Yellow Saraca flowers

On a stretch of road at Taman BDC I came across these beautiful yellow blooms of the Yellow Saraca ( Saraca thaipingensis). This is a short tree and grows very slowly. Therefore I think this species is ideal for house gardens, small roads and parks. The flowers are fragrant.

CU of the Yellow Saraca flowers, that typicaly offshot from older branches.

Hanging handkerchiefs

These white to light purple young leaves hang like long handkerchiefs from the the tip of the yellow saraca ( Saraca thaipingensis ) tree branches. I saw two stretches of roads at the BDC housing estate this morning which have these mature trees in their initial blooming stage.
In India a close relative of this tree is the Ashoka tree ( Saraca asoca ) underwhich it was believed Buddha was born and as such the tree is considered sacred among adherents of the Buddhist faith.
The variety we have here has bright yellow flowers which are fragrant, especially at night. This is an evergreen tree and is considered small as they very rarely reach more than 20 m. Over the years I have observed one specimen at the Sarawak Museum gardens and to my knowledge have been there for more than 15 years now and still retain a height of not more than 6m. I think this tree is a rarity even though it is native to this part of the world. As such I think it is good if other places in Sarawak emulate the planting of this species mainly for its unique look and blooms.

Close up of the bright yellow blooms of the saraca.


The flowers are attactive to bees and birds.
A characteristic of the saraca is its peculiar habit of having blooms emerging on the sides of older branches as seen here.

Corner Landscape Detailing

Successive layering is achieved through proper use of plants and colours

Recently I have been interested on the treatment of landscaping corners around the Kuching waterfront area and other likely areas around the city. I always believe that at tight corners the landscaping details should enhance the engineering aspects of roadsides plus its aestethic appeal. A short walk around town indicated to me that some people have done quite a good job of planting details as shown above and below.

The red ixoras alert one's senses.

Location: Kuching Waterfront area

Corner at DBKU Building (Petrajaya) showing diverse shapes, heights and colours of plants (i.e.hibiscus,cordyline and palm)

Use of spathiphyllum and variegated dwarf ophiopogon help defines corners.

Location: Barrack Road

Feeding Pigeons

Seen is a tiny flock of pigeons being feed with rice grains near a car parking lot at Satok Market, Kuching, Sarawak.

Shaded Footpath

I saw this interesting use of perforated concrete slabs for footpath on a residential road in Kuching.  The roadside tree gives shade to a mini car instead.

Kuching Roads

Traffic in Kuching business district returns to normal today after having been blocked or diverted at many sections due to the river reggatta held at the Kuching Waterfront for the last three days( 1 - 3 August).  Above is the view of the main road passing the central business district which is the main seat for the 5- star hotels, banks and uptrend shopping complexes.  Towards the end of the road ( to the top of the picture) is where the Kuching Waterfront is.

A section of the highway leading back to Kuching City. This particular location is at Petra Jaya which is the seat of Sarawak's state administration.  Of particular interest is the tastefully done roadside landscaping employing architectural trees and flowering shrubs as well as colourful foliage.

The majestic Royal Palms

Just opposite the newly opened Green Heights Mall is this condominium building also named Green Heights Condominium. The majesty of the royal palms enforces the grandeur of the place.

Hibiscus as Hedge and Flowering shrub

Besides the Wisma Satok, which is the building on the left, is this long row of variegated hibiscus hedge. However I notice that in the midst of the row and at intervals are placed solitary hibiscus plants which are left to grow without much trimming. The result is this showy bunch of beautiful red flowers by the otherwise mundane roadsides.

Saraca Tree in burst of flowers

At a neighbourhood road in Taman BDC is this handsome saraca tree displaying a burst of bright orangy flowers.

Topiary

A fine example of roadside topiary trees on a Kuching sub-urban road.

Initail notes

Kuching is a city that has two mayors, a unique feature of Sarawak government administration attempt to appease two major groups of urban voters viz the Chinese controlled areas of south Kuching and the Buimputra controlled areas of northern Kuching.
As a city Kuching has plenty of attractions. This site will highlight the many attractions of Kuching....for the world to see.

Satok flyover in flowering glory. This 'Singapore Beauty' species of bougainvillea is a perfect choice for large container boxes . True to recommendation it is a delight to the senses.