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Showing posts from December, 2025

Easter Lily vine - หิรัญญิการ์ (hi-ran-yi-gan) - Beaumontia grandiflora

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Looking to add spectacular flowering vines to your Hua Hin property? From December to April, watch these magnificent white trumpets transform your garden into a breathtaking display that captures the essence of Hua Hin 's botanical heritage. Easter Lily Vine: Hua Hin's Spectacular Spring Showstopper Beaumontia grandiflora - หิรัญญิการ์ (hi-ran-yi-gan) If you've visited Hua Hin between December and April, you may have been stopped in your tracks by cascades of enormous white trumpet flowers draped over garden walls and pergolas. This stunning climber is the Easter Lily vine, known in Thai as หิรัญญิการ์ (hi-ran-yi-gan), which translates to "golden affair" or "gold rain" – a poetic name that captures the plant's luxurious, showstopping nature. A Royal Presence in Hua Hin In Hua Hin, the Easter Lily vine holds a special place in the town's horticultural heritage. The plant thrives in the coastal climate, and mature specimens can be found adorning m...

Orange jasmine tree - ดอกแก้ว (dok kaew) - Murraya paniculata

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Orange Jasmine: Hua Hin's Fragrant Garden Treasure If you've strolled through the gardens of Hua Hin's temples, resorts, or residential neighborhoods, you've likely encountered the delightful scent of orange jasmine ( Murraya paniculata ), known locally as ดอกแก้ว (dok kaew) or "crystal flower." This compact evergreen shrub is one of Thailand's most beloved ornamental plants, and it thrives beautifully in Hua Hin's coastal climate. A Perfect Match for Hua Hin's Climate Hua Hin's warm, humid environment with moderate rainfall provides ideal conditions for orange jasmine. The plant flourishes in the area's well-drained sandy soils and tolerates the salty sea breezes that characterize this coastal region. Walk through neighborhoods like Khao Takiab or along Soi 88, and you'll spot these glossy-leaved shrubs adorning garden walls and temple courtyards, their white flowers releasing their signature sweet fragrance, especially during the...

Three Beautiful Hibiscus Species Thriving in Hua Hin Gardens

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Growing hibiscus in Hua Hin is one of the greatest pleasures of tropical gardening. Our coastal climate, with its warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and distinct wet and dry seasons, creates ideal conditions for these stunning flowering plants. In my own garden, I've cultivated three distinct hibiscus species, each bringing its own character and beauty to the landscape. ดอกชบา (Dok Cha-ba) - Chinese Hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis The Chinese hibiscus is perhaps the most iconic of all hibiscus varieties and is deeply woven into Thai culture. Known locally as dok cha-ba, this species is Thailand's national flower and holds special significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, often used in religious ceremonies and offerings. In Hua Hin's climate, Chinese hibiscus absolutely thrives. These evergreen shrubs can grow 2-3 meters tall and produce those magnificent trumpet-shaped blooms that we all recognize. The flowers come in a dazzling array of colors including red, p...

Garlic Vine - กระเทียมเถา (krathiam thao) - Mansoa hymenaea

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🌿 Garlic Vine in Hua Hin: A Fragrant Climber with Tropical Flair At Hua Hin Services , Garlic Vine is part of a lush tapestry of flowering climbers. It complements other tropical favorites like Bougainvillea , Jasmine , and Hibiscus , creating a garden that’s both visually stunning and ecologically vibrant . Scientific name: Mansoa hymenaea Thai name: กระเทียมเถา (krathiam thao) Family: Bignoniaceae 🌸 A Sensory Delight Garlic Vine is a showstopper in Hua Hin gardens, known for its lavender-to-white trumpet-shaped blooms that cascade over fences and trellises. What makes it truly unique? Crush its leaves and you’ll catch a distinct garlic aroma —a quirky trait that gives the vine its name. 🌞 Perfect for Hua Hin’s Climate This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade , making it ideal for Hua Hin’s warm, humid conditions. It blooms twice a year , typically in spring and autumn , but may surprise you with scattered flowers year-round. 🌱 Growing Tips Soil: Well-drained, slightly ...

Desert Roses - ชวนชม (Chuan-chom) - Adenium obesum

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Blooming desert roses are a stunning sight in Hua Hin . The vibrant flowers and unique trunks are a testament to the beauty of tropical plants. Find these and other services with HuaHinServices . The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a popular ornamental plant in Thailand. Cultural Importance: Desert Roses are commonly cultivated for their attractive flowers and bonsai-like appearance. They are often grown in gardens, parks, and as potted plants in homes. Appearance: These plants are known for their unique and colorful flowers, which can range from shades of pink, red, and white. The plant has a distinctive swollen trunk, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. Growing Conditions: Desert Roses thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, making them well-suited for cultivation in Thailand. They prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. As they are sensitive to cold temperatures, they are typically grown in warmer regions. Landscaping and Bonsai: Due to their small size and intere...

Dok Phayap Mok: The Misty Blue Beauty of Thai Gardens

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 Dok Phayap Mok (ดอกพยับหมอก), known as Plumbago or Cape Leadwort ( Plumbago auriculata ), is a soft blue flowering shrub that thrives in warm climates. In Hua Hin , it grows easily in sunny gardens, attracts butterflies, and adds a calm, misty beauty year-round. A Cloud of Blue in the Tropical Sun Walk through any well-tended garden in Thailand, and you might encounter a cascade of soft, sky-blue flowers that seem to float like morning mist. This is Dok Phayap Mok (ดอกพยับหมอก), a name that beautifully translates to "mist flower" in Thai—a poetic reference to the delicate, cloud-like appearance of its abundant blooms. Known internationally as Plumbago or Cape Leadwort , this charming plant carries the botanical name Plumbago auriculata . Though it hails from the sunny shores of South Africa, it has found a welcoming home in Thailand's tropical climate, particularly thriving in coastal areas like Hua Hin. Why Dok Phayap Mok Thrives in Hua Hin Hua Hin, with its coas...

Golden Trumpet (บานบุรี - Baan Buri) - Allamanda cathartica in Hua Hin

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In Hua Hin , the beautiful Golden Trumpet (Allamanda cathartica) thrives, adding a tropical charm to the coastal scenery. For more information on local plants and Joyful Gardening in Hua Hin , visit HuaHinServices . The Golden Trumpet (known in Thai as บานบุรี - Baan Buri ) is a vibrant flowering plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Its scientific name is Allamanda cathartica , and it is native to tropical regions of the Americas but thrives in warm climates like Hua Hin, Thailand . Golden Trumpet attracts butterflies and other nectar feeders. Characteristics: Flowers: Large, bright yellow trumpet-shaped blooms (5–7 cm wide). Leaves: Glossy, green, and lance-shaped, growing in whorls. Growth Habit: A fast-growing vine or shrub that can reach 2–5 meters in height. Fragrance: Mild, sweet scent. Growing Conditions in Hua Hin: Hua Hin’s tropical climate (hot and humid with seasonal rains) is ideal for Golden Trumpet. Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily). ...

Tropical Trio Jam: Mulberry, Banana, and Kumquat from Our Hua Hin Garden

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Enjoy the delightful mix of mulberry , banana , and kumquat jam, a true taste of local flavors from Hua Hin . Perfect for your morning toast! Recipe Sunlight-kissed mulberries , plump and stained, plucked straight from the vine, Mingle with sunshine-ripened bananas , their sweetness like a golden line. Kumquats , citrus jewels bursting with tang, two sun-soaked varieties entwined, Whispering stories of distant lands, their flavors on summer winds defined. In my daughter's hands, a symphony ignites, a dance of tastes on simmering heat. The berries bleed their blush, the bananas soften, their creaminess bittersweet. Kumquats release their sharp embrace, a vibrant counterpoint complete. Recipe: Tropical Trio Jam: Mulberry, Banana, and Kumquat Ingredients 2 cups fresh mulberries (washed, stems removed) 2 ripe bananas (peeled, mashed) 1 cup kumquats (thinly sliced, seeds removed) 1/2 cup raw cane sugar (adjust to taste) 1 tbsp lemon juice (to brighten flavors) 1 tsp grate...

Homemade Sangria Recipe: Easy Thai Fruit & Wine Mix for Refreshing Summer Drinks

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Cool off in Hua Hin with a homemade sangria packed with local Thai fruits and a splash of red wine, perfect for slow garden evenings and sharing refreshing summer vibes with friends and family. Ingredients 750 ml strong red wine 100 ml liqueur (orange or fruit-based works beautifully) 50 ml brandy Juice of 20 Thai kumquats At least 20 ice cubes (more if desired) 3 unsqueezed limes (sliced into rounds) 2 ripe mangoes (peeled and cubed) 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into chunks) 4 small cinnamon sticks Sweetener or honey (to taste) Step-by-Step Preparation Prepare the fruit Slice the limes into thin rounds. Peel and cube the mangoes. Peel, core, and cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Mix the base In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the red wine, liqueur, and brandy. Add the freshly squeezed kumquat juice. Add flavor and sweetness Stir in the cinnamon sticks. Add honey or sweetener gradually, tasting as you go until the balance f...

Recipe for Roselle jam that incorporates Thai Kumquat (Som Jeed) and ginger

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This Roselle jam brings together garden-fresh hibiscus sabdariffa , zesty Thai kumquat , and warm ginger for a bright, tangy spread.  Perfect on toast or yogurt, it captures the tropical flavor and homemade spirit of our family kitchen in Hua Hin . Ingredients: - 2 cups fresh Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyxes, cleaned and chopped - 1 cup Thai Kumquats (Som Jeed)   for juicing - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon Thai lime juice (optional, for added acidity) Instructions: 1. Prepare the Rosella calyxes by removing any green parts and calyx bases. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and chop them into small pieces. 2. Prepare the Thai Kumquat juice: Cut the kumquats in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or reamer, straining out the seeds. You should get approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of juice. Set aside. 3. Grate the fresh ginger using a fine grater or microplane. 4. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped Ro...

Thai Curries Explained: Your Guide to Kaeng Phet, Kaeng Som, and More

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Ever mixed up your kaeng som and kaeng phet? 🍲🌶️ After 30 years in Hua Hin , I still do! Thai curries are a world of flavors—each with its own story. From tangy to fiery, the differences are fascinating. Curious to learn more? My latest blog post breaks it down simply. If you love Thai food, this might just clear up the confusion! 😊 In Thai cuisine, "kaeng" (แกง) is often translated as "curry," but this can be misleading. While some are curry-like, kaeng broadly refers to a category of soups or stews with a liquid base, ranging from clear broths to thick, coconut cream-based dishes. The main differences between various kaengs lie in their base ingredients, flavor profile, color, and consistency . Here’s a breakdown of the major types, using your examples as a starting point: 1. Kaeng Phet (แกงเผ็ด) - "Spicy Curry" Base: Rich coconut cream/milk . Key Flavor Profile: Spicy, rich, creamy, aromatic . The heat is prominent but balanced by coconut r...