John&Jacq~s Garden

Posted by Jacqueline on April 1st, 2013

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ (Sprengeri/Sprenger’s Asparagus Fern, Asparagus/Emerald Fern, Basket Asparagus) Though commonly known as a ‘fern’ because of its delicate fern-like leaves, this beautiful ornamental asparagus is not in any way related to it. Instead, Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ belongs to the Lily family, and is much easier to grow than ferns that are fragile and quite [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on September 18th, 2011

Brugmansia suaveolens (Angel’s Trumpet, Angel-star, Angel’s Tears) The exotic Brugmansia suaveolens is a small tree or large evergreen shrub that is cultivated exclusively for its dramatic floral display. A prolific bloomer that may grandly display as many as 100-200 stunningly beautiful flowers at one time under good growing conditions. Simply spectacular… as if presenting rows [...]

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 February 10th, 2011

Yippee! We have a new plant(s) for our garden, added last month, free of charge! :) It is botanically known as Ricinus communis. Did a quick search with the words, ‘red maroon purple leaves’ at TopTropicals.com, one of our favourite sites that’s helpful in identifying tropical plants and straightaway 3 plants popped up, including the [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on November 30th, 2010

Aglaonema cv. ‘Valentine’ (Thai Aglaonema, Chinese Evergreen) About 13 months ago, we received a 4-inch tiny pot of the most beautiful pink Thai Aglaonema we’ve ever seen! This wonderful gift came sweetened with a box of mouth-watering cheese cake too from Cheah of No-Frills Recipes in Ipoh in appreciation of blogging help/tips rendered by me. [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on September 10th, 2010

Solanum macranthum (Potato Tree, Giant Star Potato Tree) Truly an exotic and impressive tropical specimen! This Giant Potato Tree is a large bushy shrub that can grow into a medium-height tree, and be beautifully adorned with stunning flowers all year round! A rare treat indeed to see purple blossoms on a tree! And more amazing [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on August 29th, 2010

Dieffenbachia bowmannii Carriere (Dumb Cane, Spotted Dumbcane, Leopard Lily ) Dieffenbachias are very much loved as houseplants for homes and offices, simply because of their irresistible foliar beauty and their great tolerance for shade. Their splendid foliage variegation is so extensive that gardeners are now spoilt for choice! One cultivar worthy of mention is Dieffenbachia [...]

Posted by Jacqueline on August 1st, 2010

Clivia miniata (Bush Lily, Kaffir Lily, St John’s Lily) An attractive plant with clusters of brightly coloured trumpet-shaped flowers, standing tall above its elegant and symmetrically arranged foliage. It’s considered as the ‘Queen of Houseplants’ for its striking beauty, durability and reliability. Typical floral colour is a brilliant orange with yellowish throat that contrast fabulously [...]