My first contribution in the capacity of a staff member of the Singapore National Parks Board (NParks) to the SUTRA magazine was published in its May 09 issue. I managed to purchase a copy of the Malay lifestyle magazine from the newstand recently after I saw an advertisement that appeared on the Straits Times broadsheet which carried a small thumbnail depicting a photographic shot done at the familiar Lifestyle Corner at HortPark.
The feature article entitled “Taman Mekar dalam flat” which translates directly to “Blooming Garden inside an apartment flat” is a feature story that shared useful tips and knowledge which one can follow so as to be able to create a beautiful and successful garden inside a high-rise apartment.
The excellent photographs that can be found in the article that spanned a total of four pages were all taken in HortPark’s Lifestyle Corner. They illustrated how plants can actually be used to decorate various parts of a modern apartment flat. I hope the reader will be inspired by the choice of plants and innovative ideas that originated from the Hort Outreach team that can be incorporated into the design and layout of the dining room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen in one’s home.
In order to have a lasting and visually appealling plant display at home, one has to consider the availability of natural sunlight in a selected area inside one’s home. Depending on their light requirements, plants will thrive and grow if they are situated in a location that receives either direct or filtered sunshine for at least 6 hours daily. One can only find such areas in the home either at the balcony or windowsill that faces East or West.
When a plant is displayed in a dim area deep inside one’s home, it is recommended to bring it to a brighter location for it to recuperate. A plant should be allowed to ‘see the light’ for at least 2 weeks after being placed in a dark environment for at most a month. Note that not all plants are forgiving when they are placed in a non-conducive environment as some sensitive ones will shed all their leaves or quickly exhibit etiolated growth that may not be that visually appealling.
