S T i l e T To

Blessed with the Midas touch

2010-09-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

This bougainvillea cultivar is truly blessed with the Midas' touch. The blooms start off as burnt orange and as the petals mature, it turns bright yellow before fading to pale yellow.

This sun worshipper climbs tall and blooms non-stop to our greatest delight. Most of the foliage is converted into golden bracts in some sort of perpetual celebration of the fertility of Mother Earth.

Roof top view, from the first floor.

It straddles the edge of this rainwater gutter. My only misgiving is that the blooms are rather ephemeral. The petals are shed as readily as it replenishes them. This messy trait means that there is quite a fair amount of sweeping up to do. In exasperation, I have often toyed with the idea of chopping it down but just as often, the sight of the dazzling blooms prevented me from doing so.

The Grasshopper and the Ants

2010-09-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Ant and the Grasshopper (Project Gutenberg etext 19994)

The fable of The Ant and the Grasshopper, is attributed to Aesop. The grasshopper frolicked and had much merriment all summer while the ants kept busy preparing for winter. The moral of the story is diligence and preparation. On the other hand it has often being quoted that “Some folks are so busy laying up for a rainy day that they cannot enjoy good weather”.

This grasshopper was an unexpected guest. He landed on the computer table right in front of me, basking in the limelight (the colourful light is from the monitor) instead of working. Tsk, tsk ... But as Mark Twain famously said, “Diligence is a good thing, but taking things easy is much more restful”

He was a teeny weeny thingy but has a big apetite for city lights and stayed motionless in the same spot, a perfect model for my shutterbugging. This vainglory trait in him proved to be his undoing as he finally ended up as a delightful mid-nite snack for Pickles the hedgehog. Pickles was extremely pleased to have this delicacy which was such a welcome change from her usual sanitised diet of hedgy or canine food pellets.
A tinge of guilt crossed me as I tossed him into Pickles 's food platter but then I rationalised that in the big scheme of things, the law of the jungle, "survival of the fittest" rules. To survive he should have the gumption to get out of the predicament. There was a big window of opportunity since at the time Pickles was still catching up on her beauty sleep.

Tabernaemontana divaricata (Crepe Jasmine)

On the other hand, the ants were busy gathering and storing in preparation for a rainy day. A simple lesson but yet so insightful. The Gen Y born with silver spoons in their mouths should heed this. I observe that most of them live like they is no tomorrow. As the Greek Philosopher Aristotle observed way back in 300 BC, and still very relevant today, "The young have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things—and that means having exalted notions."

Some like the nectar and pollen of the whites while others prefer the reds (I can't identify this flower) Whatever their choice there is plenty for them in my little garden of Eden.

Aechmea Bromeliad

Bigger, darker and aggressive-looking ants tend to seek out the more flamboyant blooms of the bromeliad to hoard up on their food supplies. These showy flowers last for months and always bring a bright spot of colour to the garden. The variegated leaves are thick but edged with viscious thorns, I suppose as a form of protection for its precious bounty. Propagation is simple enough; I started off with one but now there is a huge bunch of them.

Tristellateia australasiae

2010-09-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

These trusses of bright buttery yellow flowers bloom non-stop throughout the year. It's a haven for small bees and hurrying ants. I have this planted as a standard and have no qualms about allowing it to scramble over the wall to the neighbour's side which happens to be my parents' house.

This plant is a must-have to the most horticulturally-challenged ever as they exhibit vigorous, uninhibited growth.

Tropical August Blooms - Quisqualis indica

2010-08-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

Here it is hot throughout the year. At times we wilt with the heat and get exasperated with the high tropical humidity but the plants I planted thrive and flourish with splendour. The sight of showy blooms was like balm to the spirit and their heady fragrance more than made up for all the discomfort.

Quisqualis indica (Single petal) aka Rangoon Creeper, Drunken Sailor, Chinese Honeysuckle
What amazes me about this plant is the bunches of flowers which starts of as white, turning to shades of blushing pink and finally maturing to a flamming red. Fortuitously, as they mature at different times, all three hues can be found on the same cluster. It's a robust plant needing very little care and is easily propagated by runners. The fragrance is particularly stronger at night and is delicate.

This was planted as a standard to keep it tidy and structured. The branches were only allowed to sprawled at the top of the balcony. When the flowers fade, the branches are pruned down hard, up to a third to encourage the next crop of vigorous new growth.

Quisqualis indica (double petal), Bauhenia Kockiana and Bougainvilla Mrs Eva

All three plants clamour for a piece of vertical territory and solar radiance. Long vegetative limbs stretched out languorously and got blisfully entangled in their quest for the energy-boosting sunshine.

Quisqualis indica (double petal)
The double petal variety is lovely and blooms profusely. Branches are heavily laden with clusters. However they are not so easily propagated as they hardly throw out runners. Their fragrance is not as delicate as the single petal ones.

They happily colonised the rain water gutter and stand out as emblems of a cheery floral welcome to all who dropped by.

Crouching Spider Unsuspecting Ant

2010-08-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Crouching Spider Unsuspecting Ant
Costus Woodsonii (Dwarf French Kiss)

This predator, a small species of spider with interesting markings got the whole congregation of ants running helter skelter. I would thought that the whole pack with their sharp mouth-pieces could easily make mince meat out of this arachnid.

Sending the smoke signals to flee

Running helter skelter in a mad scramble to safety

Keeping the family together

This arachnid was later found under a palm frond indulging on his latest largesse - a fly. This eight-legged fella took some time to finish his meal. He ran all over the the frond with his precious meal when I try to photo-shoot him in his murderous act.

He devoured his unfortunate victim with much relish

When the first group of ants have their fill of nectar (around 1 week), another tribe of ants; darker, more stout and with shorter legs took over.

This group of black ants are not complaining of getting left-over food.

These ants appear more communal and keep close to each other, sort of in the same latitude

Festival of Lights

2009-10-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

This year Deepavali was ushered in by the Indian community on 17 October. Infused with Hinduism and other religions of the Indian sub-continent, this festival is celebrated in a big way.

In keeping with the spirit of celebration and the joyous mood of my dear Indian friends, I dusted off my bovine candle holder and lighted a red candle to burn brightly in my home.

Pickles our HedgieHog

2009-10-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

Curious Pickles standing on tip-toes to have a peek at the world outside her abode

These are the paraphenalia, munchies and treats to keep Pickles happy and contented

Pickles came into our household without much fanfare, in nothing fancier than an old shoe box. She's an African Pygmy hedgie of the 'salt & pepper' variety. At the tender age of 3 months, she is teeny-weeny and painfully shy. She burrows deep into the folds of your clothes when approached by strangers and bristles up like a porcupine when further alarmed. Not to be fooled by her timid demeanor, she possesses an impressive armoury of about 7,000 quills. Thus cradling her is an exercise in wariness.

A week later, she has started to come out of her shell and sniffs suspiciously around, taking everything with her dark brown eyes. She snacks on chocolate alphabet biskies and slakes her thirst with water. At the moment she appears contented and prefers to snuggle under an old T-shirt to slumber off. Soon we have to get her an exercise wheel to keep her occupied during her waking hours.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."~ Anatole France

The Yin & The Yang

2009-05-06T05:05:00.000-07:00

These two engravings on glass by Mats Jonasson were acquired last summer while on a sojourn to Stockholm. Placed together, they are the very manifestation of the disparities in this world. Conflicts are reflected in the colours from icy-chill to fiery-torrid and in the mien from angelic to satanic. Opposing intentions of good and bad are depicted with one being the nemesis of the other. Ancient Chinese sages rationally expound this yin-yang philosophy of existence as bringing harmony to the universe. Plainly speaking, too much of a good thing simply spell dissonance and incongruity.

A poignant interpretation of relationships in Yin-Yang terms:
Yang is as the day, turning into night, and yin the night preceding the day; the one is the force that drives the waves of the ocean forward, the other the force that draws them back so that they may go forward again."

Yang in his givingness bestows the gifts; yin in her being receives, preserves, enhances, and redistributes them. Yang constructs, yin instructs; yang implements, yin complements; yang is strength, yin endurance; yang is knowledge, yin the mystery that reveals itself and becomes knowledge.

Yang is the lover, and yin is therefore beloved; yin is the beloved and the source of love. Yang is will and yin is wisdom, and one without the other is neither, and together they are joy.
- "Twin Souls," by Patricia Joudry and Maurie D. Pressman

Long's Photographic Artwork

2009-05-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

Long Chin-san (1892-1995) was one of China's early photo-journalists. His photographs incorporated the aesthetics of Chinese traditional ink paintings into Western photographic tecnique. His images are even more amazing as they were from the pre-digital era, some of which were from combining multiple images in the darkroom.

A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.
-Ansel Adams

A Floral Path

2009-04-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yellow Allamandas and Madagascar periwinkle, Vinca rosa fringe this brick pathway of circular steps. The steps lead to a look-out point at a higher level for viewing the happenings beyond our stone fencing.

The colourful Periwinkle is one of the earlier known medicinal plant. Many alkaloids derived from it have anti cancer properties, such as vincristine and vinblastine. In some folklore medicine, it is also used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions which run the gamut from inflammation, malaria, diabetes, depression to various cancers.

I plant them for their perpetual blooms of various hues and colours. I do not care much for the akaloids. The stunning visual effect is balm to the weary soul.

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

- Irish Blessings

Water Krystals

2009-04-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

The rain lashed fiercely at my windshield one day as I drove home after work. Just as suddenly, it stopped. As I pulled into the garage, I noticed the stooping branches of a pine tree, its needles laden with glinting rain drops. At my doorsteps, I found the pot of caladiums totally drenched from the downpour, with shimmering water crystals adorning the bosom of their foliage. I gazed at the largest of them all and in its depth I fathom a deep sense of serenity.

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart.

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and

May God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

- Irish Blessings

An Explosive Beginning

2009-04-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

The stone steps leading to my abode always bear the tell tale signs of some explosive activities. Definitely not of nefarious nature, but simply the cacophonous ripening of rubber-seed pods. The pods crackle and expel 3-4 rubber seeds unceremoniously on to the terrain.

The rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis first originate from Brazil and thanks to one Sir Henry Wickham who managed to ship loads of it out to Kew Gardens in London where it eventually found its way to Malaysia. At one time rubber (1950-90s, I think) was the mainstay of the Malaysian economy and a leading agricultural export.

Now, it has become so much of an urban oddity and novelty that they have been purposefully planned into some new housing developments. There are a handful of trees scattered right at my doorsteps. Perhaps one of these days, just for the sheer fun of it, I shall tap the bark for its milky latex.

“Opportunities, many times, are so small that we glimpse them not and yet they are often the seeds of great enterprises"
- Og Mandino

Indigo Delight

2009-04-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

A true blue flower is a quite a rarity in any garden, let alone one of indigo hues. The blue pea flower, Ternatea Clitorea is as lovely as it is useful. A vigorous climber, it grows in profusion and throws out numerous blooms daily. It makes a wonderful food dye. We used it abundantly in our nyonya sweetmeats and in savoury dumplings.

"He is happiest who hath power to gather wisdom from a flower"
- Mary Howitt

The True Grit of Life

2009-04-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

A hibiscus stigma dusted with pollens is at the threshold of starting a new chapter in its verdant life. However this seems quite superflous as most of the propagation of hibiscus is done vegetatively rather than through seeds. Seems like Nature's urging for gene variety is strongly weaved into its reproductive blueprint. There's always a chance that one might take seed naturally or by human means to produce a refreshingly new and pretty progeny.

“Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind”.

-James Russell Lowell

Old Man Toadie

2009-04-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

Toadie is a mature, sedate guy. He sat motionless at my backyard and enjoyed the dusk breeze with nary a twitch. He must be surveying the evening activities with his dark gleaming eyes. I moved very close and yet he hardly gave any indication that he was aware of my presence. He only hopped off after I was done shooting him. The invasion of his last few inches of personal space must have finally rankled him.

"I'd kiss a frog even if there was no promise of a Prince Charming popping out.
I love frogs".
-Cameron Diaz

TO THE GIRLS OUT THERE:
To minimise your risks, it's FROGS that you should kiss, not TOADS.

Sharon's Folly

2009-04-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

Sweet Girl Sharon dropped by over the weekend. She greeted me in a T-shirt emblazoned with a strong graphical oral health message - "that chocolates be the ruin of teeth". I nodded with much approval and bid her a warm welcome.

Later while nibbling on an Anthon Berg with Plum-in-Madeira soaked marzipan, she realized how incongrous it all was. Guiltily, she picked up an apple and asked "Should I switch?"

And we thought that the apple was the original provenance of EVE's folly! Now it looks like the Millennium's Testament (if ever there is one) has to be written differently.

“All I need is a little love now and then, but some chocolate will do for now.”
- Lucy Van Pelt

The Expectant Tom Cat

2009-04-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

As I stepped out into my garden, this stray Tom cat flashed past me and perched on the ledge of the garden wall. He turned back and stared at me and I surmised the state of his mind - why not total flight instead? To lure him to stay, I "meowed" persuasively and dashed into the house to grab my faithful Nikon. He was still around, probably expecting some sort of treat. I snapped several shots before moving closer for more close ups, all the while still meowing. His narrowed iris and tensed body indicated his readiness for flight

"A cat improves the garden wall in sunshine, and the hearth in foul weather".
--Judith Merkle Riley

My Next Life

2009-04-21T01:42:00.000-07:00

His musings is reminiscent of the movie Benjamin Button. If it is ever possible to choose how one can be born, perhaps this could be an interesting alternative.

A Mosaic Welcome

2009-04-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Last night, we got this ersatz Tiffany lamp from India installed in our balcony. It is a negative-positive lamp with the black areas appearing white, sans lillumination. It hangs prettily as a welcoming beacon to family members and guests alike.

"An apt quotation is like a lamp which flings its light over the whole sentence"
-Letitia Landon

“We waste our lights in vain, like lamps by day.”
-William Shakespeare

Incy Wincy Spider

2009-04-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

A Mr Arachnid with multiple beady eyes came to visit. With bristling limbs, he strutted his stuff up and down my porch wall, distracting me to no end. I finally arrived at a win-win situation by having him as a model for my macro shutter-bugging. He was rather cooperative and posed proudly on a piece of rock that I proffered him.

“Yesterday has deceived you and gone;
Tomorrow is a doubtful visitor.
Today is a fast friend — hold fast to it.”

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Teetering on stilettos

2009-04-17T07:38:00.001-07:00

Most ladies love their heels. For those who love them at vertiginous heights, there's a price to be paid. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has the very chart with graphical anatomical images to sober them up into donning more sensible shoes.

“I can't wear flat shoes. My feet repel them. I was in agony. My high heels had left my feet bleeding. Laugh all you want, my feet hurt.”
-Mariah Carey

A Gurgling Fountain

2009-04-16T03:05:00.000-07:00

Nothing soothes the nerves better than the sound of a gurgling fountain. In the shade of happily thriving aquatic plants, fishes swish delightedly to and fro in the rejuvenated waters. A view like this makes lovely eye candy to my poppers strained from the daily grind of gazing at computer terminals.

“Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle.”

- Dr Robert Anthony

Piggy-Back

2009-04-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Investing in some quality time together is unique not only to homo sapiens as demonstrated by these two grasshopper buddies that are in the throes of a vice like grip, eerily echoing the proclamation of "till death do us part". The hibiscus rosa sinensis is the preferred rendevouz for many such encounters.

“We need to alter the wedding vow. Till death do us part - or until you become an inconvenience.”
- Carl Young

The Roving Stinker

2009-04-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately for this stink bug and its ilk, I have developed a love-hate relationship with them. The slightest provocation is a good enough pretext to spray forth a most obnoxious smell. Their exasperating sucking habits, bring mayhem to my tender flowering buds and shoots. Most times I view them with murderous intent but looking at the big scheme of things in the universe, they like other creatures are genetically coded to instinctively complete their own cycle of life. Here, it is struck by spring fever and is scrambling over to to do some serious wooing. This plant, jasminium multiflorum, with their delicately scented white flowers, is their favourite stomping ground.

“It's spring fever.... You don't quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

- Mark Twain

Publish Post

The Makings of a Chrysalis

2009-04-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

A succulent creature flaunting such lovely colours is a fine example of Mother Nature's bountiful work. It fed voraciously on this tough fan-like leaf before deciding to curl up below for the chrysalis stage. The whole metamorphosis is as esoteric as the eventual winged beauty itself. I take a bow to Mother nature.

“The butterfly's attractiveness derives not only from colors and symmetry: deeper motives contribute to it.

We would not think them so beautiful if they did not fly, or if they flew straight and briskly like bees, or if they stung,

or above all if they did not enact the perturbing mystery of metamorphosis: the latter assumes in our eyes the value of a badly decoded message, a symbol, a sign.”

-Primo Levi

Moving Away

2009-04-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

An abandoned Potter Wasps' abode was found under the canopy of my variegated orange bougainvillea. They normally build a conglomerate of textured globular clay nests (an insect condominium of sorts), so this single, smooth, large globe is highly unusual.

When a cell is completed, the adult wasp collects beetle larva or caterpillar and, paralyzing them, places them in the cell to serve as food for their wasp larva.

Having served its purpose, it is now devoid of any activity. The progeny have flown the coop and the parents could have expired after completing their duties in closing the loop of their life cycle.

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
-Kahlil Gibran

A Happy Little Hirsute

2009-04-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

This little hirsute is actually a scavenger which is a real boon to have in the garden. I let them run wild in my little Eden, where they munch happily away at dead leaves and other organic matter. I first found this little fella cozily ensconced in the convexity of a leaf, Philodendron Xanadu, enjoying a morsel of withered leaf. When I moved it to the Rosa Vinca flower, it got all hot and bothered, making a hasty exit from this floral delight to some mouldy vegetation. Well, so goes the adage, "One worm's food is another's poison".