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my word BY WOFFLES WU 78 8 The breezy garden in our house was the perfect place to entertain guests at night. I had successfully hosted many dinner parties there, the food laid out on a large antique stone table that had been left to us by some relatives, the perimeter of the garden delicately illuminated with the flickering flames of Hawaiian torches. It was always magical if the weather was kind to us. Each party was, however, a hitand-miss affair as we never knew when it would rain, which it does frequently and unpredictably on our sunny shores. If it poured, we couldn't use the garden for a day or two as the lawn would be too soggy. Luckily our house has a covered open air verandah, which is a good subsititute for when it rains, but somehow it is never quite the same as sitting in the open air on a cool balmy evening. My friends were very eclectic and bohemian, and they much preferred to chat al fresco amidst trees and plants than in an air-conditioned lounge. As a consequence, other than the bedrooms, we never air-conditioned our house, which is still largely in its original state, as when grandpa bought it in 1951. However, on very hot days or during Chinese New Year when hordes of relatives and friends descend upon us, I sometimes regret this and envy my friends with big houses who entertain in sophisticated air-conditioned comfort. Two or three times a week, my mother used the garden to conduct dog training classes with a good friend of hers, Harry the trainer. All sorts of dogs came for these classes, which included our own recalcitrant mongrels and spaniels, who unfortunately had minds of their own and did as they pleased. They were very obedient during the training session but the DAYS minute the trainer and the other dogs left, they would become their old selves, not deigning to offer a paw, roll over or play dead upon request. In fact they would look at us with an amused look as if to say, “Honestly? Roll over? Give me a break.” By the mid-eighties, I was beginning to travel more frequently to Thailand, Indonesia, Bali, and to visit my relatives in Malaysia. I was constantly on the look out for beautiful gardens and how the plants and trees had been sculpted into an attractive ensemble. I would stop the car or taxi whenever I espied a house with unique architecture and interesting gardens. Each of these gardens — from Suan Pakkad and Jim Thomson’s house in Bangkok to the lush gardens of Jogjakarta, Malang and Bali — inspired me, fueling my desire to create my own garden fantasy at home. My Uncle Chong Keat owns a small run-down but charming hotel, By the late eighties, I decided that I too wanted a garden which created the same sense of tranquility and appreciation of nature when one walked through it. the Bellevue, on Penang Hill, and it is set on the apex of the hill with a magnificent unobstructed view of Georgetown below. The centrepiece, however, is the garden that envelops the hotel, which my uncle transformed into a surrealistic tropical paradise with many varieties of exotic heliconias and gingers, palms, fruit trees, and a huge aviary where he kept his collection of prized macaws, parrots and even a hornbill. It was aweinspiring. As an architect and an artist, he has a knack for creating things of beauty and I picked up many ideas just by observing how he put everything together. His influence was probably responsible for why I am a bit eccentric myself, or perhaps it’s just in the genes. By the late eighties, as I was completing my surgical training, I decided that I too wanted a garden which created the same sense of tranquility and appreciation of nature when one walked through it — a place for contemplation, reverie and reflection. What I did not want though was a typical Balinese garden of which there were many sprouting up in houses all over the island. I found those too ornamental and flowery, and in a way, predictable. All my friends had the compulsory frangipani tree, bird-of-paradise heliconia and bouganvilleas in profusion, to the point that they looked like clones of each other. No, I wanted a garden with a more local flavour, using plants that are indigenous to our island. Of course I would have some frangipanis and gingers too but these had to be of more unusual varieties. What I really needed was something so typically tropical — coconut trees. My grandpa had planted two tiny coconut trees at the back of the house where the garden sloped steeply up to the house behind us on higher ground (as it turns out I eventually bought that house, 20 years later). These were now maturing, at least 15 feet high and bearing fruit. I loved the feel of them as they evoked memories of walking with my family along Changi beach, which was lined with bent, windswept coconut trees that told stories of how many furious storms they had endured without toppling. That's what I wanted — a grove of coconut trees in one corner of my garden, but they also had to be crooked and bent to show that they had been there forever and been similarly ravaged by the elements. The problem now was where to find such deformed trees. All the orchards in Singapore had beautifully straight coconut trees and those that were bent were so huge it would cost a fortune to uproot one and transplant it to my garden. In fact, mature trees are frightfully expensive in Singapore, costing up to $2,000 or more for a fully formed frangipani and at least $1,500 for a coconut tree about nine feet high. (to be continued) Check out Woffles Wu’s instagram account @woffleswu for photos relating to this weekly column.
HOROSCOPE Gemini May 22 – <strong>June</strong> 21 Geminians are maddeningly inconsistent. The can argue one point of view one day and the opposite the next. A firm conclusion is not necessary as long as the mind is kept well-exercised. Geminians often become writers, orators, journalists, secretaries or lawyers. If it’s your birthday (For week starting May 29) Surprising news is about to arrive, and when it does, you will see that what once appeared normal is now outrageous, and what once seemed beyond the pale, is now quite acceptable. It’s also a perfect moment for tackling outstanding practical tasks. aries (mar 21 - apr. 20) You have a reputation for being fussy, but you will be happier if you allow others to go about their daily business without interference. Sit back and relax. taurus (apr. 21 - may 21) Confidence breeds success. Your stars are looking increasingly optimistic, but use a little caution. Go into any risky situation with your eyes wide open. gemini (may 22 - june 21) The planets are encouraging prudence, justice and good manners. On the other hand, reckless actions and unwise speculations will result in loss. You have been warned! cancer (june 22 - july 23) Undoubtedly, a special time of year is fast approaching. In the meantime, there is still confusion to clear up or a mystery to resolve. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. leo (july 24 - aug. 23) Money matters are due to grow in importance. Events are auspicious, so exploit all offers and opportunities the moment they arise. Venus will boost your self-esteem. virgo (aug. 24 - sept. 23) Your stars are perfectly poised at work and you may impress an employer. You will make all the right choices and charm others with your wit, while your love life will be blessed. BY NICHOLAS CAMPION libra (sept. 24 - oct. 23) Planetary patterns work in your favour, and this could be a remarkable moment. Lost objects will be found and old friends will turn up out of the blue! You will get good news. scorpio (oct. 24 - nov. 22) Turn apparent obstacles to your advantage. Spend money judiciously, while making it clear to loved ones that you do care. Health matters will benefit from an improvement in diet. sagittarius (nov. 23 - dec. 22) Focus your attention on vital long-term issues. A major adjustment at home will be the result of pressures which have been building up. Learn a new skill if you can. capricorn (dec. 23 - jan. 20) Think about where you must go from here at work, but don’t delay. In love, you need sympathy and support, and partners need to know you are behind them. aquarius (jan. 21 - feb. 19) You are feeling much more determined and problems will finally be laid to rest. Stand up to other people’s demands and expectations with determination and resilience. pisces (feb. 20 - mar 20) Secretive stars are working in your favour. You must speak your mind more readily, now that colleagues, employers and relations are relying more on you. All will be revealed next month. 8 DAYS | 79
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ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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ISSUE NO. 1389 JUNE 1-8 WOMAN ON TO
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