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By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 16: The rose, dubbed the queen of flowers, comes in an array of colours and not just red, points out local 48-year-old businesswoman and self-taught horticulturist, Coco Liau.
Liau said there are hundreds of rose plant species, and what she had for sale at her make-shift stall on a shop pavement on the same row as the 7th Mile Hong Leong Bank outlet, represents just a few of the colours roses come in, including maroon, white, pink, light pink, peach, yellow, purple and red.
“I am not an expert, but the colours of these rose plants I have here came from cross-breeding the species.”
She said roses not only add aesthetic value when planted in a garden but has also many admirers for their beautiful appearances and sweet scent.
“Rose flowers always mesmerise people and have a special place in them, and how they value the plant. That is why the flowers are given as gifts to individuals.
“To them it carries meaning, but I just sell and satisfy their enthusiasm for the plant and beautiful flowers,” she said.
Liau said she noticed customers have their preferences, and the rose plants she sells and their many colours attract people to her stall. They are mostly flower enthusiasts and some have become her regular customers.
“I sold quite a bit during the last few years, and they come back for more to share how to nurture the plants,” she told DayakDaily when met at Mile 7th Kota Sentosa Township recently.
Liau disclosed that initially she started selling house plants and saplings, including rose plants, in 2020 as a hobby.
She revealed that most of the plants she sold belonged to her friend.
“They shared their knowledge on these plants and how to nurture them. I learned from them so much and shared them (information) with other customers. It is good as we create friendships and it is good for the business.”
Liau also shared that healthy rose plants need good morning sun.
“It would be wise to place the rose plant where the morning sun rises. The plant needs nutrients and protection, so fertilizers and pesticides are needed. There is no choice,” she said.
Liau, who is selling on a rented spot along the five-foot pavement of the shop, hopes to expand her business.
“I have many other choices of beautiful flower plants. I sell RM25 per rose plant for all the different colours,” she said.
Her business operates from 8am to 3pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 8am to 1pm on Sunday. The business is closed on Monday. For more information, call Liau at 011 2516 6818. — DayakDaily
