John&Jacq~s Garden

Posted by Jacqueline on June 14th, 2011

Ricinus communis (Castor Bean Plant, Castor Oil Plant) Cruising our neighbourhood one afternoon late last year, we came across this lovely shrub flourishing along the roadside and were hypnotized momentarily by its eye-catching foliage. The Castor Bean Plant was adorned with beautiful leaves that were uniquely coloured. A purplish-maroon shade that is rarely seen in [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on June 4th, 2011

Our kitchen garden is situated at our backyard, just behind our kitchen for easy access. In reality, it’s just a small-scale project within a humble space, mainly to serve our kitchen needs. Previously, we’ve grown a mix of sorts that included a couple of fruit trees in containers, some herbs and occasional attempts at vegetable [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on May 23rd, 2011

Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck Palm, Bismark Palm) is a striking and spectacular palm that has become an absolute craze among landscapers in tropical and sub-tropical regions this last two decades. Majestic and domineering in appearance, the all-time favourite Bismarck Palm will brighten any landscape or scenery, be it day or night, with its brilliant silvery blue [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on May 14th, 2011

Dypsis lutescens (Yellow Butterfly Palm, Golden Yellow Palm, Yellow Bamboo Palm, Cane Palm, Areca Palm) A small to medium-sized clustering palm tree that is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide, especially in the tropical and sub-tropical climate. Dypsis lutescens is popularly sought after by home gardeners, interiorscapers and landscapers alike, not only for its [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on May 2nd, 2011

What marvels The Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad. (Psalm 126:3) Simply unbelievable! Not only was our potted Proiphys amboinensis (Cardwell Lily) blooming for the second time around in two years but once again resurrected during the Easter season!

Posted by Jacqueline on April 29th, 2011

Pandanus amaryllifolius Fragrant Pandan/Screwpine) a lone ranger in a terracota pot at our backyard, was almost wrecked but ended remarkably well eventually! Usually, the edible P. amaryllifolius or Fragrant Pandan suckers freely when grown in the ground with ample space to expand but very rarely in pots due to space constraints as observed and experienced [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on April 18th, 2011

Hibiscus mutabilis (Confederate Rose, Cotton Rose) Floral colours change almost like colour-changing handkerchiefs in a magic show! However, unlike that magic trick, the stunningly large flowers do it very gracefully over a period of a day. They open the purest of white in the morning, then very gradually change to light pink in the afternoon [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on April 3rd, 2011

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Burgundy’ For months, this 7-year-old potted plant had screamed for a decent trim! It had straggly branches that looked so unkempt but as usual I had procrastinated with my garden chores. Finally, I relented and gave it a haircut, so severe that I almost bald it in late February. However, it [...]