WIth Chinese New Year just over a month away there are a number of stalls selling the lucky bamboo.
The plant is actually not a bamboo but Dracaena sanderiana, and represents happiness, wealth and longevity. The requirements for a happy life.
I'm not sure what these plants were but they seem to like growing in these balls of compressed sphagnum moss. I believe the term for this is Kokedama and is a form of Japanese bonsai. The presence of bonsai and other Japanese influences in Taiwan is not unusual as Taiwan was ruled by Japan from 1895-1945. I think I have new plans for the package of sphagnum moss I have in the potting shed.
But the showiest sights of all were the orchid and bougainvillea stalls.
How I wished I could have brought home a bundle of these bare root orchids.
They were just a couple of dollars a bundle.
The little cactus were less than $2 a pot too.
and a wide selection of bulbs.
Sprouts and sprouting aids
And we even met the man in the photograph who covers himself with bees. He was just selling honey that day.
And then it was off for lunch to a traditional Taiwanese restaurant.
I got to pick from a selection of tapas dishes.
Little fishes with peanuts, lotus root, sea weed and eggplant. That was just for starters.
I love bonsai! But cacti and orchids are fantastic too. The market looks like a blast.
ReplyDeleteThis was just what I needed on this arctic morning: a taste of the faraway. =D
ReplyDeleteWhile I almost always associate lucky bamboo with China or Chinese New Year, and bonsai always brings to mind Japanese gardens, somehow I am always surprised to see all the cacti in play in those countries. I guess I built a bridge in my mind between cacti and the Americas? I'm grateful to you for opening that window and helping me get a more accurate feel for how certain plants and forms are appreciated world wide. Have a lovely weekend Rock Rose!
ReplyDeleteWhile I almost always associate lucky bamboo with China or Chinese New Year, and bonsai always brings to mind Japanese gardens, somehow I am always surprised to see all the cacti in play in those countries. I guess I built a bridge in my mind between cacti and the Americas? I'm grateful to you for opening that window and helping me get a more accurate feel for how certain plants and forms are appreciated world wide. Have a lovely weekend Rock Rose!
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how I have gone all my life with out knowing about Kokedama, then in one week come across it three times. Thanks for sharing your photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a temptation to see all these fabulous plants - and not be able to get them home. At least you can do some good eating. We lived in China for a while and I loved the pickled lotus root.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure for people who live near there! I've seen plants growing out of moss balls before - I think people would suspend them from the ceiling in one of those vogue gardening styles. I wonder how often you'd have to water them if you did that?
ReplyDeleteMy in-laws used to live in Singapore for awhile, and my mother-in-law grew orchids on her apartment balcony. She said they were so easy to grow there in that climate! So stunning!