Last October, Jekka and her husband Mac were invited to visit Malaysia by the Minister of Tourism, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, to see the gardens of Malaysia.This arose from a chance meeting at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, where Jekka and the Minister exchanged herb books. The Minister asked if Jekka could plant her herb display in Malaysia to which Jekka replied no, she didn't think so, because of the climate. The Minister promptly invited Jekka to visit her country to see if this would be possible.
Jekka's Malaysia Diary - 18 gardens in 6 days!
23rd - 29th October 2009
‘Malaysia: it is a true gardener’s treasure trove,
just waiting to inspire’.
Accompanying us on this trip was Mr Vahe, the Head Gardener of the wonderful
Monet Gardens in France, and Jan Huntley who is Head of the Garden Volunteers, and runs the Artist Fellowship Foundation. Jan also played the role of Mr Vahe’s translator, as he spoke very little English, and she also became my good friend, with whom I laughed a great deal!
The itinerary on paper looked full; in reality it was even fuller, as details changed, buses broke down, and we naturally took longer getting from A-B than predicted. That said, I do feel that this whistle stop tour has given me glimpses of most wonderful country, and I can't wait to return and revisit some of these very special places.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis subsp.The flower of Malaysia
23rd October, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
On arrival from London we were met at the airport by Junus Bin Suhid who was to be our mentor and inquisitor for the trip.
We arrived at the Royale Chulan, a very comfortable new hotel. After a quick shower, it was time for lunch. We were soon to realise that food is very important, (and also very good) in Malaysia.
After lunch we left the hotel for a tour of the city and to visit our first park.
Titiwangsa Park is ideal for those living in Kuala Lumpur to jog round, sit by the lake or stroll around in the cool of the evening.
Titiwangsa Park, Kuala Lumpur
However I was knocked out by the trees and even found a herb that I had read about but not actually seen before: Hymenocallis littoralis, Spider Lily.
The roots are used as an appetite stimulant and the leaves as a poultice.
Hymenocallis littoralis, Spider Lily
Heliconia, Azanin Dance Garden
We returned from this tour at 16.00 hrs to change for dinner, then back into the bus
and off to Hulu Langat, just outside Kuala Lumpur. This dinner was taking place in the Azanin Dance Garden of Datin Azanin Ezane Ahmad and her amazing husband, Datuk Dr Shaharil Talib, who had the best Heliconia collection I have ever seen.
I reckon there was one there that must have been over 6ft long. Unfortunately it was raining so hard that I could not photograph it.
Traditional dancer, Datin Azanin
The evening was hosted by Hon. Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism.
What an evening! The pouring rain could not dampen the wonder of that night: the garden with its Heliconias; the dance performed by Datin Azanin
and her dancers was beautiful....
...the food was amazing; the fruit, Nephelium lappaceum Rambutan, I had never seen before nor eaten, though it's closely related to the Lychee.
The roots, leaves and bark are used to treat many ailments, and treatments include a healing, restorative tea, and an eye wash.
Nephelium lappaceum Rambutan
Amongst all of these memories, there is one that I will never forget: during the Minister's speech, she suddenly said "Silence, listen to nature's symphony". I had never heard the sound of the forest at night; it is truly a symphony and so loud and busy it really illustrates the power of nature.
24th October, Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya
Grammatophyllum speciosum, Tiger Orchid
Up bright and early, and off to see the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur.
Here I saw, for the first time, the world's largest orchid which grows to a magnificent 8ft. Grammatophyllum speciosum, Tiger Orchid is native to Malaysia.
From there we went to see the Hibiscus Garden and I just happened to enquire "Is there a herb garden?"
Eurycoma longifolia: this herb has
become popular for its alleged
testosterone enhancing properties!
Our guide was Dato 'Dr Zahila Omar whom, I discovered, had trained at Waterperry Gardens, Oxford, and has recently retired from the Lake Gardens. She said that there was indeed a herb garden, and we set off at a brisk trot, leaving the others behind.
I was amazed that there were so many herbs I didn't recognise, and as the plant names were all in Malaysian, I had to wait until my return to be able to check my findings.
I not only nearly blew myself up (due to the heat and humidity) running round the herb garden photographing everything I could; my poor Cannon camera overheated and closed down!! Luckily it was time for lunch, so neither of us totally expired. Then we were off on the bus to Putrajaya.
Putrajaya, the new city
This city has been built from scratch in the last 12 years!
It is slowly housing all the government departments, finance etc and whilst we were there, the office block which is going to house Tourism Malaysia was being built. It is quite phenomenal to see this new city.
It also houses a brand new Botanical Garden which has some very lovely young and enthusiastic staff.
They have just finished phase one and are near completion of phase two, which is the native flora, so I will have to return to see it.
Taman Botani, Putrajaya
Hibiscus sabdariffa, Roselle, renowned for Hibiscus tea
From here we visited a wetland, Taman Wawasan, that has a reed system which feeds the lakes with clean water, making it safe for water sports.We discussed how it could be developed.
This was quite fascinating as they had trail areas for rice, vegetables and many fruits as well as rubber. Unfortunately it was getting dark so we couldn't see how they tap the rubber trees to release the latex and how they turn it into product.
This fruit caused much excitement amongst our guides and our following press pack.
It is Durio zibethinu Durian Fruit, a.k.a. the King of Fruit, which smells horrendous, but tastes interesting!
It has warming properties, and should never be mixed with alcohol or coffee. It is said to be very expensive and in much demand when available.
Durio zibethinu, Durian Fruit
It was then off to a lovely seafood restaurant where I sat next to the President of Putrajaya Corporation, YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Samsudin Osman, who went to Aberystwyth University, is a keen dingy sailor and a very competent painter of water colours.
