January 9, 2012 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
(written by Wonsoon Park, photographs by Martin Smit and Wonsoon Park )
Even though Singapore can be very hot and humid the weather was cool enough for us to forget about our jetlag and be immersed in the beauty of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Imagine vast breathtaking tropical gardens with enormous trees and extraordinary flowers, all without the need of any glasshouses or conservatories.
Tour of the orchid breeding program facilities of SBG
The SBG was established in 1859 as the very first garden in Singapore and was initially used in introducing various tropical crops to Southeast Asia. These days the SBG is conducting all the functions of a modern botanic garden. Amazingly, it is open to public from 5am to midnight daily and attracts more than 4 million visitors per year, making it one of the most publically used gardens of the world.
The national flower of Singapore, Vanda Miss Joaquim
The Cool House for displaying orchids needing cooler conditions
After a brief meeting with the director, Dr. Nigel Taylor, and various heads of departments, we had a tour of the facilities and gardens. We ended our visit to the SBG with a Q&A session with the SBG staff. Our last activity of the day was a quick visit to Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology (CUGE). Assistant director, Chong Whye Keet, gave a quick presentation on CUGE that provided a greater insight into this unique department.
Oncidium arches in the National Orchid Garden
A strangler fig growing in the remnant rainforest in the SBG
Looking good, you guys! I’m dying to go back to visit sometime.
Bob
How wonderful to see SBG’s orchid breeding, production, and display. Is SBG’s director the same Nigel Taylor who Brian and I met at Kew (then Curator of Horticulture) in November 2010? Please, extend my greetings. Best wishes. Doug
The Singapore Botanic Garden looks amazing. The orchids are gorgeious and it is good to know that I can visit from 5 am to midnight. Looks like you are having a great trip.
Jan