About SFCB

Background

My name is Frank Gao, I’m retired and oriental horticulture has been my personal predilection for the past 15 years. My passion with this hobby started with the simple concept that the ambience of indoor environments can be greatly accentuated by augmenting the existing space with a few selective and well placed floral arrangements. I enjoy taking a particular specimen, creating a narrative that fits the characteristics of the plant and crafting an environment around the plant that encapsulates its desirable qualities.

Unlike traditional bonsai, the “bonsai” I envisioned is stylized to suit the needs and the reality of the modern indoor environment. Materials are chosen based on their hardiness, robustness and tolerance for temperature, moisture and pH variation. Whether it be a domestic, corporate or home office setting, there’s a potential suitor for each unique case. The quality and features of the plant naturally resonates with the ambience of the room. The key to creating a livable and rich interior is to select the product that reflects the disposition of its architectural design and décor. 

Inspiration and Personalities

Specimens such as the Agave, Aloe, Beaucarnea and Recurvata are hallmarks of sturdiness. They are able to thrive in the harshest of domestic conditions. They convey the experience of a balmy oasis which serves as the nexus for stress relief. Maintenance is minimal and these varieties typically suit a strong, busy personality.

The cacti family also sports more succulent varieties including the Aeonium, Echeveria and Adromischus. The Echeveria, in particular, forms beautiful fractal patterns of pink and violet upon expansive rings of tender green limbs. I tend to nurse and raise specimens that are robust and capable of withstanding large climatic shifts across the seasons. Outstretching limbs also serve as an ornamental representation of generosity and benevolence.

Some specimens share a strong resemblance to their outdoor relatives. The Recurvata is a personal favourite. A close cousin to the Gautamalensis, the Recurvata shares close semblance with the Beaucarnea family owing to its minimalist structure and high tolerance threshold. Leafy plans with long, sturdy trunks provide good fortune and prosperity for the owner.

Varieties with vibrant green foliage often make good greeting plants as they extend an amicable atmosphere to the home environment. Broad, leafy foliage and thick, truncated stems add a touch of class. Those home bound will be welcomed by it after a hard day's work at the office.

There are also plants selected on the basis of their ability to match the qualities of the handcrafted pot that carries them. You will find a generous selection of beautifully crafted pieces that rest within unique handmade pottery and artwork. The designs behind handcrafted pieces are an infusion of inspirations ranging from the oriental to Amazonian tribal sub-culture. A number of pieces harmonize and reinforce the connection between Oriental and Native American culture.

The final category encompasses sets that adopt a refreshingly minimalist approach. The purpose is to instill elegance through simplicity. I often use white as a luxurious colour. The whiteness of a base and the use of calcite crystals conveys the purity of the humble beast that the piece heralds. These typically suit the fun-loving type and cater to the carefree child in our hearts.

Enquiries:

For further details or to book an appointment, please email sfcb3805@gmail.com