August 29, 2011
Developing gardens with a Malaysian identity
Malaysia means many things to many people, from its bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur, the lush virgin rainforests, to the rich and colorful diversity of its different cultures and races. But the one memory I hold dear about the land of my birth is about how readily accessible all the beauty and pleasure of nature is to me.
Perhaps it was in my childhood. Nature was a constant companion. This was an age before digital and cable. I attended school but my real education was in the outdoors, among caterpillars and butterflies, in the woods and meandering stream. My daily rhythm began to synchronize to the natural rhythm of sunny days and sudden downpours.
I lived in town but the jungle was a mere bicycle ride away. My home wasn’t really that, so I spent as much time outdoors as I can in the jungle, a hideaway of sorts for me, a place that made a profound difference in how I eventually viewed life.
I remember having meals sitting on the branch of a tree old enough to be my grandfather, the branches above filtering the sunlight, the sounds of a thousand insects serenading me in my solitude. But how could I possible feel lonely! All my senses were alive!
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Terra Garden’s design team combined their experience and knowledge and conducted research trips all over Malaysia(left), the Malaysian Garden is simply our interpretation of Malaysian culture and craft today, after centuries of assimilation and evolution through the melting pot.
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Sometimes I brought my friends to the stream. I remember how cool the dark green waters were when I jumped in, and scrambled out, the sun above warming me immediately. I’d lie on the banks staring dreamily at the blue sky and clouds forming images in my mind.
It all seems so distant now, but when I hear the sounds of crickets or frogs, they’re like a time machine transporting me to another world.
So, I have taken to designing outdoor living rooms for Malaysian homes as I believe in the balance of elements, of the middle path, the yin & yang. The balance between interior and exterior, the balance between nourishing your body, spirit and soul.
When foreign friends ask us to describe Malaysian food, it’s easy enough to rattle-off a list of dishes; rendang, nasi lemak, yong tau foo, puthu mayam, chicken rice to name a few. These are food enjoyed by all, regardless of race.
I believe a garden, in all its incarnations, has the same unifying force as food.
Where else but in Malaysia do people of all races come together to celebrate each other’s religious festivals? And more often than not, the chairs and buffet tables are laid out in our front-yards and gardens.
Some of you may remember that in 2000, I used to write in the Sunday Star monthly, chronicling the evolution of my Neo Nusantara Malaysian Garden designs every step of the way.
This year, Malaysia is 54 years old. Yet, we are still very much an infant in this industry.
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Overseas projects: Desmond believes that we are matured and confident enough as a nation to set our own direction, or at least, start planning to create a garden theme that truly reflects our culture.
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What is a Malaysian Garden?
Our formula for interpreting a Malaysian Garden is to take what co-exists today without going to the roots. This is because if we were to study the cultures of the Baba Nyonya of Malacca, we’ll end up in China. Or if we were to trace the origins of Minangkabau, it’ll lead us to Sumatra.
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2008 Shrewsbury Flower Show: Shrewsbury Flower Show stand out wasn’t so much the awards that our Malaysian garden concept won, but more satisfyingly, because it was to honour past and present veterans of the Commonwealth Armed Forces who served in Malaya from 1941-1970.
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As Malaysians, we are true to what our culture is today, unique and distinctive to us.
So the Malaysian Garden is simply our interpretation of Malaysian culture and craft today, after centuries of assimilation and evolution through the melting pot. A place that is specially designed to harness beauty and pleasure with mother nature, communication with family and enjoy a holistic ambience.
Of course, the concept of a Malaysian garden is open to interpretation. There are some who have decided that the definition of a Malaysian garden should incorporate more jungle flora, less furniture and other such ideas.
And inevitably, there are also followers who have started their own business along a similar concept.
While I wholeheartedly encourage more people to get interested in developing gardens with a Malaysian identity, I urge such followers to create newer and more original designs.
Since everyone is in a Merdeka mood, share with me your thoughts of your ideal ‘Malaysian garden’ and if possible, let us have a bit of fun – send a picture of you and your family in your Malaysian garden. You never know, you will get a surprise call from me.
Selamat Hari Merdeka Malaysia, we love you!
Neo Nusantara creates beautiful landscapes for Malaysian homes. To learn more, visit their website at www.neonusantara.com, www.terragarden.com.my, info@terragarden.com.my or call: 03-7880 8018.
More articles on landscaping by Desmond Ho:
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