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On Ting Estate, built in 1980, is one of the oldest public housing estates in Tuen Mun. When major renovation works were carried out in 2003, several barren planters in the estate were converted into a "Palm Garden" with sitting-out area. The Palm Garden also serves as an educational ground for students of nearby schools to learn about botany.
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The Palm Garden, occupying an area of 1,500m², is extensively planted with about 10 species of palm trees, which include Arenga pinnata, Areca catechu, Wodyetia bifurcata, Livistona chinensis, Roystonea regia and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis. Among all the gardens under the Housing Authority, this is where the largest number of palm species is found. We made special efforts to retain existing plants, added various well-matched species of palm trees and put in place a specially-designed Tai Chi area. The theme garden has now become a serene, scenic spot for the enjoyment of residents at their leisure.
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Areca catechu
Areca catechu is an evergreen tree native to places such as Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam. The broad and straight tree trunks served as important building material for constructing the stanchions and purlins of houses in early years. According to some medical findings, the nuts of Areca catechu (betel nuts) have stomachic and astringent properties and curing effect for pestilence. It is also a custom in many places to use betel nuts as a masticatory. However, they contain chemicals like arecoline and arecaidine which, as research findings suggest, may have adverse effects on the health of those who chew betel nuts frequently.
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis
Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is only 3 to 5 metres tall on average. With a short cylindrical trunk and a swelling base, it resembles a Japanese wine bottle in shape and is, therefore, also known as "bottle palm". Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is a slow growing plant, which needs more than 20 years from sprouting to flowering and fruitage. The latter stage alone takes 18 months. This explains why Hyophorbe lagenicaulis is considered a precious ornamental plant.
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The site of the Bauhinia Garden in Tai Hing Estate was formerly an abandoned cycling ground and a mini-soccer pitch. To improve the environment of the estate, we decided to convert the site into a theme garden in four phases. The conversion works commenced in late 1999 and were completed in 2003. This is the second theme garden managed by the Housing Department with Bauhinia as its theme flower. The amphitheatre and the square in the garden are major venues for organising activities within the estate. Moreover, the Ficus elastica in the garden has been included under Register of Old and Valuable Trees (Registration Number: HD TM/1).
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The Bauhinia Garden in Tai Hing Estate occupies an area of about 3,500 m². Apart from Bauhinia x blakeana and Bauhinia variegata, more than 37,000 plants including shrubs such as Rhododendron and Buxus microphylla and other ground cover are widely grown in the garden. During the flowering season in February and March, the garden is filled with colourful blossoms, bringing much charm and vigour to the estate.
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Bauhinia x blakeana
Bauhinia x blakeana grows well in the humid climate of tropical and sub-tropical areas. It has a long flowering period which lasts for five months from early November to the following March. Not only being attractive, Bauhinia x blakeana can be grown on slopes to help prevent soil erosion and landslides. First discovered in Hong Kong and chosen as the city flower in 1965, Bauhinia x blakeanais also adopted in the design of the regional flag and regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Ficus elastica
In the Bauhinia Garden, there is a Ficus elastica which is estimated to be more than 35 years old. The tree is the same age as Tai Hing Estate. Ficus elastica is an evergreen tree of the Moraceae family, which is characterised by its fast growth and luxuriant foliage. Major branches and aerial roots that drop from the trunk can develop themselves into new supporting trunks upon reaching the ground, forming a broad expanse of branches which provides excellent shade from the sun.
Ixora chinensis
Ixora chinensis is an evergreen shrub native to the tropical areas in Asia and Africa. There are many species of Ixora chinensis. Its ability to resist cold and extreme heat, as well as its year-long flowering period makes it an ideal plant for courtyard landscaping, hedge planting and pot plant cultivation. The bright red flowers are attractive and eye-catching in the countryside. Its extraordinarily long stamens, which extend beyond the pedals, give the plant a distinctive feature.
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To preserve the tranquil environment of Butterfly Estate built in 1983, we have been making landscape improvement and greening efforts in the estate through extensive planting, which forms a green zone covering about one fourth of the total area of the estate. A number of theme gardens have been constructed in a design congruent with the environment of the estate and the unique features of its various types of plants, including the Pine and Bamboo Garden, and the Palm Garden inside the Butterfly Estate.
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An indigenous Casuarina equisetifolia has been in existence in Butterfly Estate even before the estate was built. During the construction of the Butterfly Estate Garden, special arrangement was made to plant bamboos around the Casuarina equisetifolia as a foil to its wide spreading growth. A Palm Garden, extensively planted with palms, was also constructed in contrast with the Roystonea regia nearby for added variety and beauty.
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Casuarina equisetifolia
Casuarina equisetifolia is an evergreen tree native to Northern Australia and grows particularly well in sandy soil. The small and oblong leaves will reduce into rings of scale-like leaves surrounding the nodes of slender branchlets. Having been planted at the present location before the completion of Butterfly Estate, the Casuarina equisetifolia in the Pine and Bamboo Garden is one of the most important indigenous plants in the estate.
Roystonea regia
Roystonea regia belongs to the Palmae family. The tree, which is a robust single-trunked plant, is widely cultivated for landscaping purpose or as an ornamental tree along roadsides. The Roystonea regia in Butterfly Estate are estimated to be over 20 years old. The towering trees, grown in a cluster, present an imposing grandeur and are splendid to look at.
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Tsz Ching Estate, built in 1993, consists of eleven housing blocks accommodating 8,000 households. The Housing Department had carried out landscape improvement work in 2012 to enhance the green environment of the estate. In addition, a "Herbs Garden" was built in the same year. More than 5,400 plants including herbs and other shrubs and groundcovers were planted in the garden. This exquisite herbs garden has become a popular leisure area for the enjoyment of the residents.
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The Herbs Garden occupies an area of about 90 square meters. Rich varieties of ornamental and culinary herbs such as Mentha spp., Perilla frutescens and Rosmarinus officinalis were planted in the garden. The colour and fragrance of the garden is further enriched by the planting of feature plant Ochrosia coccinea with its rose red fruit bringing special interest to the residents.
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Built in 1983, Lung Hang Estate consists of six housing blocks accommodating 4,300 households. A new landscape improvement project was completed in Lung Hang Estate under the Housing Authority's Landscape Improvement Programme. With Ixora chinensis (commonly known as "dragon boat flower" in Chinese) as the theme flower to form a legendary dragon, the landscape is called "Dragon Boat Garden".
The Dragon Boat Garden is located at the concourse of Lung Hang Estate which was previously home to a fountain. The garden is a landmark of the estate and is well enjoyed by residents in the neighbourhood.
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"Dragon boat flowers" were chosen as the thematic species of the landscape because "dragon" is a homophone of "lung" (隆), which is the initial character of Lung Hang Estate denoting prosperity. The Dragon Boat Garden features rich layers and sharp contrasts. The taller Bougainvillea and Furcraea form the back layer, while the dragon boat flowers in red, pink and yellow colours and other shrubs line the lower frontier. The garden integrates a strong contrast of hard versus soft and warm versus cool. The solidity of the ornamental rocks is a contrast to the yielding layers of plants; while the warm colours of the "dragon boat flowers", Bougainvillea, Coleus and Furcraea contrast with the cool green shades of Dragon Juniper and Sprengeri fern. The dragon boat flowers have a relatively long flowering season from spring to summer, and the cultivation of mixed species keep the garden lively with flowers throughout the year.
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Sun Chui Estate in Shatin was built in 1983. Since then, greening and landscape improvement project have been carried out regularly in the estate to maintain a pleasant living environment for the residents. We implemented a landscape improvement project in 2003 to convert the turfed area at the entrance of the estate, which situates beside tall housing blocks, into a theme garden of about 800 m². The garden has now become a landmark of Sun Chui Estate.
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Taking into account the position of the garden, which is surrounded by high-rise blocks on three sides, our Horticulture Unit adopts a "vertical plane" design. Around the garden are a number of palmaceous plants such as Wodyetlia bifurcata, Areca catechu, Neodypsis decaryi and Phoenix sylvestris, giving a tropical feel to the emergency access of the housing estate. Another theme plant of the garden is Terminalia, which includes the deciduous Terminalia mantaly 'Tricolor' and Terminalia mantaly. There is also a meandering stone path in the garden, where residents may take a leisurely walk and enjoy the tranquility.
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Terminalia spp.
The Terminalia in the theme garden includes Terminalia mantaly 'Tricolor' and Terminalia mantaly, both of which are deciduous trees of the Combretaceae family. The whorl of lateral branches grows in obvious horizontal tiers, looking like a beautiful crown. It gives the trees a symmetrical silhouette, which is often mistaken as the result of artificial pruning. Its distinctive features make it a popular tree for garden landscaping and roadside greening. Terminalia mantaly 'Tricolor' , a cultivar of Terminalia mantaly, has light green leaves bearing milky white or milky yellow marks and pinkish budding leaves. The shades of light colour on the leaves give the impression that they are covered with snow.
Wodyetia bifurcata
Wodyetia bifurcata, also known as Foxtail palm, belongs to the Palm family and is native to Northern Australia. It has good tolerance to cold, drought and wind. Wodyetia bifurcata has a thick and robust trunk and a full crown of silky green arching fronds that look like fox tails, hence the name "Foxtail palm". Leaves grow in clusters at the top of the crown to form a magnificent umbrella-like shape. It is suitable for cultivation along roadsides, grown in groups in gardens, or at a corner of a lawn for an exquisite ornamental effect.
Phoenix sylvestris
Phoenix sylvestris of the Palmae family is native to India and is also known as India Date Palm. It is a strong plant tolerant of high temperature, drought, flood and frost (it can withstand chilly temperature of 10°C). Phoenix sylvestris is a tall tree which can grow up to 10 to 16 metres tall. It has a thick and robust trunk, and blossoms in April and May with white staminate flowers and yellowish orange pistillate flowers. The compound leaves, measuring 3 to 5 metres long, grow in dense terminal clusters. Phoenix sylvestris resembles Cycas revolute in appearance, and is often planted along roadsides for a grandeur effect.
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The Rhododendron Garden in Lei Muk Shue Estate was converted from an old garden. When it was redeveloped and re-landscaped in early 2005, our Horticulture Unit transplanted over 2,000 Rhododendron hybrida, the focal plants displayed in the Hong Kong Flower Show of the same year, into the garden. Rhododendron hybrida has a long flowering period and grows well in Lei Muk Shue Estate, making the garden a major leisure area in the estate.
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The Rhododendron Garden occupies an area of about 1,000 m². Various Rhododendron species, including Rhododendron hybrida, are grown in the garden. Some of them are trimmed to a multi-layer shape for a greater decorative effect. To match the existing plants in the garden, various species of Bauhinia, such as Bauhinia purpurea, are added to enrich the variety of plants in the garden.
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Rhododendron hybrida
Rhododendron hybrida is a kind of shrub that grows best in shady conditions. With a short and stout trunk, dense foliage and profuse flowers in vibrant colours, Rhododendron hybrida is one of the most popular plants around the world. With a long flowering period, it blooms almost throughout the year. It is, therefore, also known as "Four-Season Rhododendron".
Bauhinia variegata
Bauhinia variegata is a small or medium-sized deciduous tree native to India, Malaysia and southern China. It bears fragrant pink flowers in spring and early summer. Its fruit turns black when ripe, and the seeds spread widely and can germinate in all kinds of environment. The seedling trees grow fast and blossom in their second year. It is one of the common plants in Hong Kong.
Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana
Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana is a big evergreen tree with light yellow flowers which resemble a bottle brush in appearance. The ash-coloured bark is soft and spongy in texture and peels off in layers, looking like a pile of paper. The aromatic oil extracted from the leaves and buds is used for making embrocation and essential oil. However, allergy-prone people should note that the pollen of Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana is toxic. Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana has a purifying property and can also serve as a windbreak in open spaces.
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Hung Fuk Estate, the first public rental housing estate in Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long, was completed in 2015 with nine domestic blocks providing 4,900 units. Apart from a camellia-themed garden, the estate boasts a bewildering array of plants such as Prunus campanulata, Tabebuia chrysantha, Delonix regia, Pyrostegia venusta, Podranea ricasoliana and Bougainvillea spectabilis. This wonderful mix of annual flowers makes for a lovely garden bursting with colour and life all year round, creating a delightful and pleasant environment for the residents.
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Covering an area of about 2,000 square metres, the Camellia Garden showcases four species of the flowering shrub, namely purplish-pink Camellia sasanqua, pink Camellia japonica, pinkish-white Camellia sinensis and pure white Camellia oleifera. All except the single-flowered Camellia oleifera are in double form blooming with dozens of dazzling layers of petals.
"Undeterred by the wintry weather the camellia grows,Dancing to contrive fresh beauty as the spring wind blows."
Camellias flower in autumn and continue well into spring. To optimise the visual experience, our landscape architect has come up with an ingenious design to showcase the blossoms in a linear pattern, turning the garden into a dazzling sea of flowers especially when in full bloom.
To optimise the visual experience, our landscape architect has come up with an ingenious design to showcase the blossoms in a linear pattern, turning the garden into a dazzling sea of flowers especially when in full bloom
A corner of the Camellia Garden in Hung Fuk Estate
Pinkish-white Camellia sinensis showcasing its elegance and purity
Camellia sinensis in double form blooming with dozens of dazzling layers of petals
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To enhance the landscape of Hoi Lai Estate, which was built since 2004, greening efforts have been made by constructing a theme garden "Butterfly Garden" in the estate. Flowers of different species have been introduced to the garden to attract butterflies. The Butterfly Garden with the sitting-out place serves as a leisure area, which provides a tranquil environment for residents and visitors to appreciate the elegant butterflies.
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The Butterfly Garden, occupying an area of 640 m², is planted with various species of plants and flowers in different heights, sizes and colours.
Large flowers such as Bougainvillea glabra, ‘Variegata’, Ixora javanica and Rose spp. attract larger butterflies; whilst delicate flowers such as Pentas lanceolata, Catharanthus roseus and Lantana camara are more attractive to small butterflies. The garden also welcomes birds to prey for food as the eggs laid by the butterflies will turn into caterpillars. It provides a place where city dwellers may experience the vitality of nature on their doorstep.
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To enhance beautiful environment of Sha Kok Estate, which was built in 1980, we have carried out landscape improvement project in the estate. Part of the estate was re-landscaped in 2011 and a theme garden "Hibiscus Garden" was also constructed. About 2,500 plants of Malvaceae were planted within the garden. The newly planted Hibiscus not only beautify the estate environment, but also provide a leisure place for the enjoyment of the residents.
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The Hibiscus Garden occupies an area of about 250 m². Various Malvaceae species like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Variegata' and Malvaviscus arboreus are planted in the garden. The ravishing flowers together with the angel sculpture blend into the local environment enriching the aesthetic quality of the area. There is also a meandering stone path in the garden, where residents can stroll along and enjoy the peacefulness.
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Lei Cheng Uk Estate, completed in 1984, comprises ten domestic blocks providing about 1,000 units in total. The adjoining Han Garden, designed in the style of a Han-dynasty garden, provides a leisure area for the enjoyment of the residents.
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Completed in 1993, Han Garden occupies an area of about 1,459 square metres, featuring antique style stone-carved gate pillars, grey tiles and white walls, classical pavilions and bridges with a pond surrounded by trees. In 2018, the Hong Kong Housing Authority gave Han Garden a facelift through enhancement works and construction of a new courtyard.
Beside the Garden is the newly-built courtyard, designed in the theme of a Chinese chessboard and adorned with wonderful arrays of Chinese flowers and plants in its surroundings. Blending seamlessly into the architectural landscape of Han Garden, the courtyard not only displays nostalgic elegance, but also gives the entire garden a fresh new look.
In addition to landscape improvement and replanting of existing flower beds, a wide variety of plants on display in the Housing Department’s garden at the Hong Kong Flower Show 2018, including Ficus microcarpa var. crassifolia, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Bougainvillea spectabilis and Camellia japonica, have been transplanted to Han Garden, enriching the scene with sumptuous colours. Other improvement works include enhancement of the safety facilities and filter system for the pond.
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Lam Tin Estate, completed in 2009, comprises four domestic blocks providing about 3,000 units in total. To enhance green coverage and improve air quality in the vicinity of the estate, some 20,000 plants and shrubs of different species are grown by the Housing Department within the estate area. There is a butterfly garden, known as the House of Dancing, built in the estate, with an abundance of flowers of various kinds to attract butterflies.
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Occupying an area of 130 square metres, the Butterfly Garden is planted with a variety of greenery and nectar plants which appeal to butterflies, making for an ideal haven for these little creatures. The diversity of flora provides butterflies with a rich habitat for roosting, feeding and breeding. Larger flowers such as Bougainvillea spectabilis and Ixora chinensis, along with smaller ones such as Pentas lanceolata and Lantana camara, attract butterflies of different sizes to the garden. Delightful and tranquil, the sitting-out area in the garden is a great spot for residents to watch butterflies flutter gracefully around dazzling flowers.
Butterfly Garden in Lam Tin Estate
The diversity of flora provides butterflies with a rich habitat for roosting, feeding and breeding
The sitting-out area is a great spot for residents to appreciate the beauty of dazzling flowers
The garden is planted with a variety of nectar plants which appeal to butterflies
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