The Secret Garden Of 1 Utama

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama
Cacti, succulents and dry-climate plants.

Nature and I have an affinity. Greenery gives me serenity. I like to watch plants grow and bloom. All my life, until I moved into an apartment, I have lived in houses with big gardens. In those gardens, there were herbs, flowering plants, edible plants and even poisonous plants. I also like to watch the insects that the plants attract.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama
My favourite subject – macro shot of eugenia sp.

Our house has a little garden here in Kuala Lumpur but the limited space is barely sufficient for us to cultivate all the plants we want. Therefore, we were happy beyond words when we discovered that there is a rooftop garden at the new wing of 1 Utama Shopping Centre. There were shrubs and trees there that we would love to have in our garden.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama
Crown of Thorns – pretty but deadly.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama, as it is aptly named, is a treasure trove of plants from different regions and altitudes. The printed guide, that is given out free, claims that the garden has “500 species of interesting, rare and unusual plants”. Indeed, there are more plants than I bothered to count. What I like about the Secret Garden is that the landscaping is contiguous and look natural. Many of the plants are also labeled.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama
Star Calathea – pretty pink flowers.

I would not have believed that there is such an oasis of green just above the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping mall had I not seen it with my own eyes. We have been there three times to photograph the plants and flowers and generally to soak in the natural atmosphere. This is the testament to how much we like this place.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama
In the pergola looking out to cannas, palms and crotons.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm. It can be accessed via the two elevators opposite the Rainforest. While photography is allowed, visitors have to adhere to several simple house rules stated at the entrance. This paradise in the city is a must visit for shoppers to 1 Utama. We plan to go there regularly because of its convenient location.

The Secret Garden of 1 Utama
Passion fruit.