The empress dowager of China - Tzu Hsi

Empress Orchid

I have recently bought a book on the well known empress dowager of China named "Empress Orchid". I love history, so I have read quite a number of accounts over this well known empress that had been blamed to have caused the downfall of China's monarchy, or more specifically the Ch'ing Dynasty. This book shows a totally different aspect of Tzu Hsi. It basically humanized her and rationalised her actions. I find this a good read as it gives me a fresh perspective. After lodging my mind with all the accounts of her tyrannies, viciousness and superficialities, this book refreshed my ideology that people are not born good or bad, but moulded and perceived as what they are. And what anybody else think will not matter except to the person himself/herself. All things said and done, there is no way to judge or really know a person. How many of us know our ownselves? She may be a victim of circumstances, or she may be a fighter in situations. All I know is that it certainly needs a lot of character to be where she was. Histories changes as people and ideas evolves. If looking backwards really help us to move forward, I think 1 simple lesson learnt here is that although things may be dampen if 1 person do not proceed with the chain effect of the environment, things will not stop just because 1 person stops.

We are all but a grain of dust in the revolving universe...

Beautiful Spring - Prologue

“Hello. How are you? I am fine.”
I learnt these when I sent my daughters to pre-school. In actual fact, I may not be so fine after all. What can I say, I’ve been long dead since 1991. At least physically I am dead. Acknowledgement of my physical existence has long been replaced with memories. Memories held by my family and friends. Fond memories, I am sure for I have spent my life as a god/karma fearing person. I’d spent my life abiding social norms. I’d stuck to Confucious’ teachings. I have never done unto others what I didn't want others do to me. Yes, I know about Confucious eventhough I am not highly educated. This has been my life values: Be a good daughter and sister before you are married; Be a good wife and mother after you are married. I followed through them all. Anyway, it is through these fond memories that I am able to relay to you my life story.
I was born a girl to the Lee family in 1949 at an island called Leng Kee, which is slightly off the coast of Bagan Panchor, Pantai Remis, Perak. My parents were Hokkiens originated from Eng Chun, China. I was the second among six brothers and sisters. I was named Beautiful Spring in Chinese. But because my parents were worried that my birth might incurred the wrath of jealous evil spirits, I was also named Ah Kan, which means maid in Hokkien. Never had I thought that names could have such a big impact on my life. Sigh... never!

Herbs - Chrysanthemum (Flos Chrysanthemi)

When we talk about chrysanthemum flowers, many people expected flat yellow flowers that easily distegrates when soaked with boiled water. Aha... That is because you have bought the lower quality type. They are cheap, no doubt, but they also become easily bland in taste after the 2nd round of boiling water. But this.... this is a very beautiful species. Beautiful in taste, in sight and in function.

The herb is chiefly produced in the provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan and Sichuan, collected when the flower is in full blossom, and dried in the shade for use.

Chinese medicine uses it in expelling wind, clearing away heat, calming the liver and improving acuity of vision. As the herb is slightly cold in nature and acts on the lung and liver channels, it suits our consumption best during the time of haze like now.

When you are buying them from the herbal store, make sure you emphasize for high quality chrysanthemum which should look like the picture below when it is dry.

And not like the one below:

When soaked in hot water, the flower will expand into a full yellow bloom. Isn't that beautiful..

Preparation for a honey chrysanthemum drinks:
1. Put 2-3 tablespoons of dried chrysanthemum into a 500ml pot.
2. Blanch the flowers with hot water and drained.
3. Pour in hot water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Pour 3 teaspoons of honey.
5. To beautify your presentation, pour the drinks into a see-through glass and voila!

Tropical gardening - African violet

African violet (aka saintpaulias) are container plants. I bought this flower plant as I was a bit down and need a little cheering from some beautiful plants. I do not know what it is and I am not sure it will survive in my hands (I am not very good with flower plants). But imagine my shock when I search through the internet to find so many clubs and societies for this plant. Wow!
Where to get
I bought it at supermarket. You can find them in nurseries. Or you can just pluck a leaf from your friend's and cultivate from there.
How to start
If you actually plucked it from your friend's, (1) Cut the stem at an angle, leaving a stem below the leaves that is 1 - 2 inches long. (2) Fill a small pot (that has drainage holes) with a very light potting mix. A mix of half vermiculite and half potting mix will work well. (3) Set the leaf into the prepared pot at an angle. Do not set it into the soil very deeply. Water and allow the excess moisture to drain away. (4) Place the potted leaf into a clear plastic bag (zip-loc bags work well) and seal it tightly closed. You may wish to blow into the bag as it is sealed to puff it up with air. (5) Set the leaf in a bright location out of direct sunlight. It normally takes about one month for the leaf to root and another month for the plantlets to appear. The clump of plants that develop will need to be divided when the leaves are about the size of a dime.
Take my advice, just buy them from somewhere.
How to maintain
The plant needs free-draining soil. Do not over water. And place the plant in the sun, as it needs them to reproduce and bloom.
Note
Type african violets in the search engine and you will get loads of support.

Tropical gardening - Bowles' Mint

Mint or Mentha is a widely used herb all over the world. Its history can be traced all the way back to Roman times. There are 25 species of mints and they are perennials. I like perennials as they are more long lasting. Mints are consumed for colds, indigestion and migraine. They are inhaled to relief colds, chest infections, catarrh and asthma. It can also act as insect repellent to deter ants.
Where to get
Mint can be acquired from nursery/supermarkets (they sell them in small little pots). How did was I purchased them from the wet market and thrust them into the soil. Most of them time 20% of those will survive and flourish. muahahaha.... I know. I am extremely lazy. muahahaha..
How to maintain
Mint needs damp or wet soils. Place them under partial shade and trim the plant to promote regeneration. I usually do my trimming when I am cooking. Hehe.. But I strongly suggest this plant as freshly plucked herbs are more fragrant than those purchased from market.
Note
Excess use may cause allergic reactions.

Tropical gardening - Lemon

I know you might say that lemon should be planted at cooler temperature. But what I am proving to you is that lemon can be planted in tropical climate too. Lemon or scientifically known as citrus limon is a good source of herb. Its juice is rich of vitamin C, which can be consume or applied externally for insect bites and skin irritations. Its peel can be extracted for oil or dried for pot-pourri.
Where to get
Just buy a lemon from the market and sow the seeds.
How to start
Sow seeds in a small pot and cover the seeds lightly with mixed soil. Place the pot in a shaded area and ensure that the soil is always damp. When the seedlings come through, place it under direct sunlight. Or you can do like what I did. Just throw the seeds into a pot and place it under the sun. Water it daily and it will accidentally pop out to surprise you. That's what happen to me actually.
How to maintain
The plant needs well-drained but not too acidic compost/soil. You can keep them under filtered sun or greenhouse. For me, I kept them at my shaded balcony. Well I don't really have a choice there. And most interesting of all, you can actually keep them in a pot, as long as there are room for growth.
Note
1. Apply pesticide to avoid attacks on the plant ( I have to cut the plant to cure them of the pest).
2. If you intend to plant lemon in container, stop changing to bigger pots when the plant is at the desired size/height. Trim the plant to promote regeneration.

Tropical gardening - Lantana

I have bought many books on gardening. So far, all these books are great with many explanations and photos. The only problem is, they are all for 4 seasons gardening. Some local productions are too sad. They either lack the variety or praticality. So gardening became my experiments of trial and error. Quite fun if the plants don't die out on you. But I thought might as well share some tips with you guys, and please share yours with me.
Lantana is a perennial. Perennial means plants that can lasts for seasons/years. Lantana comes in more than 100 varieties. They come in many colours and changes colours so that the little flowers in the middle is different from the outer ring.
Where to get
You can find nurseries selling these plants as cheap as RM3 per plant. Or you can buy the seeds from supermarkets.
How to start
Sow seeds in a small pot and cover the seeds lightly with mixed soil. Place the pot in a shaded area and ensure that the soil is always damp. When the seedlings come through, place them in a lighted place but out of direct sunlight. When the seedlings are at least 10 cm tall with stronger leaves, they can be planted out under the sun.
How to maintain
This type of plant needs reasonably rich and free-draining soil. Meaning that it requires renewal of fertiliser from time to time. How to know if the soil is free-draining? When you water the plants, the liquid is easily absorbed and flow out at the bottom of the pot.
Note
1. The plant is poisonous.
2. Avoid over watering or they won't blossom.