Count Your Blessings!

With love and passion, everyone can have a nice garden...Elaine Yim

Count Your Blessings!
Count The Garden By The Flowers, Never By The Leaves That Fall.
Count Your Life With Smiles And Not The Tears That Roll.
..... Author unknown.

Knowing me, Knowing you..... Aha.....!

Notice Board

Malaysian Flora USDA Zone 11
Welcome to our exotic world of everlasting summers and tropical rainforests!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Oh Dear, I have a PROBLEM with my Picasa Web Album, but Happy New Year 2012 Anyway!



I have just discovered that every picture I have uploaded from Blogger since 22 Dec 2011 is showing up in my Picasa Web Album in its own album, instead of my blog photo album. Now they keep adding new photo albums which are classified by DAY which means I am going to have many albums. Prior to this, all uploaded pictures automatically went into my related blogs' albums.

Check your Picasa Web Album. Are you having the same problem when you upload photos to Blogger ?

How do you revert back from Google+ to good old Google?

Actually I broke my promise "to see you in 2012" as per my last Christmas post, but because of this Google present, I'm here again. So I'll be patient and wait for Google to solve this problem.

Meanwhile, let's look back at  Year 2011:




And at the stroke of midnight, lets celebrate together!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ....
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

TO ALL MY FRIENDS EVERYWHERE,
 IN FLESH, IN MEMORY AND IN CYBERSPACE.


Samoans - For the first time in history, you are the first to celebrate. Samoa and Tokelau shall make a great leap forward by 1 day i.e. from Thursday 30th to Saturday 31st (thereby skipping Friday) to welcome 2012. Congratulations!




Lyrics of the Happy New Year song by ABBA:
No more champagne
And the fireworks are through
Here we are, me and you
Feeling lost and feeling blue
It's the end of the party
And the morning seems so grey
So unlike yesterday
Now's the time for us to say

Happy new year
Happy new year
May we all have a vision now and then
Of a world where every neighbour is a friend
Happy new year
Happy new year
May we all have our hopes, our will to try
If we don't we might as well lay down and die
You and I

Sometimes I see
How the brave new world arrives
And I see how it thrives
In the ashes of our lives
Oh yes, man is a fool
And he thinks he'll be okay
Dragging on, feet of clay
Never knowing he's astray
Keeps on going anyway

Happy new year
Happy new year

May we all have a vision now and then
Of a world where every neighbour is a friend
Happy new year
Happy new year
May we all have our hopes, our will to try
If we don't we might as well lay down and die
You and I

Seems to me now
That the dreams we had before
Are all dead, nothing more
Than confetti on the floor
It's the end of a decade
In another ten years time
Who can say what we'll find
What lies waiting down the line
In the end of eighty-nine

Happy new year
Happy new year
May we all have a vision now and then
Of a world where every neighbour is a friend
Happy new year
Happy new year
May we all have our hopes, our will to try
If we don't we might as well lay down and die
You and I

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Merry Christmas, Winter Solstice 2011 and Happy New Year 2012!



Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976


Friday, December 16, 2011

My Blooming Native Orchids - GBBD Dec 2011 Part 2

1. Dendrobium Sonia 'Royal Pink'

Today the skies are quite clear in the morning, so I seized the opportunity to snap some pictures. This is my purple Dendrobium orchid, the same stalk of flowers that appeard in GBBD Oct, Nov and today, hence it has been blooming for more than 2 months already! I mean the same stalk of flowers. It certainly has amazing staying power.


Thursday, December 15, 2011

GBBD Dec 2011

1. Purple Cattleya (skinneri?) orchid

Today, for Garden Blogger's Bloom Day for December 2011, I have my beloved cattleya orchid giving me  some "twin happiness" with twin blooms, i.e. 2 stalks with 3 flowers each. This orchid had been quite inactive for a long time, growing only roots and shoots and babies. It has not bloomed since 2009. Can you imagine this - no blooms for the whole of 2010 and most of 2011?

Despite being so unpredictable and an eccentric, this 'temperamental' orchid is my favourite. It is the only plant I 'talk' to in my garden. It had made me laugh and it had made me cry and want to pull all my hair out in desperation of getting/waiting for it to bloom but when it blooms, I'll be in seventh heaven!   It  may be ordinary but it is my most precious orchid and is the inspiration for the start of My Nice Garden, both at home and in cyberspace (blog).

Now, finally a pleasant surprise to help me end my year with a BANG!

More orchids:


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Purple Roses - Wise Words Wednesdays



A single rose can be my garden...
a single friend, my world.
..... Leo Buscaglia


Lavender roses carry the message of enchantment and love at first sight.


Saturday, December 3, 2011

Rosa 'Chaldogro' - Have you heard of this rose?


The plant label at Floria 2011 says that the rose variety is Rosa 'Chaldogro' but I am unable to find any information about it on the internet. A Google search came out with zero results.

Have you heard of this rose?


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Chain of Love and Tears of The Bride for Wildflowers Wednesday



The plant I am going to blog and brag about is full of LOVE. Yes, every leaf, every flower, every petal and even the seed pods are heart-shaped and love-shaped! This plant is full of LIFE, LOVE and PEACE. See the peace sign shaped tiny little tendril in the picture above?

If you look at their many common names later in my post, soon you'll see what I mean.
Just to let you know, all the pictures here were taken from a vacant plot of land by the roadside.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - GBBD Nov 2011

1. Pentas

Here's my lineup for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - November 2011.  Currently I am still trying to familiarise myself with Bloggers New Interface. Yours truly still prefer using the good old Google Dashboard but I know the following:

a) You can click any one of the 19 photos in this post to see the full slides layout view, or
b) To view my blog in Blogger Dynamic Views (Sidebar / Classic / Flipcard / Magazine / Mosaic / Snapshort / Timeslide), type the "view" beside my URL as follows:

http://www.mynicegarden.com/view/

Note: If you are using an old computer with earlier versions of operating systems that does not allow you to upgrade to Internet Explorer 9, you may experience problems opening pages and viewing Blogger blogs. You can download Google Chrome for FREE. The pages load quite fast and the screen is wider.


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Tawny Coast Butterflies Mating at The Rooftop Secret Garden of 1-Utama

1:37pm
I was trying to photograph some tiny damselflies when suddenly something fell right into the pond in front of me. Splat! What's that?

It looked like a butterfly drowning so I extended a hand, hoping that I could help. It willingly crept onto my finger.


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Ovipositing Tawny Coaster Butterfly on Turnera ulmifolia

1.12 pm

Ephemeral is the Word 4 Wednesday, a meme hosted by Donna at Garden Walk Garden Talk Blog. The definition for Ephemeral is "having a short life cycle or existence, not lasting".

Turnera ulmifolia (Yellow Alder) flowers open in the morning. Such beautiful blooms, so rich in nectar but it is only for a few hours. By mid-day the flowers would be closed. At the Rooftop Secret Garden of 1-Utama lives some Tawny Coaster butterflies that feed on the nectar from these flowers.

This flower was just about to close when I chance upon a lone tawny coaster butterly flipping its wings and darting about from flower to flower, leaf to leaf, plant to plant.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Rosa China White Rose



I have seen white roses being used in bridal bouquets but have never received one.

How do you use white roses? When do you send them?

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Flower Street at Little India Klang - Part 3 Cut Flowers



When I buy cut flowers for prayers, the most popular choice is chrysanthemums. For this purpose, my favourite colours are yellow, white and red.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Flower Street at Little India Klang - Part 2 Flower Garlands and Bermuda Grass


Flower Street in Little India Klang is like a florist centre. Besides jasmine flowers, we can also find cut flowers, bouquets, wreaths and other types of flower arrangements. It is indeed an enjoyable experience walking along the sidewalk and in and out the stores. For me, it is a valuable experiential lesson about Indian/Hindu culture and traditions.

The wreath above is made of multi-colour chrysanthemums, roses and ferns. Probably this wreath is for a celebration, e.g. opening ceremony?

“Flower Street at Little India Klang - Part 2 Flower Garlands”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on October 26th, 2011.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Flower Street at Little India Klang - Part 1 Jasmine


On this October 26th 2011, the Hindu community of Malaysia will be celebrating Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, signifying the triumph of good over evil.

In Klang city where I stay, the Tengku Kelana Street, nicknamed "Little India" is all abuzz with activities. There are many stores selling lots of colourful items such as clothes, provisions, foodstuff, decorations, bling-bling, you name it-they have it.

The above is the Flower Street of Little India Klang. It is opened for business everyday.

“Flower Street at Little India Klang - Part 1”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on October 24th, 2011.


Sunday, October 23, 2011

Coral Peach Roses


Peach coloured roses signifies gratitude, appreciation, admiration, modesty and sincerity, also sympathy. When peach coloured roses are given, it carries the message, "Let's get together."

I am just a beginner when it comes to growing roses, so come learn about roses with me. Teach me if you can!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

White Rose with Pink Edge


Are you growing this rose?

Do you know the cultivar name of this white and pink rose that looks like a dahlia flower?
The name is Magic Carousel*.
It's common name here is "Appam" (a type of steamed pancake made from rice flour)

The rose was photographed at Floria 2011 flower show.



Pink and white coloured roses signifies everlasting love.

“White Rose with Pink Edge”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on October 22nd, 2011.

Updated on 23 Oct 2011
*My grateful thanks to Linda and Exoticmatahari, my facebook friends who helped me with the ID of this rose.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Floribunda Shocking Blue Rose



These roses are from Floria 2011. The Floribunda Shocking Blue Rose bloom abundantly in sprays (inflorescences) and clusters with an intense fragrance.

“Floribunda Shocking Blue Rose”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Oct 21st, 2011.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Evolution and Evolve - Word for Wednesday

Sunset along the highway

When I was little, I remember asking about the origin of my life with this question "Where did I come from?" Mom told me I came from her stomach. Grandma told me I was picked up from the streets, so whenever I was naughty, she will threaten to send me back to my 'family' which happened to be any beggar or fierce looking person she could point her finger on. Anyway I found the answer in school because sexual reproduction was a lesson we learnt in Science class.

Here's what 'Evolution' and 'Evolve' means to me:

A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg.
..... Samuel Butler


Now, I know that I too, came from an egg.


“Evolution and Evolve - Word for Wednesday”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on October 19th, 2011.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - GBBD Oct 2011


Welcome to My Nice Garden! This was a birthday gift from my darling daughter last month. I think it's a doe that looks like Bambi. The little garden helper with the Welcome signage shall be my companion while I am all alone tending to my garden, standing in for my DH, the non-gardener.

“Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - GBBD Oct 2011”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on October 15th, 2011

Friday, October 7, 2011

Floribunda Rose - Eternal Flame


I have a confession to make. I have fallen in love with ROSES!

From this month of October 2011 onwards, I will be posting roses from Floria 2011 on an off. The roses I have selected for my blog posts are based on those with proper labels.

As I learn more and more about roses, I'd like to share the knowledge with you. You are also invited to share your knowledge and experience with me. Please feel free to point out any mistakes or error I have made.

“Floribunda Rose - Eternal Flame”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on October 7th, 2011.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Images of Repose - Word for Wednesday

Australian willow tree and Osmoxylon lineare (Green Aralia) bush

This is my favourite spot at the rooftop Secret Garden of 1-Utama, my weekend hideout cum retreat. I like to sit here and contemplate or just listen to the soothing sounds from the mini-waterfall. The air is cool and fresh. Sometimes I get to enjoy a whiff of fragrance from my favourite blooms and occassionally a busy bee whizzes by.

The above picture is my entry for Gardening Gone Wild's Picture This Photo Contest - October 2011. This month's theme is "Fill the Frame".



When I am lucky, I can hear a bird singing. It may be just a little chirp or twit but the sounds can be very uplifting and therapeutic. Looking up at the sky, I see many things nice.

What does "Repose" mean to you?

“Images of Repose - Word for Wednesday”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Oct 5th, 2011.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Modern Rose - Benson and Hedges Gold® (Wordless Wednesday)


“Modern Rose - Benson and Hedges Gold® (Wordless Wednesday)”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 28th, 2011.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Modern Rose - Benson and Hedges



During this year's flower show Floria 2011 at Putrajaya, I had the chance to view many different types of roses. The theme was "Roses Are Forever". For someone like me who hardly ever grow roses, it was indeed a great learning experience.

“Modern Rose - Benson and Hedges”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 25th, 2011.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

My Simese Twin Hibiscus moscheutos - Illumination

1.

I am late but this is my first time in participating Word for Wednesday hosted by Donna of Garden Walk Garden Talk. The word this time is ILLUMINATION.

Click on the picture to have a look at Lightbox View - Blogger's NEW present to us, the blogspot owners.

“My Simese Twin Hibiscus moscheutos - Illumination”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 22nd, 2011.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Blue Roses at Floria 2011


Have you seen a blue rose, I mean a really real BLUE ROSE?

As I know, blue roses do not exist naturally. I have read that this is the only colour that plant breeders have difficulty in getting. A blue rose is rare indeed.

Blue, blue, my rose is blue .....

“Blue Roses at Floria 2011”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 20th, 2011.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Twin Hibiscus for Malaysia Day 2011

1. Clock Tower of Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Today, we Malaysians will be having a double celebration:
(a) Our country's 54th year of independence, and
(b) Malaysia's 48th birthday.

This 40m high Clock Tower with the shiny copper dome is draped in our national flag called the "Jalur Gemilang" (Stripes of Glory)".

“Twin Hibiscus for Malaysia Day 2011", a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 16th, 2011.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - GBBD Sept 2011


Here's my parade of flowers for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day 2011. The pictures are taken from 16 Aug - 13 Sep 2011. The first in line is Desert Rose, double flowers cultivar 'Santa Claus'.

“Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - GBBD Sept 2011”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 13th 2011.


Monday, September 12, 2011

Mid-Autumn Festival 2011 - The Hare / Jade Rabbit


Today, the 15th day of the 8th lunar month is the Mid-Autumn Festival also known as Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival.

I'd like to wish everyone who are celebrating this festival, a Happy Mid-Autumn!

Many of us are familiar with the lanterns and mooncakes during this festival. Last year, I wrote about pomelo fruits, water caltrops, lotus seeds and mooncakes:
  1. Mid-Autumn Festival 2010 - Pomelo Fruits (link here)
  2. Mid-Autumn Festival 2010 - Water Caltrops, also The Old Man of the Moon (link here)
  3. Mid-Autumn Festival 2010 - Lotus Seeds and Mooncakes (link here)

In my 2009 blog post, I have wrote about the the origin of mooncakes and the legend of the Moon Fairy, Lady Chang'e (the link is here). Do you know that she has a companion, the Jade Rabbit?

“Mid-Autumn Festival 2011 and The Hare / Jade Rabbit”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 12th, 2011.

"The brilliant light of the moon shines upon the earth."

Friday, September 9, 2011

The 10 Types of Hibiscus in My Container Garden

1. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Brilliant Red'

Currently, I have 10 different hibiscus plants in my garden. All are grown in pots.

The above hibisus is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Brilliant Red', the National Flower of Malaysia. It is the 2nd hibiscus I planted in my garden. A family member won this lucky draw prize, now it has become my prized possession.
  • It is the most dependable hibiscus plant in my garden - it can live on its own without any extra fertilizer or watering from me
  • it is ever-flowering - it gives me flowers every day, the whole year through.
  • the flowers attract butterflies, even bugs in love - to see Grasshoppers Mating post, click here.
  • flower buds can be eaten, even my pet tortoise, Blastoise loves it. (See here).
  • sunbirds love to perch on its branches. 

By the way, do you notice anything unusual about this flower?
Well, there are 2 superimposed flowers here!

“The 10 Types of Hibiscus in My Container Garden”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Sept 9th, 2011.

Monday, August 29, 2011

A Double Celebration and My 3rd Google Adsense Money

1 - A typical kampung house with bamboo fence, terracota pots and attap roofs
Today the streets of Kuala Lumpur will soon be deserted with the mass exodus of people out of the city. We call this 'balik kampung' where we go back to our villages and hometowns where we were born and grew up in. It is time to visit our old folks, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, maybe childhood friends and sweethearts, to join in the holiday fun. In many places in the rural areas, family members patiently and longingly await the arrival of their loved ones for a happy reunion. 

In Malaysia, we have a double celebration:
  1. Independence Day or Hari Merdaka as we call it falls on 31 Aug 2011
  2. Eid ul-Fitr - In Malaysia we call it "Hari Raya Aidil Fitri", a grand celebration for muslims which may fall on 30 or 31 Aug.
For the rest of us who are not muslims, we shall be enjoying a few days to a week break. Our muslim friends will hold 'open house' parties to invite other races to join in the festivities in the spirit of camaraderie.

Google Adsense sent my 3rd payment on 24th Aug via Western Union Bank, so I went to the bank to collect USD 111.51 cash.

“A Double Celebration and My 3rd Google Adsense Money”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on August 29th, 2011.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hibiscus mutabilis - A single flower variety that doesn't change colour

1

Hibiscus mutabilis flowers usually open white in the morning and changes colour to pink as the day gets warmer in the late afternoon. However, this variety with single flowers that is currently grown at the Secret Garden of 1-Utama does not change colour but stays the same the whole day.

“Hibiscus mutabilis - Single Flowers”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/

Friday, August 26, 2011

Hibiscus mutabilis - Changeable Rose Hibiscus (Double Flowers)

1
These is a Hibiscus mutabilis double flower variety. The flowers of H. mutabilis open white in the morning and later change to pink and then a darker pink as the day gets warmer.

“Hibiscus mutabilis - Changeable Rose Hibiscus (Double Flowers)”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Aug 26th 2011.


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Hibiscus schizopetalus 'Pagoda' - Wordless Wednesday

1

“Hibiscus schizopetalus 'Pagoda' - Wordless Wednesday”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Aug 24th 2011.


Saturday, August 20, 2011

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Cooperi Alba' - A Hibiscus Chimera I Almost Murdered!


This is a collage of the photos I took of the hibiscus chimera that I almost murdered. It was my first ever hibiscus plant at My Nice Garden.

I went looking for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Brilliant Red' which is our National Flower, the Bunga Raya. The nursery owner gave me this. I was assured that it is indeed Bunga Raya.

“Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Cooperi Alba' - A Hibiscus Chimera I Almost Murdered!”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on August 20th, 2011.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - GBBD Aug 2011 and my Favicon


There are 3 colours in this rose - pink, white and yellow.

In order not to slow down the loading time of this post, the rest of the 27 more pictures of my blooming flowers has been uploaded in My Nice Garden Facebook Page. To view them, you can click on my sidebar or use the link here.

You also view and comment on the photos later but you need to "like" my facebook page before you can type in your comments there. You can also post your garden and flower pictures on my facebook page for discussion/querry.

At first I wanted to do a Picasa Wel Album slideshow or collage but it takes up a lot of time. Loading pictures to Facebook albums is almost instantaneous with the flexibility that readers can view them immediately or at a later date.

“Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - GBBD Aug 2011 and my Favicon”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Aug 15th, 2011.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Hibiscus syriacus - Purple Rose of Sharon with Single and Double Flowers


This is a double flower purple Rose of Sharon. I photographed this during a visit to the Seen Hock Yeen Chinese temple in Chemor, Perak.

Hibiscus syriacus - Rose of Sharon Single and Double Flowers”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on Aug 12th, 2011.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars - Multicolour Delight

1. Sultry Beauty, a Red-White Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars - Multicolour Delight”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on August 10th, 2011.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Hibiscus tilaceus dwarf - A Beach Hibiscus with Colour Changing Flowers


During my visit to The Hibiscus Garden of Kuala Lumpur last month, I have come across a dwarf variety of the Hibiscus tilaceus. What I like about this plant is the changing colours of the flowers and the compact size that can fit into our small gardens.

Last year I have posted about the Hibiscus tilaceus that grows to a small tree at the rooftop Secret Garden of 1-Utama here.

This month-end of August is special because in Malaysia, we are having a double celebration of our Independence Day and also Hari Raya or Eid-ul-Fitr. Hence, I shall be posting about the Hibiscus family of plants for Aug 2011. I think this is most appropriate because the common name for Hibiscus is "Bunga Raya" in Malay, our national language. It means "Big, Grand" and "Celebration".


Hibiscus tilaceus dwarf - A Beach Hibiscus with Colour Changing Flowers”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @
http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on August 6th, 2011.

Friday, August 5, 2011

A Bougainvillea Chimera I Murdered


I  hope you still like me after reading this. Early this week, Andrea wrote a post titled, "Have you heard of the chimera? which made me think back about some of the things that I had done wrong. I was preparing a post about a hibiscus chimera that I had almost killed when she posted her chimera post ahead of me.

The picture above is a much LOVEd bougainvillea chimera which has been with me since the time I started a garden in my new home. The seller assured me that the sapling was a 'normal' bougainvillea.

“A Bougainvillea Chimera I Murdered”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on August 5th, 2011.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Carmen's Garden - Desde Puerto Rico con el amor

`
1.
Hola, amigos!

Early this month, I was extremely delighted to receive an email from Carmen who gardens in Puerto Rico. Carmen is a university professor with 2 lovely granddaughters. Like me, Carmen is also a fan of the torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) plant. She is not a blogger and she has sent me these beautiful photographs of her magnolia and torch ginger flowers, along with her warm 'Saludos' and 'Abrazos' which made me feel very nice.

I am very thankful to non-bloggers like Carmen who send me mails/messages and sharing with me their wealth of gardening experiences. This post (and your comments) is for Carmen.

“Carmen's Garden - Desde Puerto Rico con el amor”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on July 29th, 2011.

Help! Somebody wants My Nice Garden name

This bouquet is from Floria 2011 - for Cina, my first commenter.

I wonder if you have experience what I am experiencing. If you do, can you please share with me how to deal with this?

If you have not, maybe you can also learn from my experience.

Today, I have just received an email (spam or not - I don't know) that reads like this:

Dear Manager,

(If you are not the person who is in charge of this, please forward this to your CEO,Thanks)

This email is from China domain name registration center, which mainly deal with the domain name registration and dispute internationally in China and Asia.


On July 25th 2011, We received (Company Name) Ltd's application that they are registering the name " mynicegarden " as their Internet Keyword and " mynicegarden .cn "、" mynicegarden .com.cn " 、" mynicegarden .asia "domain names etc.., It is China and ASIA domain names. But after auditing we found the brand name been used by your company. As the domain name registrar in China, it is our duty to notice you, so I am sending you this Email to check. According to the principle in China, your company is the owner of the trademark, In our auditing time we can keep the domain names safe for you firstly, but our audit period is limited, if you object the third party application these domain names and need to protect the brand in china and Asia by yourself, please let the responsible officer contact us as soon as possible. Thank you!

The above email dated 28 Jul 2011 was signed off by somebody with a first name as the General Manager, Shanghai Office (Head Office) Address in Shanghai 200070, China with Tel, Mobile, Fax and website.
The sender's company name is not mentioned anywhere in the email.

Note: The real names has been left out to protect their privacy in case it is genuine.
 
Now, what should I do?
My dear readers, Autumn Belle needs your help!

Updated on Aug 11, 2011

The sender is among those listed in a post about "Domain Name Scams" by Firetrust a website selling anti-spam softward, the link is here. It seem to me that several other domain owners had  also received such emails. If it happens to you, check out the sender's details at the link provided.

At the moment, it looks more like a SCAM as we can't verify the authenticity and/or good intentions, etc. Hence, be cautious not to reveal your personal details or bank account numbers.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Penang Butterfly Farm P6 - Love On The Butterfly Swing

1. Idea leuconoe - Paper Kite/ Rice Paper/ Large Tree Nymph

Do you remember I visited the Penang Butterfly Farm in December 2010? I have already written 5 posts about the beautiful butterflies there. Hey, I'm not done yet!

Well, this 6th post is about The Butterfly Swing that is filled with LOVE; love among the romancing butterflies and also love written all over a wild vine!

If you'd like some soothing instrumental music by Brian Crain, please go to the bottom of this post and click play.

“Penang Butterfly Farm PBF P6 - Love On The Butterfly Swing”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on July 23rd, 2011.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 8 - Cosmos and Coreopsis for Todays Flowers #152

1 - Yellow coreopsis

Today I have the honour to be guest friend of Today's Flowers # 152. My grateful thanks to TF team Santilli, Denise, Pupo and Sandy Carlson. To participate or view other beautiful entries around the world please visit Today's Flowers, the link is here.

These flowers are from Floria 2011. If you know how to differentiate between cosmos and coreopsis flowers, please teach me.

“Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 8 - Cosmos and Coreopsis for Today's Flowers # 152”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on July 17th, 2011.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 7 - Hydrangea Highlights

1
I have the blue hydrangea at home. These pink and red hydrangeas at Floria 2011 are really lovely.

“Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 7 - Hydrangea Highlights”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on July 2011.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - GBBD July 2011


Today is Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day for July 2011. Leading my parade of flowers today are the roses I had purchased from Floria 2011 at RM 10.00 (USD 3.32) each. I love their fragrance.

I love the dark pink rose the most because it looks quite 'happy-go-lucky' with its ruffled and wavy edged petals!

“GBBD July 2011”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on July 15th, 2011.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 6 - Charming Chrysanthemums For Good Fortune

1 - Rolled petals, purple inside, paler shade on the outside
At Floria 2011, there are some chrysanthemum flowers in lovely shades and colours that I like. Chrysanthemum flowers are used to decorate my home and also for prayers. We regard chrysanthemums as auspicious fengshui flowers signifying success, longevity and the spiritual.

“Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 6 - Charming Chrysanthemums for Good Fortune”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on 14th July 2011.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 5 Golden Annuals - Rudbeckia, Coneflowers and Black Eyed Susans

1 - Black Eyed Susan

At Putrajaya Floria 2011, the glitterati / glitterazzi is at Growers Gardens. This post focuses on the gold and yellow beauties of the Annual flowers on parade.

“Putrajaya Floria 2011 Part 5 Golden Annuals - Rudbeckia, Coneflowers and Black Eyed Susan ?”, a copyrighted post, was written for My Nice Garden blog by Autumn Belle @ http://www.mynicegarden.com/ on July 13th, 2011.

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