Floral whiz:
Ms Choi takes great satisfaction in crafting eye-popping arrangements that adorn the Government House interior.
Floral whiz:
Ms Choi takes great satisfaction in crafting eye-popping arrangements that adorn the Government House interior.
Eye-catching colour:
The dazzling yellow azalea named Glorious was introduced to the Government House garden this year.
Eye-catching colour:
The dazzling yellow azalea named Glorious was introduced to the Government House garden this year.
Hear them ring?:
These unusual flowers, called “magic bells” (Bryophyllum pinnatum), are a magnet for photographers.
Hear them ring?:
These unusual flowers, called “magic bells” (Bryophyllum pinnatum), are a magnet for photographers.
Eggs-acting detail:
Ms Choi carefully crafts arrangements appropriate for the occasion, such as this Easter display with its fanciful use of flowers.
Eggs-acting detail:
Ms Choi carefully crafts arrangements appropriate for the occasion, such as this Easter display with its fanciful use of flowers.
Green leanings:
The gardening team deposits leaves and other yard waste into a composting system, which breaks them down into a fertiliser to enrich the soil.
Green leanings:
The gardening team deposits leaves and other yard waste into a composting system, which breaks them down into a fertiliser to enrich the soil.
Picture perfect:
Ms Choi recommends this staircase in the garden as a choice photo-taking location.
Picture perfect:
Ms Choi recommends this staircase in the garden as a choice photo-taking location.
Gov’t House gardener keen on ‘green’
March 15, 2014
Spring’s arrival has set off a glorious chain reaction as the Government House gardens erupt into a riot of colour. About 30 types of azaleas - in rich red, purple, pink, and for the first time, yellow - have burst into bloom, breathing new life into the grounds surrounding the historic building.
The floral engineer who facilitated the spectacular display is Government House gardener Bendy Choi, responsible for landscaping outside, and floral arrangements inside.
She selected the outdoor flowering shrubs, including 10 new azalea types that include the dazzling yellow one named Glorious.
“I was attracted to its special colour,” Ms Choi said, adding that it is not particularly popular as it looks like a common green leafy plant until its buds fully blossom.
“Then the plant is truly spectacular.”
It is also more fragile than other azalea types, requiring extra care, but Ms Choi enjoys tackling challenges.
“It may not be easy, but I want to bring freshness to Government House by introducing new ideas in arranging the plants.”
Floral ambition
The gardener’s workday begins at 7:30am when she begins her tour of the gardens to inspect the plants, starts assigning tasks to her 17-member team, and places orders with local farmers for fresh plants and blooms.
She took up the post three years ago, having then worked for the Leisure & Cultural Services Department for more than two decades. She has previously managed a beach, a sports centre, parks and the Hong Kong Stadium. The experience comes in handy as she also oversees maintenance of the Government House facilities, including a fountain and surrounding slopes.
She has since honed her gardening skills, having enrolled in a diploma course in professional floral design at City University.
“There are always new types of plants, and new ways to grow plants. I must keep up-to-date to do the best job,” she said.
She took up floral arrangement in 1996, and continues to hone this craft. She considers creating floral displays for the Government House interior to be the most satisfying part of her job.
“Managing the garden to a high standard can be stressful at times, but arranging flowers helps to relieve the stress,” she said.
“I value the opportunities to display my skills and creativity, and am delighted when the guests appreciate my work.”
Children visiting Government House over Easter one year were captivated by her display of Easter eggs made of flowers and fluffy yellow chicks.
Conservation minded
The Government House gardening team practice the “three Rs”, to reduce, re-use and recycle, indoors and out.
They deposit leaves and other yard waste into a composting system, which breaks them down into a fertiliser that provides valuable nutrients and organic matter to enrich the soil. This environmentally friendly practice conserves natural resources while reducing waste.
Floral foam, the spongy base into which branches and blossoms are inserted, is used as little as possible in her arrangements, and she will re-use it as many times as possible. She also incorporates branches trimmed from the garden into her displays. Flowers that still have life in them will be re-used, also.
“Re-using flowers in different arrangements showcases my creativity,” she said.
“I also want to introduce the idea of protecting the environment to the public. I want them to respect our natural resources when they appreciate the flora, whether it’s inside or in the garden.”
