Landscape architecture - a profession that focuses on the shaping of outdoor space and improves the interaction between people and the environment - has become indispensable to public works in recent years as there is a growing demand for a green cityscape.

About 50 landscape architects are now serving various Government departments to provide landscape designs, which are aesthetically satisfying, ecologically sound and functional.

Civil Engineering & Development Department Senior Landscape Architect Kathy Ng is one of those who are striving to create a beautiful and sustainable living environment for Hong Kong. Her consistently outstanding performance has won her the Secretary for the Civil Service's Commendation.

Green queen: Civil Engineering & Development Department Senior Landscape Architect Kathy Ng strives to create a better living environment in Hong Kong.

Having served as a government landscape architect for 17 years Ms Ng participated in a number of high profile projects including the landscape works of Hong Kong Disneyland in Penny's Bay and the Greening Master Plan which was completed in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central in 2007.

She said the Penny's Bay project, starting in late 1999, was a challenging task because it involved growing five million trees and shrubs and transplanting precious species on 300 hectares of reclaimed land in five years.

"Since we had to complete the job on time and within budget without compromising quality targets, so effective communication became particularly important. We maintained a close contact with engineers, architects, government staff, the contractor and Disneyland management to ensure our common goal could be achieved."

Recounting her experience in implementing the greening master plan, she said while it is not easy to conduct greening works in congested streets, it is even more challenging to respond to public aspiration when gauging views on the plan.

"Although people generally support greening works, they sometimes have reservations about having the works carried out outside their shops or near their doorway due to some misunderstanding. For example, they think more trees will attract more birds which may pose an avian flu threat."

To ease people's concerns Ms Ng had to explain the benefits of greening works and correct people's misconception on various occasions. She also gave talks to schools and professional groups on the importance of urban greening.

"Public acceptance and awareness are essential to the success of greening works. We must interact with the public to ensure they understand our objectives and cherish the environment."

She has also provided training to her department's staff and other departments on landscape and arboriculture, helping colleagues understand the role of landscape architecture in public works.

To sharpen her arboriculture knowledge Ms Ng took training courses and became one of the first certified arborists in the civil service.

"Trees are one of the major designing tools of landscape architects. They are very special because they live and they are the biggest and oldest living things on earth. The theoretical and practical knowledge of trees allows me to handle my work in a more effective manner."

Getting the Secretary for the Civil Service's Commendation was a surprise to Ms Ng and she was pleased her work was recognised.

Thanking her department and colleagues for their support she said the prize reflected the importance of landscape architecture and it was great encouragement to the field.

Looking ahead Ms Ng hopes to further elevate the role of landscape architecture in public works and create a better living environment for the public.

"People often ignore the environment despite its importance. I wish to help them understand why we need greening works and the importance of striking a balance in city development, ecological equilibrium and sustainability."