- PENN T. LARENA
Tropical plants are often symbols of life and happiness on earth. Their vibrant colors and stunning beauty are indicative of the natural energy that exists in our planet. The blossoming of flowers makes a person’s character positive all the time. It attracts the inner glow of the beautiful soul of the owner of a tropical garden.
I am one of the few privileged to witness a beautiful tropical garden in the hilltop view overlooking the city. Businesswoman, socialite, and civic leader, tita Lilian Macay Diamond, graciously toured us around a secret garden ready to mesmerize us on the wonders of nature.
It was a full moon in the company of awesome people, led by civic leader Jenny King, businesswoman Elsie Lee, CAI president Linda Flores-Basmayor, restaurateur Lizza Vivar Perdices, writer and multitalented Jessica Layumas, entrepreneur Pichina Teves, and Dumaguete City Festival and Arts Society Inc. president and banker William Christopher Sinco Dichoso.
Tita Lilian prepared a Filipino gastronomic fusion amid tropical flower arrangement and heavenly cakes and pastries. It was a night to celebrate good wine from Chile and Santa Cruz, the oldest wine growing regions in California, USA.
This tropical garden is a great place to visit. It gives you a unique experience that makes you stress and problem-free.
The tropical garden is home to Staghorn ferns, locally known as capa de leon. Bromeliads have beautiful foliage, but they are often sought after for their inflorescence and colorful leaves.
The Alocasia dragon scale looks like something out of a fairy tale with shimmering, textured foliage that appears crafted from granite.
Engkantada, or the queen of the night, considered by the Chinese as good luck, made a cameo role in the Crazy Rich Asians movie.
Bonsai, the main star of the garden, is a Japanese art that involves growing a tree in a shallow container while training it into a particular shape. Bonsai refers to the way in which the plant is grown and maintained, rather than the species itself.
According to feng shui, bonsai has the goal of connecting us to the cycles of nature. One way of doing this is by bringing symbols and elements of nature into the home. Trees, in particular, are connected to the wood element, which represents kindness, respect, and growth.
These versatile plants produce unique blooms that provide an exotic touch to tropical centerpieces, and are also ideal for colorful tropical flower arrangements.
Tropical gardening is not much different to any other types of gardening. Plants still share the same basic needs—healthy soil, water, good climate, and proper fertilization. With tropical gardening, however, you don’t have to worry about dry and wet seasons for your plants since these climates remain warm year round.
Thank you so much, Tita Lilian, for showing us your tropical garden, and for being the best party host in Negros Oriental. Truly, you are the Queen of Diamond Hearts (Reina de Diamantes Corazones). Her garden offers a rare glimpse into some of the most beautiful tropical gardens in the world.
Alright, now it’s time to go forth and get to work on the tropical garden of your wildest dreams! – NWI
