IN planning a garden landscape, even the most economical outdoor space can be reworked into an impactful and elegant haven.
In this Part II article on Mah Sing Group Bhd’s landscaping, its chief executive officer Datuk Ho Hon Sang shares a few tips on planting.
Mah Sing is the developer of Southville City, of which landscape comprises various types of flowering plants and trees that allow for better identification at the township’s six zones.
Ho said home owners planning to landscape their small garden should use a limited amount of plants and categorise plantings based on a coloured palette or plants of varying forms.
“Growing plants in pots is a perfect way of injecting more colours and interest into a small outdoor area. Pot stacking is a technique for maximising vertical space and simply means creating layers or tiers on which to grow by stacking plants in groups from the largest at the back to the smallest at the front.
“Other than that, structures like steps, terraces and ladders can be carried out to be utilised as practical growing spaces. Repetition of pot colours also bring unity to the space,” he told NST Property.
Ho suggested that home owners choose plants with an upright form rather than spreading habits as they take up less room.
Such mixtures would allow for more complexity of textures and colours for a unique garden personification.
Ho recommended the use of plants such as Loropetalum chinenses, Shorea siamensis, European fan Palm, Creeping Daisy, Bauhinia kockiana and the traditional Bunga Raya.
“As a developer, we believe in reinventing spaces and enhancing life... which you could also do in your own private space.
“An attractive outdoor living space is more sought-after than ever, recognised as adding value to both lifestyle and aesthetic visual aspects. The right plants and accessories can set the tone for your ideal outdoor atmosphere,” he said.
Ho added that simplicity is the key to an impressive yet low maintenance garden.
“Limit the palette to a small variety of plants, carefully chosen for their strong form or foliage. Group them together in bold drifts or blocks of contrasting heights and depths.
“In addition, use a plant to draw the eye to a central element. Planting of a feature tree that blends in well with your house would give a unique identity to the resident’s home,” he said.