While most people are captivated by the imposing facade and grandeur of the garden when they visit Taipei Guest House, very few pay attention to a flower nursery inside the complex. There, more than 40 different plants and flowers are grown for state banquets and presidential dinners.
Talking about the nursery, chief gardener Tsao Hui-pin (曹輝彬) said his team transports the plants to state banquets — even when they are not held at the Presidential Office.
Tsao was recruited by the Presidential Office in 1973 and has led the team for more than 20 years. He has 10 men working for him, with three taking care of the garden at the Presidential Office and seven working at the nursery at Taipei Guest House.
PHOTO: CNA
Completed in 1901, Taipei Guest House was built in the Renaissance style under then-Japanese governor-general Kodama Gentaro. Back then, its main functions were to serve as the residence of the Japanese governor-general and as a venue for receptions held to honor important guests.
After World War II, it was renamed to its current title and managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its major functions were to host state banquets and receive foreign dignitaries.
Tsao, who has served under three presidents, said former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) preferred roses, gladiolus and birds of paradise, while his successor, Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), favored orchids and plants from the south.
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) also likes orchids, mainly because they last longer, he said.
Tsao said his team transport the healthiest plants and flowers to the Presidential Office once a week.
When state banquets or presidential dinners are held, the team decorates the venue with the flowers and plants and sometimes adds some decorations, such as fountains or artificial stones. The quality of plants and flowers matters a lot and they never use artificial flowers, he said.
While the job does not pay much, Tao Kuo-cheng (陶國正), another gardener on Tsao’s team, said he enjoys what he does.
“It’s important to like your job, because that is what keeps you going,” he said.
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