Attractions

The Singapore Botanic Gardens consist of many different sub-component attractions Gardens which showcases a variety of different themes and species of plants such as the Bonsai, Orchids, etc. This characterization of different Gardens also allows visitors to learn more in depth about the different variety of plants.

Learning Forest

One of the prominent element of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, launched in 2010, aimed to promote greater conservation awareness for plants. The Learning Forest is an expansion of the initial 6 hectare of primary forest in the Singapore Botanic Gardens to now include a 9.8 hectare Learning Forest which showcases the best of tropical trees. The walk through the forest is thematic where visitors will be able observe giant trees, trees of interesting forms and also a conservation collection of rare fruit and nut species! The Learning Forest provides an opportunity for a nature education in the city for the visitors.

Our rainforests has many benefits to us and definitely to the other components of nature. However, these places are facing ever greater problems with deforestation and we, as humans, are indirectly causing this through our “harmless” demands for goods like paper. By giving the public a chance to explore and realize the beauty offered by the forests, it aims to trigger greater care and concern for these forests.

National Orchid Garden

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Dendrobium Margaret thatcher. Photo retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/33590535@N06/3712427337/in/photolist-6E4aiT-5dCrq1/

This is one of the main attraction within the Gardens. It holds a collection of more than 1000 species and 2000 hybrids of orchids. Within the National Orchid Garden, there are also few attraction site such as the Burkill Hall and the VIP Orchid Garden. Burkill Hill is a colonial plantation bungalow built in 1886. The ground level holds an exhibition area to display many different hybrid orchids which are named after VIPs who have visited the garden. Some prominent ones will be Dendrobium Margaret thatcher, Vanda Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

There is also the Tan Hoon Sang Misthouse that contains a collection of many different colorful hybrids. It also houses a small collection of fragrant orchids like the Vanda Mimi Plamer.

 

 

 

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden

This Garden is named after its main donor, a Jewish-Singaporean Philanthropist who passed on in 2004, Jacob Ballas. According to National Parks Board, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is the first ever Children’s garden in Asia. This Garden consist of many play areas, such as the water play area, playground and catered for enjoyment and make the trip to the Garden a much more engaging experience. There are also educational elements in the Children’s Garden. There are interactive exhibition to teach about photosynthesis and how plants can be used to synthesis many different usage products such as dyes and beverages.

Evolution Garden

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Entrance of Evolution Garden Photo retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikecogh/2450948749/in/photolist-4JzKF4-b4d5ck-b4d5Fk-b4M23R-4JDZ9E-4JDYZQ-4JDYYC

This Garden illustrated the evolutionary life history of plant in Earth. It is occupies a space of 9.9 hectare within the Central area of the Botanic Gardens and the plants in there are allowed to grow freely and also abundantly in Singapore’s tropical climate.

Healing Garden

This Garden is physically shaped in the form of a crouching human body. It exhibits more than 400 varieties of plants that can be used as medicines. These plants are laid out thematically based on the different components or systems of the body –such as respiratory and circulation systems; reproductive systems; head, neck, ear, nose and throat. Visitors will be surprised to find that many of these plants can actually be commonly found around us. The different healing properties of the plant is provided in the Garden meant for educational purposes. Visitors can take this opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature and at the same time, discover how plants can play an important role in our quality of life.

Did you know that the Madascagar Periwinkle and Rose Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) can be used to treat a wide number of health ailments? The leaves and roots of this plant can be used to treat diabetes and rheumatism. They are also traditionally used by the native in Madagascar to treat diabetes, hypertension and used as disinfectants. Now, chemicals are extracted from the plant and it can be used to treat cancer such as breast and lunch cancer. The sap of this plant can be used to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs like Vinblastine, which is given to cancer patients in chemotherapy.