PhotoHunt - The Secret Garden @ 1 Utama, PJ

Having heard so much about the Secret Garden on the roof-top of 1 Utama shopping complex, it was enlightening to finally visit this botanical wonder during Christmas season.

Previously closed to the public, the garden has now opened its doors and welcome visitors since 2009.



There is a special elevator leading to the roof top. The moment we stepped out of the elevator, I was greeted by the beds of various species of flowers and landscaping plants.



It 's amazing to see such beautiful plants as far as the eye can see.



There are many trees, small waterfalls, leafy and floral plants, creeping vines , succulents and cactis. It’s worth coming to 1 Utama for that alone.



Even the archway is so inviting.



The entire environment is quiet and provides a welcome respite from the maddening crowd and noise of the shopping complex.



I admire the lush greenery that surrounds me and I could hear the birds chirping happily and the sound of water splashing into the pond is most soothing and relaxing but a word of caution. Do take good care of your camera as there are lots of water spray that dispenses a cooling rejuvenating mist spray wherever you go.


As admission is free, you only need to register at the entrance garden and collect a free copy of the garden brochure.

I was amazed to discover that this Secret Garden is an experimental garden using novel technologies to grow 500 species of interesting, rare and unusual plants in an open tropical roof -top environment. The soil medium is based on granulated horticultural carbon (a form of charcoal). Chilled water is provided by sprinklers at night.

Located on the rooftop of 1-Utama Shopping Centre's New Wing in Petaling Jaya, it is only open to the public on weekends, 10am - 6pm.

If you're a garden enthusiast and if you need some time to unwind, I'm sure you'll enjoy the serenity of this green wonder. This is a remarkable garden that has to be seen to be appreciated.

PhotoHunt

Nature's Umbrellas

On my way out a few weeks ago, I spotted these growing on someone’s front lawn. I'm not sure if they're edible but a wrong guess could be fatal. They were white with a few brown spots on the top side. Unfortunately, I 'm unable to find any information on the fungi in the photos shown here.




I couldn’t resist taking more pictures of them. The front yard was teaming with life, going steady and continuous. It reminds me a lot of the Smurf mushroom village.



on a closer inspection, I must admit, I found its soft leathery texture to be quite amazing.



the close up of the underside of the mushroom!


Macro Monday

That's My World

A Smile of Nature

Today's Flowers, Macro Monday

Macro Monday - Sitting on a leaf

While tending to my garden, I spotted this little fella sitting on one of my plants and I was able to take a few quick shots of him before he flew off.



I think he enjoys posing for a photo shoot. :)

PhotoHunt - Purple

My neighbour's front yard is full of chinese violets and they are constantly blooming all year round. It's refreshing to come across such delicate herbaceous groundcovers because it has a pleasant fragrance as well as to see. These purple beauties are like my little friends swaying gently in the breeze, nodding at me and waving farewell everyday.



The petals are pale purple but the lower part of the corolla is brighter colour with a network of purple veins and it attracts bees, wasps and butterflies. The wasp was busy collecting nectar when I took this shot.

First Commenter

PhotoHunt - Spotted

I was trying to get some shots of a grasshopper which was perching in between leaves when I spotted this young chameleon hidden in the leaves. I didn't manage to capture the grasshopper but was quite happy to spot this little fella.


Although slow moving, it took me a few attempts to get some closer shots because any slight movement will startle the little lizard. He spotted me taking his picture but luckily he wasn't camera shy.



First Commenter - Randi

RT/WW - Green Penang

I love to spend my weekends here getting some cool fresh air, especially when I’m walking through one of my favorite walking trails. There is a fascinating trail at Penang Youth Park and as can be seen here, how green everything is. The trail is wide enough for walkers, joggers, bikers and roller bladers.

The beautiful park is besieged with large shady trees that provides great shades from the hot humid weather and the sweltering sun. It felt fabulous walking under those trees as I absolutely love the lush greenery in its natural setting. I could just sit here or even walk around for hours.

That said, any time of the day is actually great for a slow and steady stroll. However, the best time to visit will be in the morning though as it will be cooler. Not surprisingly, there are numerous people performing their routine exercises in the wee hours of the morning. While many in the world are still fast asleep, I love getting up at the crack of dawn and taking my kids for a walk. Everything smells so refreshing indeed.

Children are not left out as there is a huge playground for kids to enjoy their time.
With the free admission, what more could you ask for?

Since this is my first entry for 2010, best wishes for a Happy New Year to all of you.

I hope everyone has been doing really fantastic and I appreciate all your wonderful comments in my previous post.




First Commenter - Leora

Today's Flowers - Ananas Nanus

There are a few pots of miniature pineapples with long narrow yellow-green leaves armed with sharp little thorns growing here in my garden. Its scientic name is Ananas Nanus and it belongs to the bromeliad family.

The cone-shaped inflorescence produces purple flowers with yellow-pinkish bracts.


After a few months growth, it will sprout small pink fruit atop of the elongated stem.


The mini pineapple could remain on the plant for another couple of months from this stage.


The dragon fly was at the right place at the right time when I took this shot.


They are not edible but they attract butterflies, bees and mainly dragonflies. They are a cute little thing to add to my exotic plants collection.

First Commenter - Carver

Wordless Wednesday - Hibiscus Rosa Sinesis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also known as Chinese Hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia. I've been growing a few varieties of hibiscus at the moment and they're actively growing and blooming in my garden.

First commenter - Wenn

Wordless Wednesday - Dragonfly

a buzzing dragonfly probing the flower in our garden

First Commenter