PALM WEEVIL BEETLE

There were lots of cocoons of the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Common Name: Red Palm Weevil, Sago Palm Weevil) found in the leaf sheath bases of the Phoenix palm. This is also the same beetle that damages a lot of Bismarckia nobilis palms. The adult beetle is about 5 cm long.

TOA PAYOH TOWN PARK - PART 2

After the pergola, I approached this rustic part of the park. You see, when we were redeveloping the park, there was a part of the park that was occupied by a temporary bus interchange before it was moved to its present permanent location across the road and there was this other part that was nostalgic to most residents who lived in this area.

The decision then was to redevelop this latter part with a more modern look to it and retain the rustic feel of the former. This is the former part that leads to a chinese-design bridge over a pond. The old and bent Callistemon viminalis trees were kept because of the beauty they give to the pond with their arching branches. The reflection of the landscape in the pond was just splendid and the small islands of plants in the pond add a different dimension to it. The landscape architect was brilliant and suggested the use of Phoenix palms in the water as a trial and they are still there in the pond today.

Amongst the marginal aquatic plants was a Waterhen that moved quietly through the thick growth. Part of the old concrete footpath along the pond edge was laid with wooden blocks salvaged from an Australian railway, at least that was what I was told. Then I was back on the red-bricked pathway that led me out of the park where I was greeted by the majestic rows of silver Bismarckia nobilis that is so iconic of this location.

THAILAND - NONG NOOCH TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

The lawn looked as if it was overrun by a flock of geese but the truth was, they were all fake sculptures made from concrete. How interesting!

Then from the newly constructed skybridge, I had a good view of the silver garden. The range of plants include the silver Copernicia baileyana, Bismarckia nobilis, variegated Alstonia scholaris, Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus and white flower Plumeria pudica etc. It was just amazing and provided a stark contrast with the colourful range of plants in the formal garden that I mentioned in my previous post.

The sky was also slightly hazy and this somehow seemed to raise the heat a few notches higher. But otherwise, it was a really enjoyable view of the place.