January 27, 2011
Rediscovering kampung life
Many urbanites will still be recovering from that long drive back to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year holidays. Many more will be ridden with guilt for overindulging in festive delicacies.
It’s all part and parcel of festivities and Malaysian hospitality. As my grandmother used to say, ”Berapa penuh beg pun, masih muat lagi nak selit sehelai sapu-tangan”. It means, no matter how full the bag, there’s always room for another handkerchief.
But rather than feel guilty, why not make the most of your kampung stay and enjoy the great Malaysian outdoors. What better way to work off those extra kilos than a walk in the orchard or along the bund by the paddy field.
I take my kids along to show them the places I used to run around when I was a child. Hopefully, they’ll come to appreciate a Malaysian garden at its most natural.
But before heading out, it’s wise to take precaution.
A hat and a sunscreen are always useful, as well as a bottle of water. "Serai wangi" makes an excellent insect repellant. Just crush a blade of citronella in the palm of your hand to extract its oil and rub the essence on the exposed parts of your body.
Thus armed, my children and I were ready for our communion with nature.
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In a kampung, everything outside your house is a garden, just waiting to be explored.
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Forbidden fruits
We would identify as many plants as we could along the way. I knew my kids would have many questions. If we were lucky, there might still be rambutan, duku langsat, chempedak or even durian hanging from branches; we’ll pluck or ‘jolok’ a few.
How many of our children have actually seen where fruits and vegetables come from, other than those wrapped in cling-film on supermarket shelves?
Do ask for permission first. As kids, my friends and I, occasionally enjoyed the thrill of plucking forbidden fruits without being caught but I wouldn’t want to set a bad example for my children.
If we bumped into a villager, we would stop for a chat. You just don’t do that in the city anymore. We’re all wary of strangers and quite rightly so. And there’s always the village sage, that one elderly resident who has a wealth of knowledge and interesting tales.
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Fresh and wholesome, chemically-free vegetables right at your doorstep.
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Bamboo
Perhaps, we would stumble upon a clump of bamboo. I would then ask my children to stop and listen to the sound of nature. When the wind blew, the bamboo stems would sway and knock each other repeatedly, producing the most hypnotic sound.
I would tell them, that was what Mother Nature sounded like when she whispered, a symphony of nature. And, of course, we would come up with a way to duplicate that melody by creating bamboo wind-chimes.
I wanted my children to appreciate the things that continue to inspire me when I set out to design a Malaysian garden. In essence, I’m trying to recreate a slice of paradise that is uniquely Malaysian.
They might well have other interests but if I could instill in my children a love for nature, I would be a happy father. And for good reasons.
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Adults and kids would love to pluck or "jolok" kampung fruits like rambutan, chempedak, duku langsat and mangosteen.
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Research data
According to a study by the Virginia Tech University in the US, which polled American teachers who used nature and gardening in their curriculum, 96% agreed that it was an effective tool and 75% reported improvement in student behaviour when gardening.
Research data also suggested that gardening and communing with nature could actually reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. Another study suggested that gardeners have increased self-esteem, were more personally satisfied and enjoyed a greater sense of ability.
That’s the beauty of Mother Nature; she is generous to those who love her and those whom she loves.
Kenanga
When it was time for that long drive back to the city, I wouldn't rush. I would take my time, perhaps even go down a path less trodden, my windows down and the music soft. Who would know what we could encounter; a whiff of perfume from the Kenanga tree or even the smell of cow dung. It would all be part of the journey.
At least, I'm happy knowing that I'm reclaiming the pleasure of going home for the holidays, with a little help from Mother Nature.
* Neo Nusantara creates beautiful landscapes for Malaysian homes. Tel: 03-7880 8018. Website: www.neonusantara.com or www.terragarden.com.my.
More articles on landscaping by Desmond Ho:
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