GARDEN / Living ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle

A Glimpse into the World of Rare Foliage Plants, Beautiful Garden by Bensley Design Studios

By livingasean
August 19, 2021
CULTURE,GARDEN,LIVING,PEOPLE

Bensley Design Studios is a design firm with many world-class hotels to its credit. Notable among these are the Four Seasons Tented Camp, the Four Seasons Koh Samui, the Kempinski Udaipur, the Siam, and the Indigo Pearl to name a few. Founded by Bill Bensley, who collabed with business partner Jirachai Rengthong, the firm has won acclaim for outstanding works in architecture, interior decoration, garden design and landscape development.

“Botanica Garden” is a nursery in Chiang Mai that’s home to hundreds of leaf plant species that Jirachai, an avid horticulturist, has cultivated over many years. It’s an oasis of beautifully maintained greenery that proves a perfect complement to the works of Bensley Design Studios. Some of the young plants grown here are offered for purchase at Kham Thiang Market, Chiang Mai’s largest botanical marketplace.

Bensley Design Studios, Botanica Garden, Beautiful Garden, Chiang Mai, Thailand — Sunlight gives bromeliad plants their bright color and beautiful form. Bromeliad requires direct sun for only half a day. In a nursery, mesh fabric capable of 50 to 60 percent protection will suffice.

For several decades Jirachai has nurtured and grown foliage plants and tropical species from across the globe at this nursery. He started out with varieties of bromeliad, cordyline or good luck plants, philodendron, aglaonema, anthurium, calathea, and agave before moving on to a detailed study in plant behavior and the breeding of plant specimens by natural processes.

As Jirachai put it, “Normally, after we buy unfamiliar species native to the equatorial climate zone, we try propagating them from the parent stock and observe how they respond to new environments. Every detail counts. Some species perform better in Chiang Mai producing brighter color leaves than they do in Bangkok. Interestingly, others fare badly when planted in the ground. Some species thrive in full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade. We also discover that cordyline or good luck plants perform better in soil than in organic coconut husk pieces. They don’t shed leaves when planted in soi, but they do when put in coconut husk.”

Offering an open view of the surrounding area, the nursery is canopied by black mesh fabric that gives protection from the sun. Plants that thrive in partial sun are grown here. They are safe in the hands of experienced gardeners.

“Propagation by air layering is a method that should be used in a bid to prevent plants from shedding leaves. Once roots have sufficiently developed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and potted up. This allows the new plant to grow into naturally beautiful form. As for philodendron, coconut husk pieces are preferred over soil,” Jirachai explained. Apart from the propagation of plant species for decoration and sale, the nursery also specializes in cross breeding to produce desirable features in one offspring. Some young plants are so original and unique that they can fetch as much as a million baht.

“Caring for plants the right way, only Osmocoat fertilizer is added to soil once every three months, while 16-16-16 fertilizer is used once a month. As for bromeliad, ferns, and philodendron, Osmocoat alone will suffice. This fertilizer is effective in stimulating growth in potted plants. The same applies to ferns, but it should be diluted with water and given using sprayers.”

“Pests that attack these plants aren’t many. They include varieties of coccidae, or scale insects, and fungal infections that happen in the rainy season. Sprayed insecticides will likely stay long enough to have effect. Philodendron and anthurium can be raised as indoor houseplants. Give them just enough water and avoid being waterlogged. Place containers where it’s well ventilated. To protect against fungal infections, avoid moist or wet locations.”

That concludes our handy hints and a guide to leaf plant care. For more information, drop by Botanica Garden, or give them a visit at Kham Thiang Market next time you’re in Chiang Mai.

Story: Panchach
Photographs: Sitthisak

10 Great Plants for Tropical Rainforest Landscaping

By livingasean
August 13, 2017
GARDEN,IDEA,LIVING

How do you do tropical rainforest landscaping? Use high-tolerant plants that grow well in heat and humidity. Living ASEAN has put together the following list of 10 tropical species that are generally easy to find in all ASEAN countries:

/// ASEAN ///
Photography: Rithirong Chanthongsuk, Sitthisak Namkham

Bromeliads (Urn Plant): these are ornamental plants with beautiful flowers, slow-growing, easy to care for, and drought-resistant. They do well both where there is a lot and a moderate amount of sunlight. If one gets a lot of sun, the leaves become more and more colorful. Bromeliads give off oxygen during the night and absorb carbon dioxide, making them especially suitable for bedroom placement.

Spikemoss fern (Selaginella Involvens): a ground cover, this is also known as “medical spikemoss” or “peacock fern.” It’s fan-like, with rounded, flat, bushy leaves, and often found in dense forest around steep mountain slopes or near rocks that get moderate sun.

Left: Begonia: represented by many species, it thrives in humid forests, and is thought of as a forest flower. There are both edible and are inedible varieties., For an an alternate sour taste, edible varieties can be used instead of lime in tom yam soup. The inedible varieties have velvety leaves.

Right: Fan palm (Palas Payung): the standout feature of the fan palm is its wide, spreading leaves, resembling folding fans. It can reach four meters in height. Leaves end in sharp, thorny points.

Left: Staghorn Fern (Climbing bird’s nest fern): this fern has climbing roots and thick, green leaves covered with fuzzy hair. The leaf ends fork, resembling a stag’s antlers. For their beautiful and unusual shapes, and their moisturizing quality, they’re often used as ornamental plants.

Right: Coriander-Leaf Fern (Sphenmeris Chusang): this ground fern, found along the face of earthen cliffs or in foothills, does well in shade or indirect sunlight. The petioles about 30cm long, and leaves are delicate and reminiscent of coriander.

Left: the Bead Tree (Elaeocarpus Grandiflorus) has a forest habitat. With gray-brown bark and thick, green, oval-shaped leaves, it produces white flowers with a light fragrance. It’s often found growing on the sides of waterfalls.

Right: Australian tree fern (Dicksonia Antarctica): easy to grow, this rapidly growing fern with a chubby trunk grows in places that are humid, but not too wet. Its leaves grow out bushy and beautiful, but it produces neither flower nor fruit.

Left: The round-leaved banyan (Ficus Annulata Blume) stands out amid a bed of spikemoss. Leaves are round and small, dark green, with smooth edges. It produces a round berry-like fruit, yellow-orange when ripe. It’s considered a good-luck tree, associated with wealth. It grows best in dim to medium sunlight.

Right: Simpoh ayer (Dillenia Suffruticosa): this medium-sized shrub flowers white and is often used in house decoration. In its native to Malaysia, ayer thought to bring good luck. At full size it’s about 8-10 meters tall.

Rainy Season Forest Garden for Tropical Areas

By livingasean
July 3, 2017
GARDEN,LIVING

Rainforest ecology is the design concept here, the verdant lushness associated with tropical jungle. Use high-tolerance plants that adapt themselves to the natural environment and don’t require a lot of long-term care.

/// Thailand ///
Landscape Architect: Warawut Kaewsuk, Supong Haewpet /// Photography: Tanakitt Khum-on

– Image of Garden and House –

Here emphasis is on the garden: the designer has removed the house from the diagram to focus on the surroundings, revising and reapportioning them to bring back the feeling of the rainforest that was once there; the house will be added later. The owner’s first concern is creating a waterfall, pond, and gazebo for relaxation; only then will the concept be enlarged to include a house in a supporting role for the garden, enabling the owner to fully enjoy this creation.

– Building a Forest-Like Atmosphere –

Garden design deals with three primary levels: low, medium, and high. A forest atmosphere is created visually through using the natural lines of the plants. Trees are the highest, rising up above, but freshwater mango can be a slightly lower exception with curves leaning together, arbor-like and welcoming, above the house entryway. Plants of middle height running along the fence can add privacy. For ground cover use plants with wavy and sinuous lines set at natural-looking intervals, closer to the water source perhaps ferns, and further downstream plants requiring less moisture.

– Waterfall Format –

Think of the stages of a natural waterfall: first is seepage, small drops descending along crevices in the rock; these eventually join and flow into a larger falling stream. The waterfall should not be so high that it could get the house wet, and it should give off a soft, restful sound. Because of space limitations, trees should be put in before the waterfall framework is built, otherwise there won’t be space for any large roots. Ponds should be designed about 0.8 to 1 meter deep. Waterfalls are usually built using 2 types of stone: granite and porous volcanic rock.

– Creating an Ecosystem –

In general the garden should be based around medium-sized and small plants. Plan sections with plants that grow naturally by themselves: vegetable fern, various kinds of glochidon, forest lilies, roselle, Malay ginger, rhododendron, etc. Combine these with plants available in the general landscaping market: monkey grass, Siam tulip, turmeric, elephant ear, and so on. Use as few imported varieties as possible and organize them so they can adapt symbiotically, offering natural benefits to each other; this will make for easier maintenance.

– A Standout Point : Easy Maintenance –

This type of garden requires little maintenance and doesn’t use ordinary grass, although surrogates such as monkey grass can offer a similar atmosphere. Where it’s shady, pebbles or fine gravel can be used as ground cover: this gives the garden a tidy look, and can be used to create a walkway around the house, protecting against the entry of poisonous animals. Maintenance of a rainforest garden mostly involves only pruning, and with minimal exception, pesticides or poisonous substances aren’t needed.

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Gardening with Water Science

By livingasean
April 7, 2017
GARDEN,LIVING

Besides nurturing plants, water has many garden uses: fresh, exciting ornamentation, for one.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Panchat Changchan /// Photography: Baanlaesuan

– The sound of water –

If a garden includes naturally flowing water or an old pond or spring, the water can be used to drive a fountain or water wheel, or dammed up to control the flow near a garden entrance or a relaxation spot.

Or, original garden fixtures such as walls or other architectural elements can be used with pumping systems to create dimensional motion in the form of a waterfall wall, or an artificial waterfall. Here, choose rough-surfaced materials and/or steep surfaces so water running across them produces a strong, clear sound. This can be enhanced by controlling water pump pressure.

– Images reflecting beauty –

The inherent reflective property of water can bring a more spacious garden atmosphere, adding dimension and color as well as changing motion and texture. We see this in world wonders such as the Taj Mahal and Wat Kinkakuji Temple, as well as in “infinity” swimming pools at seaside resorts. Reflection always creates feeling and perspective in the viewer, often simply a function of the width and the stillness of the water. A lake or large pond dug next to a garden highlight can create a beautiful view for people looking from the opposite bank.

– Lights in the water –

Lights in and around the water create worlds of brightness and shadow above and below the surface. Refraction creates beautiful, entrancing “water ghosts.” Underwater lights should be used in conjunction with well-structured ponds and good treatment systems to ensure easy maintenance, protect against damage, and to get bright, clear underwater lighting. Only specially designed light bulbs adapted for low voltage should be used underwater.

– Mist to create dimension –

Mist or water spray is commonly used in tropical or jungle gardens, mainly with minispray-type sprinklers primarily intended for watering and moisturizing plants, especially large ones such as ferns or orchids, but incidentally also cooling the garden. Nowadays minisprinkler heads are often hidden among plants or in spots among small shrubs and ground cover plants, but they can be also be used with fountain systems to create mist in the middle of ponds, adding a different kind atmosphere or narrative than usual to sculptures or pond highlights. A good example is in the yard in front of the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, France.

– Related sculptures –

Water can itself be used as a sculpture, or in combination with actual garden sculptures, statues, fountains, European-style bird baths, or for fish ponds, as in Thai gardens. Statues using water as ornamentation usually highlight its motion, spouting up or falling. This is common in ordinary fountains, but other water properties can be used in combination, for instance transparency. Water curtains or moving shapes that look like glass can be created. And water plants themselves often have beautiful and unique shapes.

– Creating a good ecosystem –

The most important use of water in the garden is to create life and maintain an ecosystem that faithfully imitates nature so the garden can grow sustainably, not only for plants, but as a home and food source for water creatures and many other living things. If you have a large area for a garden, you could begin by digging a pond about one-fourth its size to hold rainwater, then use that pond for watering plants as well as to grow local water plants and riparian vegetation. Make an artificial waterfall, grow interesting plant species large and small, and even enjoy the delights of raising fish!

Tropical Garden Ideas for Big Family

By livingasean
February 11, 2017
GARDEN,LIVING

Big families deserve spacious backyards. This large tropical garden is a treasure trove of design choices that celebrate nature. There is plenty to learn from it.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Panchat /// Photography: Sungwan Phratep /// Design: Surin Kamolsiriwat of Bannsuantaweekoon

The compound has plenty of room for three houses with carports and a building used for accommodating guests. The built environments that provide the setting for human activity exist together in one big nature-filled space. For a humid climate, the homeowners put a mix of Tropical plants in between buildings. It’s not an easy task because each green space has to suit the specific needs of ones who live there.

For the father’s house, the designer puts in a flat concrete paver passageway that is easy to walk on. It is lined with only a few low-maintenance trees. He also spruces up the corridor with an assortment of potted plants turning it into colorful works of art.

Nearby two other houses belonging to his sons stand a good distance from guest accommodations. They boast beautiful tropical gardens that look much greener than that of the father. Shaded by big trees, the buildings are spaced to allow winds to reach ventilation openings.

At ground level, dependable native species of shrubs and groundcover plants in rich tones go to work protecting the soil. They include red gingers, ferns, firebrands and zebra plants. Where there is direct sunlight, the designer puts in flowering plants filling every nook and cranny with colorful blossoms.

“The key to garden design lies in a good knowledge of plants and the ability select and incorporate them,” explained the designer. “Large trees love strong sunlight. So we plant them along the edges. They provide welcoming shade and give the property value and character. Meantime the species that don’t need much sunlight look their best at the center of the garden.”

For a large backyard, water features are a must. They fill the tropical garden with soothing sounds of running water and give it natural forest appeal. Here the beautiful backyard does what it says it will do – provide a setting for family activity. Together different generations enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comfort of their extended compound.

Stunning Authentic Tropical Garden

By livingasean
January 14, 2017
GARDEN,LIVING

For an escape from the chaos of the concrete jungle, nothing compares to this garden with an authentic tropical look. The salubrious backyard has got them all – the rainforest canopy, bird sounds, and the mellifluous music of rustling leaves and waterfalls.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Isara Sonsart /// Photos: Sitthisak Namkahm /// Garden Decorator: Suansuay Landscape Co., Ltd.

Even as he lives in the city, the owner of this house considers himself a nature lover. Without hesitation, he sets aside more than half of his property for forest gardening incorporating trees, shrubs, perennial vegetation and water features.

When he told the garden designer what he wanted, the designer not only set up a Tropical garden, but also made the house an inextricable part of the lush oasis. Beautiful black palms were planted to shade the house against the sun. Australian rose apples were put in along the perimeter wall to camouflage the house from the outside. And a backyard waterfall was built near a sundeck designed for family activities.

The heart of this little forest is a pavilion overlooking a really beautiful garden with a fishpond. Visitors can gaze in admiration at brightly colored carps swimming in it. One has to cross a small wood bridge to get there. Mimicking real forests of the Tropics, it’s a health giving place and a perfect sight to see.

“I feel relaxed physically and mentally every time I come into this garden,” said the owner. “After a hard day at work, I need this delightful ambience to make me feel rejuvenated and better prepared for the future.”

The Tropical garden setting has charmed small animals. The owner said that birds and squirrels always visited here, giving him the opportunity to study their behaviors closely, which didn’t occur often in the urban area.

A perfect retreat from city life, it’s where you can feel the breeze blowing in your hair and leaves rustling in the wind. The sounds of moving water make it feel like an escape to another world – one embraced by Mother Nature.

Picture-Perfect Home in a Rainforest Garden

By livingasean
January 5, 2017
GARDEN,LIVING

With incredibly lush gardens on the property, this house brings to mind an ideal tropical jungle, but with even more bright colors of flowering and leafy plants than in the real thing.

/// Thailand ///
Story: Warapsor /// Photos: Sitthisak Namkham /// Landscaping: Pergola by Panat Sumalroj

Gardens all around the house create a relaxing green atmosphere.

The water pond comes in two parts -- a small still-water pool for goldfish, and a bigger pond that holds Amazon arapaima with strong currents running through it. — The water pond comes in two parts — a small still-water pool for goldfish, and a bigger pond that holds Amazon arapaima with strong currents running through it.

From the inside looking out, colorful varieties of plants abound. At the far end a beautiful waterfall fills the garden ambience with soothing sounds. In the foreground are two separate fishponds.

The owner got what he wanted — a permanently blooming tropical rainforest garden with beautiful trees in almost every corner. Most of them are native species with beautiful leaves and flowers. The owner had gone to Chiang Mai to pick them out himself. His favorites include cigar flower, fan palm, and a lot of fern varieties.

A previous architect had designed and built the hardscape at the same time as the house. Only later on was the garden design and landscaping taken on by Panat.

Panat said that all remaining landscaping was dependent on the big trees the owner had planted before any designing went on, and on the hardscape which had already been set up.

Oak-leaf ferns thrive at the water’s edge while red rhipsalis ramulosa hangs down from treetops as if growing naturally.

A bridge made of old railway ties crosses a small pool at the center of the garden. ///The main yard connects the front of the house to the tropical forest garden near the fence. Here plants with different leaf textures create a natural-looking atmosphere. — A bridge made of old railway ties crosses a small pool at the center of the garden. /// The main yard connects the front of the house to the tropical forest garden near the fence. Here plants with different leaf textures create a natural-looking atmosphere.

The house opens onto a grass lawn. Across the pond a relaxing deck and lounge leads to the inside garden.

The designer responded by using ground cover to highlight groups of mixed plant varieties, playing with various flower and leaf colors, helping keep the large garden from an overly formal or harsh appearance.

Everywhere around the house are ponds and the sound of running water. The owner takes pleasure in coming out to admire his garden every day. It’s the best possible reflection of his love for lovely, peaceful gardens in a perfect natural setting.

Wooden decking affords plenty of space for deck furniture made for socializing and admiring the scenery. Parts of the wood deck juts out over the carp pond.

The owner came across a bird sculpture at a community mall and commissioned an artist to design one like it for his own use. He wanted it to give the impression of birds in flight while functioning as fountain and waterfall ornaments. ///The walkway connecting the house to the carport runs past a spirit house set on a beautiful garden spot.

The swimming pool is at the center of the house. For privacy, tall plants block outside view. A passageway conveniently connects this spot to the gym. /// Chaise lounges by the swimming pool are the owner’s favorite hangout, where you can find him almost any day.

Link: http://livingasean.com/garden/the-house-of-rainforest-garden/

French Cottage Garden

By livingasean
November 28, 2016
GARDEN,LIVING

The beautiful cottage garden at the Melt in Your Mouth riverside cafe’ was born out of a warm, semi-formal style of southern France.

/// Thailand ///

Story: Warapsorn /// Photos: Sitthisak Namkahm /// Photographer Assistant: Busakorn Kuankid /// Garden Decorator: Suthathip Phaiboonnunthaphong and Isara Phaengsri

*The pavement leading to the cafe’ is covered in black carpet stones. For a pronounced look, the gaps between stones are filled with fine-grained gravels.*

Two siblings, Somboon and Poonsuk, have always been hard-core coffee lovers. They decided to make use of a plot of land belonging to their father by turning it into a cozy café on the bank of the beautiful Kok River in Chiang Rai.

*Bushes trimmed for a manicured appearance mix well with nearby freeform flower plants. The vine-covered façade of the café enhances the garden’s natural ambience.*

“The original design was a raw, wooden-focused because there were only coffee and few Northern dishes on the menu. Later the architect suggested that the café would be too big for just a small number of dishes. At the time, a senior acquaintance of ours came up with European food and cake recipes. So, we toned down the café design from a raw look to a French vintage style.” Kulnaree Suralertrangsan, Somboon’s wife told us.

“We knew nothing about garden landscaping. Luckily, someone introduced us to Suthathip and Isara. Customers often asked us about the style of our garden. We had to go back to Suthathip and Isara to learn more. They said it was called Southern French style. The design coincided with the café by chance.”

*The cafe’ is an elegant glasshouse, parts of which are covered in Cat’s Claws (Macfadyena Unguis-Cati (L.) A.H. Gentry) giving the space a vintage look.*

The garden is semi-formal in style with a black water fountain at the center. It’s an outstanding feature there. The garden floor is covered in black carpet stones with fine-grained gravels filling the gaps in between. Neat, well-trimmed shrubs, notably Fukian tea trees (Carmona Retusa), thrive along the edges. Nearby colorful flowering plants abound. They include Chinese violets (Asystasia gangetica), cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus), snow roses (Serissa) and shrubby bush clovers (Lespedeza bicolor). Their vibrant colors provide a welcome contrast with the surrounding hardscape.

Clever outdoors hacks: A lone park bench is thrown in to break a long line of violet wild petunias (Ruellia squarrosa (Fenzi) Cufod) along the stone paver walkway. /// Little African violet pots are put on the edge of the walls.

Different types of pine trees are also grown here, for example, creeping junipers (Juniperus procumbens), Italian cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens L. ‘Stricta’), Khasi pines (Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon) and Orientali arborvitae (Thuja orientalis Endl), which go together well with a European-style garden and thrive in cool weather in the northern part of Thailand.

*The cafe’s glass walls provide opportunity for customers to connect with the outdoors.*

*A fair amount of space is left between shrubs for easy access and care. Fine-grained gravels provide a welcome contrast to nearby lush foliage and flowering plant species.*

*Flowers and grasses make for beautiful table decorations and fit in amazingly well with a relaxing ambience.*

There is a seating area next to the front courtyard, which serves as a reception area and a popular photo spot. Table sets await customers who prefer dining alfresco on a nearby stone-on-grass lawn. Meantime, cool breezes keep the spacious river-view terrace comfortable all day long. It’s a lifestyle in close touch with nature. Herbs, such as rosemary and mint that thrive on the premises, are picked fresh everyday for use as ingredients in food and drinks on the menu.

The semi-formal courtyard showcases a gorgeous mix of beautiful shrubs trimmed for a manicured garden appearance. Fukian tea trees and Elfin herbs thrive alongside lively colors of flowery bush plants. Freeform shapes prevent the garden from looking too formal.

*A large table set in the middle of the garden is perfect those who love dining alfresco.*

Besides the relaxing atmosphere, the Northern cuisine is the main attraction here. Those mouthwatering dishes made the traditional way combine to make this café an enchanting place to be. Its first-class recipe is a heritage from Somboon’s great grandmother, who was a housekeeper for Princess Dara Rasmi in times past. For visitors to Chiang Rai, spending an afternoon here is obviously an unforgettable experience.

The beautiful allure of a fountain garden makes it ideal for family activities and social gathering. Ground cover filling the gap between stone pavers strikes the right balance between hard objects and lush greenery. /// A small table set under an old Indian almond tree gives a hint of a tea corner in France.

link: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/category/gardens/

Amazing Maze Garden / Enjoy a Walk in the Garden Maze

By livingasean
November 14, 2016
GARDEN,LIVING

On Cairnhill Road, only 5 minutes from the city’s main drag of Orchard Road, we arrive at the Ritz-Carlton Residences of Singapore, the first Asian residence in the Ritz-Carlton chain. Besides opulence, contemporary design, and a raft of conveniences, there are a lot of interesting garden and outdoor areas here.

/// Singapore ///

Story: Woraphason /// Photography: Sitthisak Namkham /// Designer: Eco-id Architects

*View from above reveals the elaborate graphic pattern of the maze.*

*Domed Victorian gazebo at the exit, a perfect use of classic architecture*

*Entrance driveway is paved with cobblestone set in patterns, lined with plant containers of trimmed hedges, and edges hidden by hanging mouse tail plants.*

On both sides of the entrance walkway are orderly hedges, with ground-cover vines hanging down the sides of plant containers bordering the lush green garden as it welcomes us in to the elegant lobby on the ground floor of a lofty 36-storey building. The modern-style garden in front has orderly hedges, but also something of a tropical flavor. One main section is a small area containing three separate spots where small parties can be held, each with a small barbecue pit, dishwashing sink, and a lawn table set. Walls of colorful plants separate them. Next to this is a swimming pool with a contemporary design, with lawn chairs in private gazebos for relaxing with cool drinks after getting out of the pool.

*A nice space for a small party, with a dishwashing sink and a place to set prepared food*

*Black-bordered pond, the contemporary sculpture beside it creates a point of interest.*

An interesting feature is the classic quatrefoil design artfully placed in spots inside and outside: on the waterfall wall, entry door, marble floor inside the building, and metal plates on the walls.

Low-growing plants contrast with taller ones. Red varieties such as Chinese witch hazel create an asymmetrical look, with beautiful perennials such as the silver trumpet tree interspersed here and there.

*Tropical plant colors and textures mix in the garden.*

*A stair down to the lower parking level is planted with hanging ivy to reduce the rigidity of the wall and the shine of its surface.*

*A gray gazebo on the path helps break things up so the garden doesn’t look too orderly.*

A “secret passage” on the other side of the building leads through hedges on a concrete path whose twists and turns reveal one section after another, as a stunning garden maze invites us to come in and play at trying to find a way out. The magenta cherry hedges inside the maze are trimmed waist-high for open visibility, giving a feeling of safety. A domed Victorian-style gazebo near the exit provides a rest stop for tired searchers. Nearby are tennis courts for exercising within the green garden atmosphere.

*A rest spot by the swimming pool: Pulling down the canvas shades blocks the sun and gives privacy.*

*One side of the swimming pool wall is surfaced with quatrefoil (four-leaved flower) -patterned metal.*

*The walkway from the garden seems to float on the water surface, but it isn’t really scary to walk on.*

Besides the gardens surrounding the lower building, outside the upstairs meeting rooms and gym is a roof deck garden with three levels where one can sit and enjoy the cool breeze and scenic view. From here we look down to admire the gardens below, including that bewildering garden maze.

*Magenta cherry hedges in the maze make the surroundings look exotic.*

*Looking up through the open roof of the domed gazebo to the Ritz-Carlton Residences*

*The wire mesh tennis court is overgrown with vines for a different kind of beauty.*

link: http://www.ecoid.com/home

The House in the Rainforest Garden

By livingasean
October 5, 2016
GARDEN,LIVING

A place to relax among nature among beautiful plants that grow quickly and don’t take a lot of maintenance. These are the main components of this tropical garden.

/// Thailand ///

Story : Apasri Meemana /// English Version : Peter Montalbano /// Photos : Sitthisak Namkham

*Garden gazebo for work and relaxation surrounded by the joys of nature*

*The large staghorn fern on the freshwater mangrove gets minerals from decaying leaves and helps preserve moisture*

*The slender leaves of a regal-looking dragon tree blow gracefully in the wind*

Hapsoh, Surachai and Tassanai, the owners of this house are self-taught, but starting with a rough plan she created real beauty with a natural stone garden path, a small wooden bridge, imaginative use of railroad ties and old wood to create a relaxing spot, a stone table and bench set, and a brook that cascades merrily down a waterfall. The family hired craftsmen to build the hardscape, move a portable gazebo to the front of the house, and plant large trees among heavy natural boulders.

*Porous (volcanic) rock around the base of a tree is a boundary for plants so they won’t grow out and overrun the walkway.*

They decided to install some of their favorite species: tree fern, spike moss, staghorn fern, maidenhair fern, birds-nest fern, brake fern, etc. along with evergreen shade trees such as mangos from the old garden, areca palm, and freshwater mango, using soft, easy-to-maintain moss for ground cover. Asked about the difficulty of maintenance, the owner’s son adds,

“We have an older gardener who comes in to trim plants, dispose of old leaves, and do pest control. There’s a sprinkler system on an automatic schedule to make sure the plants get enough water. Sometimes we go with Mom to Bang Yai to buy plants and ornaments. Big plants and special orders we get from Khlong 15, which provides a lot of services.”

*Large natural stones placed decoratively on top of each other in garden spots, with plants growing among them for a natural look.*

*Plants climbing a tree fern trunk fill out the natural forest setting*

*Pink rain lily blossoms emerge from crevices in volcanic rocks*

*Long cement banks create a small brook flowing over rocks and river stones and past a decaying log*

Hapsoh leaves us with some thoughts:

“I love living with plants and the sound of water. Looking out from the bedroom or kitchen the garden view is beautiful. This all started long ago as I was relaxing at the Lo Su waterfall in Umphang District, Tak Province, and felt overcome with happiness and peace. I loved the sound of the flowing water. Nature spoke to me, and I decided then and there to go back and build a small waterfall for our own house. And since then, this garden has become indispensable to our family.”

link: http://www.baanlaesuan.com/category/garden/

Blog : GARDEN