure is just the place to rest after a stroll in the grounds and to take in the landscape.

A Replica of Nature

While the gazebo signals the end to the formal garden, a thatched rustic Oriental gate nearby heralds the beginning of a private retreat secluded from the rest of the world, redolent of a past steeped in culture and learning. What is also not obvious is that there is a natural slope in the backyard that has been turned into a serene water garden consisting of a water fall, ponds, plants, statuary and a teahouse, all the essential elements for which the aesthetics of a Chinese garden rests on. The centrepiece is a koi pond, emphasised by a border of artificial rocks and highlighted by verdant foliage and subtle hues of flowers. A zigzag bridge of manmade concrete enables one to traverse the pond and to behold the brilliant hues and distinct markings on the koi, a fish long associated with courage. The majestic beauty of the waterfall and the sound of rushing water add to the beguiling ambience of this watery retreat.

Rustic and asymmetrical, this inner sanctum under the sky is a striking example of the Chinese art of landscape design which adheres to the principles of balance and harmony, of man and nature. For centuries, the Chinese have regarded gardens as a refined art form alongside painting, poetry and calligraphy, likening the garden to an artistic recreation of nature, a landscape in three dimensions.

Tackling the steep slope and turning it into a series of vigorous cascades in the arresting waterfall was a Herculean task for David Cher, landscape designer from Artistic Landscaping and Furnishing and his landscape architect. “We are glad we exploited the full vertical height of 28 feet for maximum effect” Cher says with justified pride. Another challenge, albeit of lesser proportion, was constructing the artificial rocks of ferro cement into various shapes, sizes and contortions.

However, the greatest challenge had to be in coming up with a waterfall that appears as natural as possible and whose source of water is not apparent,” explains Cher. “It also had to be kept in proportion to the pond below.”

In the Chinese garden, rocks are deemed to be ‘yang’ in nature. They are used to represent the mountains in all their grandeur, a characteristic which is very much a part of the Chinese sensibility. Those that were mottled with holes, strangely contorted in form, or top heavy, rugged stones are very much sought after.

A robust pair of fiberglass Chinese geese placed among the algae-clad rocks in the vigorous waterfall lends credibility to this man-made landscape, symbolizing the harmony between the environment and wildlife while in a nearby placid pond, a plethora of playful koi darts about beneath the surface in a symphony of movements adding to the study in contrasts.

Water occupies a vital place in the Chinese garden as it is nurturing and yielding and represents the “yin” element, acting as a counterpoint to the resilient and hard elements such as the rocks found throughout the garden. The shimmering reflections on its surface add visual interest and enhance the apparent volume of the garden. As most popular spots in the Chinese garden are on edges of a lake or pond with a view of the mountains or hills beyond, the best site in this watery retreat is a thatched teahouse that could have come right out from a pastoral scene in a landscape painting, located beside the koi pond. From here, the waterfall evokes a scene of a mountain retreat where a scholar could escape to, which is reinforced by the glimpse of the curved roof of the gazebo beyond the rock barrier. It is also here that the owner of the house reconnects with his creative self, deriving artistic fulfilment in perfecting his calligraphic script. His creative output is variously emblazoned on the walls of the hut, on the entrance above the thatched gate or the arched doorways of the adjacent veranda but is most conspicuously inscribed into the rugged surfaces of rocks that form the waterfall.

Plant materials favoured in a Chinese garden setting are used symbolically to give the garden a spiritual dimension or to replicate a landscape in miniature. Prostrate and pendulous forms of pine such the juniperus communis (sleeping pine) growing as thick carpets on the rocky surfaces of the waterfall, or the pinus strobus ‘Nana’ both resembling floating clouds and windswept forms make them ideal not only as a specimen feature but are also revered for their strong association to longevity and the struggle for survival.

Evergreens with blooming colours such as the orchid, lotus, chrysanthemum or the camellia are also long-standing favourites for their symbolic meaning in poetry and literature. Plants that shiver in the breeze as in the case of the bamboo or the flag iris are favoured more for the audio-visual effects they create such as dappled lighting on otherwise drab walls or for evoking the sights and sounds of the tranquil countryside. However, the bamboo is not grown in this garden as its easily-shed leaves can potentially clog up the ponds.

Borrowing Views

The spacious wrap-around veranda that segues into the rock garden allows for plenty of entertaining and is ideal for dividing the interior space of the garden into smaller cells that may involve one or more picturesque views. This “borrowing of views” is an architectural technique used in Chinese garden planning such that the same scenery can be viewed from inside of a garden at different angles, giving an impression of unlimited space.

Sometimes this may also involve using scenic views that are framed by parts of the property but exist beyond the walls of the garden, as is borne out by the formal patio at the back of the house with splendid views of well-groomed fairways dotted with palms, attractive water hazards and shrubbery of the golf course beyond.

Terraced Take

The steep slope on the other side of the back garden has been tamed into easy-to-care-for terraced beds which give a gentler look to the house’s setting, and also provide for much needed gardening space for growing herbs, fruit trees and some organic vegetables. A flight of rustic steps leads past this terraced garden back into the front yard.

That this garden has been designed to be savoured for a lifetime is a given. That it contains a living legacy which connects us to things which came before makes it even better.

Hanging Gardens a la Malaysia

Thinking of going for a bit of green in your apartment? Better yet, up the feel-good factor with a water garden right in your balcony or in a corner nook in your living room. But first, take stock of the 3P’s - the plusses, posers and pointers - on having an “oasis on high”.

“Even as more and more residential buildings are reaching for the sky, apartment dwellers are learning how to make the most out of their abodes and turning underused space such as the balcony into customized personal retreats,” says YJ Low, landscape designer of Nature Decor. “And the benefits are all too obvious.”

Terra Garden, is another landscape company who stands by the philosophy that making the most of the outdoors can add infinite pleasure to urban living, even for high-rise apartment dwellers.

“With space going at a premium and with more and more Malaysians taking to the skies in their choice of real estate, apartment dwellers are staking out their own patch of greenery right in their “backyard” – the balcony – and bringing a whole new dimension to high-rise living,” concedes Desmond Ho of Terra Garden.

The Plusses

More usable square footage is created, adding greater value to the real estate price of the property.

Absorb some of noise from the outside world and in the case of a water garden, the sound of moving water can create a special allure.

Enhance the views from the indoors.

Plants help filter out the dust and smog from entering the apartment.

Plants provide dappled shade, which aids in cooling the temperature in the apartment.

Introduce colour, charm and character to the urban skyline.

Container-cultivated herbs and vegetables can be double the nutrition and flavor when harvested right from your own balcony garden.

The Posers

• How do you plan to use the balcony garden and how much time do you foresee yourself spending there? Is it intended to be an open tropical nook bathed in a splash of colour or a well-screened space to provide privacy from adjacent high-rise buildings?
• Which direction is the balcony facing and whether it is recessed and shielded from the sun and wind or exposed to the elements?
• What are the building regulations and limitations as stipulated in the agreement or rental contracts? Are there any rules governing the type of plants and containers that can be used regarding the height and weight? Or can anything be attached to the walls of the balcony or the railings?
• How will the plants be watered? Is there any available faucet in the balcony or can a lightweight hose be connected to the bathroom or kitchen tap? What about the drainage? Is the floor sloped with a drain?

The Pointers

Plants

The amount of sunlight the balcony receives will determine the choice of plants. Flowering plants, herbs and vegetable generally require lots of sunlight and are ideal for a sunny spot but opt for shade-loving trailing plants such as ferns or evergreens if the balcony receives little sunlight. Bonsai will feel right at home in the balcony garden as will dwarf varieties of shrubs, hibiscus being one. Vines are ideal for a shady nook if trained up a trellis.

Containers

Weight and drainage are crucial factors to consider. Plastic containers are ideal as they are lightweight, come in myriad of shapes and sizes and are made to look like real terracotta. Wood and fibreglass are also popular alternatives. Preferably, place saucers below the containers and have them emptied after watering so that plants will not wallow in water. To reduce weight of soil and ensure proper drainage especially in large containers, use lightweight potting mix. Ensure that all balcony pots and planters are securely attached to avoid potential accidents; setting pots on railings are an absolute no-no! Mount pots to balcony walls rather than to railings so as to minimise the load on the balcony.

That balcony gardens are short on space is a given but the design principles are just as relevant as in a grounded garden.

Design

• A clever way to get around growing a variety of plants in a long narrow space is by using a combination of containers and plant sizes to create a three-tier effect. Tall upright plants are placed at the back against the wall or a trellis or as a centrepiece in the planter box but lush, medium-height plants are weaved into the composition. Trailing, feathery foliage plants are planted at the edges so that they cascade over the sides of the container and soften the edges.
• Group interesting foliage plants together using flowers as accents. Repeat these plant groupings in different parts of the balcony.
• Create focal points using ornamental shrubs, plants with showy flowers, striking variegated foliage plants or those with interesting textures.
• Install a trellis for a vertical planting of climbers as this is an effective way to get around limited space and to introduce a riot of greenery and privacy. Hanging baskets of trailing ferns or flowering vines are also examples of using vertical space which add instant impact to the scene.
• Enrich the balcony garden with pots of fragrant plants that will not only make for a seductive seating area but infuse the indoors with their perfume when carried in by the breeze.

No-Fuss Water Gardens

Few things can match the calming sound of flowing water, the ethereal beauty of aquatic foliage as it is caressed by the breeze, and the feeling of being in sync with nature. “The water garden is an invaluable stress-reliever as it is capable of amazing restorative effects on body, soul and mind.” asserts Low. “The addition of a water fountain right in the balcony or in a shaded corner of the living-room can add visual flair and is especially suitable for the balcony as it is water-wise with the water re-circulating through a submersible pump.”

Nature Décor installs water features in a variety of stunning designs and sizes, and which have been molded to simulate the look of real stone or metal. “Fashioned from lightweight and durable synthetic materials such as fiberglass or resin, they are incredibly easy to set up or dismantle and can be moved on a whim. They are also low-maintenance as a biological filtering system skims the surface and prevents the filter from clogging,” continues Low.

Indoor water features not only provide focal points to draw the family or friends to the balcony or the living-room but also humidify the air and mask the cacophony of noises outside the apartment.

Is it any wonder then that given the various benefits, the water feature is seeing an explosion? As more homeowners are exposed to the water feature, many are discovering that having a water garden particularly in the balcony doesn’t require a lot of time or money,” Low happily concludes.

Water Babes

What is the water garden without the all-embracing aesthetics of aquatic plants?

The allure and unique characteristics of aquatic plants are what defines the water garden. But beyond this, the abiding partnership of moisture-loving plants and the water garden is spawned by raw necessity: keeping the pond ecologically balanced, cool and fresh and providing much needed shade for fish. A healthy water garden should have a mix of submerged, floating and marginal plants. Check out some of the popular plants that populate the water garden.

Water Lettuce (Pistia Stratiotes)
A floating plant, the roots of the water lettuce hang down into the water. They form dense mats of spongy, velvety green leaves that resemble heads of floating lettuce. Having a preference for partial shade, the water lettuce can grow to lengths of up to 10 inches and widths of up to 4 inches. They oxygenate and help clear the water by trapping sediments and using up excess nutrients. Being invasive in nature, they should be periodically thinned out so that they do not cover the entire pond.
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)
A floating aquatic herb, the round waxy green leaves are perched on bloated air-filled hollow stalks, and hence the Malay name keladi bunting. They bear terminal spikes of striking light blue or violet flowers. Able to withstand fluctuations in nutrient supply, pH level, temperature, they can even survive in toxic water. Like the water lily, they feel at home in slow-moving water. A fast-growing plant, they should be controlled so that they do not cover the entire pond.
Swamp Potato (Sagittaria sp.)
Also known as the keladi air, they are ideal for setting on a shelf inside a pond. Bearing huge canna-like leaves and pristine white flowers with a yellow centre, they thrive in moist or wet loamy soil in direct sunlight. They can also grow in shallow, still or gently-flowing water from 15 to 30 inches deep.
Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera)
Mystical in nature, they are surprisingly easy to cultivate, even for novice gardeners. The lotus has long leaf stalks that are mottled with small bumps. Their disc-shaped leaves can measure up to 3 feet wide and either float or protrude above the water surface. With their roots in the mud, the intensely perfumed, eight-petalled lotus come in a myriad of colours from yellow to white, and in shades of peach, violet and cream, rising through the murky water to bloom clean and bright. The lotus should preferably be cultivated in a pot as they are highly invasive.
Narrow-leaved Cattail (Typha Angustifolia)
A marginal plant spread by rhizomes, the flat, grey-green, swordlike leaves ascend from the plant base to spread slightly. Native to marshes and wetlands, the inner side of each leaf is flat to slightly concave, with a convex outer side. They can be cultivated in 12 inches of water or moist soil in full sun to part shade, and can grow to 3 to 7 feet tall.
Tropical Water Lily (Nymphaea sp.)
Probably the most popular flower in the water garden, they produce highly fragrant and vividly-hued blooms. The flowers usually rise above the water surface on strong stems and can appear in brilliant yellow, pink, red and lilac. They either bloom in the day or at night with the leaves floating on the water surface. Water lilies thrive in full sunlight but cannot withstand moving water, and require heavy soil. Growing water lilies in a pond from within a pot or a basket will help curb their growth.
Fairy Moss (Azolla Caroliniana)
Ideally grown in small ponds and containers, they abhor moving water. The fronds of this tiny, aquatic fern are almost mosslike with a floating upper lobe and a submerged lower but larger lobe. They provide rapid shade cover in newly installed ponds and help keep algae in check.
Umbrella Plant (Cyperus Alternifolius)
Named after their long, pointed leaves that resemble umbrella spokes, this semi-aquatic plant grows best near ponds or are often grown in a pot partly-submerged in shallow water because of its aggressive nature. They flourish in full to partial sun and can grow to reach almost 10 feet.

Water Wonders

Small and simple, generous and grand, the water garden – a raised, placid pond with aquatic plants or a large koi pond enhanced by captivating cascades and babbling brook - is sure to make a splash in our stressed suburban surroundings.

Payoffs of Ponds
With global warming looming large in the world’s ecology, causing a rise in the number of heat waves, intense storms and droughts and the rise in ocean levels, it’s time we embraced a serious commitment to environmental stewardship. And what wiser way to regain our affinity to Mother Nature than installing a water garden - any pool of water that is home to plants and potentially a haven to wildlife - right in our backyard.

It comes as no surprise then that in this ecologically correct age, the water garden is not only scaling the popularity charts in landscaping trends but is also celebrated as an outdoor paradise. Beyond its aesthetic appeal and its feel-good factor, the environmental payoffs cannot be played down.

Less is More As less space is dedicated to lawns, less energy and water is used to keep the garden turf spruced. And with less mowing, noise pollution is kept down in the neighbourhood.
Lessons in Life Ponds get us up-close and personal with the environment as they serve as a micro-ecosystem that supports life, providing precious lessons in water quality and by extension, the environmental issues impacting the world today.

Wildlife Refuge With urban development wreaking havoc on the landscape, the water garden creates a sustainable wildlife habitat and water resource in the backyard.
Cutting back carbon emissions Water gardens are contributing to thw nesting phenomenon where urbanites are living it up by relaxing and entertaining at home, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a miniature wilderness. With fewer trips out of the city, less carbon dioxide is released into the environment.
Reducing hazards & runoff A properly located and maintained pond can help combat issues such as fire protection and flood prevention by reducing gully erosion, and improving water quality.

Ponds that Pack Punch
A garden need not be big to accommodate a pond which can in vary in shape and size. Ponds are generally designed as raised, sunk into the ground or are a combination of both.

Above-Ground Pond
It is the simplest kind of pond to build since it involves no digging. In fact, it usually takes much longer to fill this pond with water than it does to build it. The above-ground pond provides opportunities for structural sophistication and extra seating space.
Although it generally requires less maintenance, it tends to get easily heated in the afternoon sun. If space is a premium, above-ground ponds will feel right a home sited near a deck or a patio, serving as an ideal backdrop for potted plants.

In-Ground Pond
An in-ground pond requires excavation and has a more natural look. It is also insulated from both the heat by the surrounding soil. The advantage of an in-ground pond is the flexibility of depth for larger fish, and more room for plants.

Koi Pond
The main function of the koi pond should be to provide a healthy environment for the koi fish, and not designed simply for aesthetic reason alone. A koi pond is best sited close to the house not only for viewing pleasure but also for security reasons. If possible, a koi pond should ideally have a wall alongside an entire side of it and which not only acts as a base for a cascade or as structural support but can help camourflage the filtering system. The koi pond can be raised or sunk into the ground with a minimum depth of 3 feet, or deeper as the koi can grow to quite a large size. It is recommended that a koi pond be at least 500 gallons or more in volume. A well-shaded pond will not only help maintain a cool water temperature for the fish but will also inhibit excess algae growth.

Pond Pointers
Even if you are not much of a DIYer, it still pays to get a lowdown on what works before a pond is installed.

Site it right Choose a spot with 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight as aquatic plants and fish thrive in plenty of sun. Locate it away from tall shrubs and trees to minimize the amount of leave debris. Ensure that the pond can be easily viewed from indoors and out, such as from a window or from a patio.

State of equilibrium Allow time for the pond to settle after filling with water and after the introduction of plants and fish; it will reach a natural balance without having to rely on chemicals.
Keep it to scale The size of the outdoor space will determine the size of the pond: small ponds are best for small gardens.

Plant Population Plants should cover no more than 60% of the water surface. Choice of plants will depend on the size of the pond and the statement you want to make. Opt for plants that are tall and thin rather than those that are low and flat. Plants are useful to the health of the pond as they provide oxygen and take up excess nutrients that would otherwise promote growth of algae.

Well-managed drainage The site on which the pond is built should be well-drained as settling or shifting can potentially crack or beak the pond liner. Locate the pond in a higher area so as to avoid water runoff containing chemicals that can destroy aquatic life. Low areas can become difficult to dig in as they collect the most rain.

Steer clear of cables Plan a pond away from buried cables or utility lines.
Refresh with running water Keep ponds healthy by aerating with the use of recirculation pump or with the addition of a cascading waterfall or fountain.

Accessibility to power and water sources As ponds usually require a pump to power a fountain, waterfall or filter, a circuit plug should be within reach. A garden hose should be accessible for the periodic replenishing of water in the pond.

Legitimate installation Check with the municipal authority if there are any restrictions and if a permit is required.

Regular maintenance It’s best to have a periodic removal of debris and murky water, and plant care rather than a major clean-up once every six months.

Stepping it up
If the budget allows, waterfalls and water courses can be combined with the pond to make it a miniature wilderness that is as naturalistic as possible. Visitors will surely be drawn into the outdoors to explore the source of water, making it a decidedly interactive water garden.

Waterfalls
Even without a sloped landscape or a sprawling space, homeowners can still enjoy the drama of captivating cascades and the crashing white noise that is sure to drown out sounds of distractions.

The two main elements in designing a waterfall are the pool in which the water tumble into and the cascading structure of the waterfall. The size of the waterfall should always be in scale with the pond into which the water spills into while the stone or precast concrete that mimic stones over which the water flows should be smooth and curved with a downward-sloping face.

A garden waterfall should be a collection of stones of various shapes and sizes, preferably weathered on all sides and covered with a patina of moss or lichen to give a less contrived look. While the easiest waterfall style is the falling sheet of water effect, the multi-tiered design possibly ranks as the most enjoyable waterfall, where the water falls from stone to stone and eventually culminates into a pond.

No matter what the size of your garden waterfall, planning it well can mean reaping years of outdoor pleasure.

Streams
Streams form the link between waterfalls and the pond and are hugely popular as they not only introduce visual interest but encourage interaction. Streams can be designed such that they can mimic nature’s music as they twist and turn along a watercourse with changing gradients. A well-designed stream is one with elevation changes facing the viewing area.

A naturalistic stream should narrow in some areas, widen in others and finally slow down as it makes it way towards the pond. A good mix of stone and gravel would add to a more natural appearance, and filling the streambed with aquatic plants can significantly aid in the filtering system. The water depth of the stream should be determined by the height of the berm or artificial slope in the nearest downstream waterfall. High water flow rates would mean a wider stream with higher edges.

Embrace Garden Living

Burgeoning awareness of the green movement should not only make us view the garden in a different and decidedly favourable light but add credence to the decision to celebrate the garden as an invaluable extension of the house.

In all likelihood, when handed the keys to our spanking new home, renovations will have to be made before you move in. Very often, it is the invariably the interior that gets the undivided attention while the outdoors is either completely ignored or, at best, given a low priority.

What’s with our propensity to do away with any outdoor space for paved parking or to extend indoor space? Can it be that unwinding in the outdoors just does not gel with our hectic lifestyles, or simply our lack of imagination, knowledge and sense of adventure for creating an outdoor retreat right in our front or back yard?

It is always something to peek into a garden with pebble-bordered floral displays, trickling water cascades and whimsical experimentations at clipped topiary. These garden retreats have the uncanny knack of sprucing up the street, making the homes that they attached to stand out among the sea of cookie-cutter houses that define our suburban landscape. First impressions count, so why not swap the forbidding front entry for a welcoming entryway that is flush with vivacious foliage and flowers? Not only does it set out a colorful Selamat Datang mat to guests but it is also a heartwarming change to our jaded senses after a grueling day at work.

If you are one of those who have always dreamt of having a pretty and a personal garden retreat that captures the essence of outdoor living, what then?

Designing Your Garden: The Three Cs

A garden retreat does not have to be large or expensive to serve you well. It is as much about making a home look good as it is about making you feel good. You will be well on your way to enjoying a garden ripe with possibilities when you bear in mind the 3Cs when piecing together an effective garden design: character, connection and change.

Character
To have an outdoor living space with enduring appeal, the outcome should be an expression of your personality. It should start out as an idea that is born of an understanding of who you are and what you want and should serve as a personal space that gives full rein to your own imagination and passions. You can use your garden space to fill a range of activities from exploiting our year long sunny climate by growing veggies and herbs on your valuable territory, to making a statement by creating an eclectic mix of foliage and blooms with a riot of colors, textures and scents. Or mark off a portion of the lush lawn as a play area for your children.

On the other hand, you can start by creating outdoor rooms with a range of exposures which may include a covered area for wet days, decking to bask in on cool days, a shaded nook under the blazing sun, an open area to welcome guests, or a secluded niche for some navel-gazing. Furnish these outdoor spaces with weather-resistant benches, chairs, or tables so that yo can sit back and relax. You can even add some personal touches by placing bric-a-brac which, besides being good conversation pieces, gives a homey feel to your garden retreat. Alternatively, you can plant fragrant flowers or herbs around seating areas and entrances so that visitors will linger, and take “time to smell the flowers.” In short, your garden should not pander to the whims of fashion but rather be a place you can enjoy and spend time in.

Connection
The indoors, should segue into the outdoors. This can be easily achieved with the installation of sliding doors or pocket doors that push into the walls of the living room, to reveal a patio or a porch with an unobstructed view of the garden, and invite exploration of the spaces beyond.

For gardens with generous proportions, the outdoors should link a variety of spaces together, enticing you to venture from one part to another. It should not reveal itself all at once. You can provide a sense of destination by offering a “come-hither” hideout that beckons from a secluded part of the garden. Journeying on a flagstone pathway, punctuated by water features, pockets of plants, or even a solitary bench to perch on, can be half the fun. As you tread along the path, make a purposeful effort at casting off the cares if the day. It is also fitting that you highlight the arrival at the destination by decorating the entrance with a vine-draped archway, a gate, or tall lush plantings which can heighten the feelings of tension, mystery and surprise.

The gazebo, the quintessential garden structure, is becoming an increasingly popular addition in garden retreats, and it makes an ideal romantic destination to lure visitors to explore the outdoors. These days, a gazebo can come outfitted with built-in benches and table, planters, lighting and even a spa!

Change
You change with the passage of time and so should your garden. Reinvent your garden design to accommodate any change in your lifestyle or needs while retaining the charm it has always held for you.

As grueling work schedules take their toll and send the nesting syndrome into overdrive, the outdoor room has now become a status symbol for the affluent and house-proud urban professional. It can be wired for light and sound and even rigged with plumbing for a midnight shower under the stars.

Make the garden your family vacation getaway by having a backyard pool. It will be a constant source of entertainment for the kids instead of spending a fortune on an expensive stay in a holiday resort. And think of the added bonus of gaining green points by leaving a smaller carbon footprint staying home!

As the children grow into teenagers and families become inclined to spend time together outdoors, the backyard deck can be stylish and financially sound option to expand living space. This open-air extension can be a great place for the whole family to entertain, ‘stretch the legs’ outside, and take in the garden view and fresh air.

When the children leave for college, the paved play area for their once boisterous activities can now make way for a screened-in shady nook for you unwind in, read or to host a barbecue for friends. With time heavy on your hands as you approach retirement age, the lush lawn can be converted into a sumptuous organic vegetable or herb patch, or to nurture a new passion on fish rearing by having a koi pond thrown in for good measure. You can even do a spot of bird watching as you unwind in your outdoor sanctuary by installing an ornamental bird bath or feeder which will also give your garden a whimsical edge.

Let the outdoor living space be a ongoing work-in-progress space as you welcome and embrace changes in your life. Express these changes in the design and it will continue to be a source of untold pleasure and rewards.

Go for the Garden!
As proud homeowners, we most definitely can play a role in conserving the environment and add to its natural beauty. Go for the garden – the possibilities are boundless.

Gardens to Go!

Imbue the green-thumb charm of miniature gardens into your living spaces. Placed on a tabletop, atop a bookshelf, or on a bench out on the patio, these self-contained, movable ecosystems run the gamut in style and design and are the perfect punctuation for any location.

Long on Fun, Short on Fuss (& Muss)
No matter how busy or metropolitan we have become, there is no mistaking the bare fact that our ancient connection with plants persists. Whatever the size of your abode, there will always be a spot or corner to host this movable feast of the senses nurtured from a container. And with time a precious commodity in our unnervingly fast-paced lifestyle, the current interest in the miniature garden is alive and growing.

After all, its amazingly versatile and easy-to-care-for nature provides an ideal way to soothe frayed nerves. All it takes is in bringing together a harmonious mix of plants in the right container and site, and giving them a few moments of attention. You can practically create your own garden landscape in a shallow container and arrange plants, soil, sand, water or ornaments to suit the décor of a living space or work area.

The tabletop garden can instantly bring to life a tired corner with its natural palette of colour and texture. By varying both the choice of plants and the choice of containers, the mini garden can create a mood or establish a theme for a particular room, ranging from tropical to minimalist to whimsical. The possibilities are endless with the portable indoor garden.

Choosing containers
Although the choice of containers is virtually limitless, the main requirement is that it must be able to hold soil. With the exception of water plants, most plants cannot tolerate soggy, water-logged conditions necessitating that a prospective container has some provision for drainage.
Choose containers to match the plants so that both of these elements help complement and define the theme of the décor.
The patterns on the container should not be too busy or the container too colourful as coordination with room décor and choice of plant can prove to be tricky.
Match container to the size of the plant as too much soil in too large a container can trap water and cause the roots to rot.

Choosing Plants
Group plants with similar horticultural needs such as exposure, moisture requirement, nutrient needs or alternatively use different varieties of plants from the same species in the same container.

Choose plants that blend in with the setting, furnishings or decorative accessories.
Learn about the horticultural needs of the plants such that you can nurture an environment in which they can flourish.
Set the mini garden on a raised surface so it can better catch the light and the eye, such as on a tabletop or a sideboard.

As with any creative endeavour, setting up an instant garden assemblage is largely an exercise in personal expression and there are no rules set in concrete,” share YK Tang, landscape designer of Nature Décor. “The home gardener should be willing to take risks and flaunt his fancy in setting up his indoor garden,” he concludes.