Desmond Ho

Desmond Ho was born into a Peranakan family in Malacca, Malaysia on 29 December 1961. He then worked in advertising, sales and printing jobs before starting exploring terrariums for sales.[5]

He started off by designing and building terrariums, then starting a garden centre called Terra Garden.[5] Back in 1998, Terra Garden began by selling Potted Plants before he created the Malaysian garden concept that is based primarily on Malaysia's culture and craft as its distinct feature.[6]

It added a new element to Malaysian identity through public landscaping as it reflects the history, art, and traditions of all cultures belonging in Malaysian society.[7][8] His own house was built to be a modern-day village house that uses mostly ancient Malaya heritage with modern practicality.[9]

All of its natural elements have cultural meaning.[10] The patio has a Minangkabau outline with the tier decking which portray a traditional Malay verandah(pangkin); traditional Malaysian water pot called a tempayan;[11] lighting inspired by the shape of banana flower (jantung pisang); and ceramic water feature of dayang bunting.[11] Its lattice mimic the pattern of kain pelikat and batik patterned screens.[12] It is a design concept in Malaysia that engages with the five senses approach, sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste in the designs.[12][13]

• Good Design Award, Japan Industrial Design Promotion Council, Japan, 2003[2]
• Garden Heaven Award (Bronze), Garden Heaven Show, Ireland, UK, 2006[2]
• Award of Excellence, Waikato Home and Garden Show, Hamilton, New Zealand[13]
• Gold medal at Shrewsbury Flower Show, Birmingham, 2008[13]