07/10/2026
Expect the unexpected with D'Walking Museum! – Inspire discovery through hands-on history.👈
After watching CNA’s fascinating two-part documentary War At The Gardens, I looked again at this scarce 1951 publication in my collection, “Pot Plant Culture in Singapore”. This time, I saw it in a whole new light.🌺🌳 🌿🍂🪴🌴
The book was written by R. E. Holttum (1895–1990), who was once Director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and illustrated by Juraimi bin Samsuri (1923–1971).✍️🎨
What really stood out to me was CNA’s story about Juraimi. He was first hired by the Gardens as a label printer in 1942, during the war. His talent for drawing was recognised, and he subsequently became a resident botanical artist.👨🎨
The documentary explains that Juraimi worked mostly with Holttum, illustrating gingers, orchids, ferns and ornamental plants for his publications. His illustrations appeared in hundreds of scientific papers and books, complementing the scientific work of the botanists. CNA fittingly describes him as an “unsung hero of botany in the region.”
And here in my hands is a surviving example of that collaboration. Inside are Juraimi’s beautifully detailed botanical drawings, created to complement Holttum’s writing.
🔎 There is also a little mystery. The title page has an old ownership inscription, dated 1956 in Singapore. I still haven't identified the original owner. Does anyone recognise the name or handwriting? I’d love to hear from you.
Sometimes an old book means so much more when you learn about the people behind its pages.🇸🇬 📚🌿
🎬 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/war-gardens
