A new orchid @ Ah Soo Garden

This lovely Dendrobium was acquired yesterday by Nigel's dad for (Singapore) $11. It has lovely white flowers. As usual when one buys orchids outside of established nurseries, no names are given.

What is a weed?

What is a weed? It is a plant that is not wanted in a particular place. By definition, a rose bush is a weed in a field of paddy. I found this weed alongside an untended area along Eunos Link. I pulled out a section and planted it in a pot - it soon grew into two pots. Against the bright light of the bathroom window, these two plants give some nice greenery, the stigma of being a weed long gone.

Bananas @ Ah Soo Garden

... and the same WAIT goes on at Ah Soo Garden (see previous post about waiting for papayas to ripen). These two bunches of bananas have been on the trees for a LO-O-ONG time. Tina said that she wondered how on earth people could make a living out of growing bananas if it takes so long to get the fruits to the market.
Incidentally, looking at the first picture, we will have to find a way to hold the that banana plant up as it looks like it is going to topple over.

Papayas @ Surin

Growing papayas is easy and it takes no time at all to grow the papaya tree but it takes FOREVER waiting for the fruits to ripen. These fruits were on the tree before we left for our China trip in mid November 2009. They are still green in late January 2010. And in the meantime, I am suffering from Vitamin C deficiency. (Posted January 26, 2010)

An unknown orchid

Saturday, January 23, 2010
Two years and 3 months ago, I wandered down to Mandai Orchid Garden. At the cafe, the owner sold me this orchid assuring me that it would bloom soon. It has finally done so - but by now, I have forgotten its name (or maybe I was never told what orchid it was from the start). Looking at its leaves, it is most probably a Vanda.

Chinese New Year Bulbs

Saturday January 23 2010
My friends (Yong Seng, Goh and Joe Tan) told me that it was customary to buy these bulbs and grow them for Chinese New Year. I honestly don't know what they are and I honestly have never heard of this custom before. But since they cost only 25 cents each from Lorong Ah Soo market, I will give them a try. It has been 2 weeks and they have developed some roots. I have since planted them in a glass bowl using aquarium soil. I can't wait to see what will develop.

Tulips from Amsterdam

Friday Jan 21 2010
Shuying flew in from Amsterdam and she gave Wendy this beautiful bunch of tulips. A pity they will not last long in Singapore's harsh climate.