Singapore, a horticultural hub.

If you are looking for inspiration on creative horticultural design, then look no further than Singapore. I just returned home from Singapore feeling fully inspired. I revisited the ‘Gardens by The Bay’ which is looking amazing, it has been a few years since my last visit and the plants are thriving. There are some new editions to the gardens as well such as the ‘Floral Fantasy’ which has plants displayed in various creative ways, some suspended in spherical shapes hanging from the ceiling that move up and down. A beautiful cave-like space that is ringed with terraced rock formations and further enhanced with soft lighting.

Green walls and vertical gardens are everywhere. I also attended the official opening of Jurong Lake Gardens, referred to as the People’s Garden because the public had a say in what the garden is to be used for which is a place for people to use for socialising, relaxation, exercise, connecting with nature and various community events.

Finally, on my departure, I had the pleasure of experiencing the newly opened ‘Jewel’ at Changi International Airport. Now, this is an airport like no other. I seriously felt like I was in horticultural heaven! The design and architecture, the engineering and the logistics alone are mind-blowing. The centrepiece is a 40M high Rain Vortex, this is surrounded by ‘Forest Valley’ one of Singapore’s largest climate-controlled indoor gardens which house thousands of trees, shrubs and flowering plants….and walking trails! There are five levels and includes loads of restaurants, cafes and shops. Seriously if you are passing through Singapore on a flight somewhere you will need to set aside several hours to have a good look around. There is plenty to see, in fact, you could spend a day or two there. If you want to see indoor plants at their best Singapore is definitely the place to go.

On my return home I felt so inspired to put Singapore back on the bucket list that I have spoken with Michael Casey from the Australian Institute of Horticulture with the thought of doing a combined  IPA and AIH study tour there to coincide with next year’s Singapore Garden Festival which is in July 2020.

Expressions of interest will be sought so if you are interested it will be on a first come first serve basis. Priority will be given to members of both IPA and AIH. We will be putting together an itinerary so stay tuned.

Karen Smith

IPA President