Introduction

The Singapore Botanic Gardens, founded in 1859, is 49 hectares in size, and the buffer zone is 137 hectares. They have played a unique and vital role in the history of Singapore and the surrounding area. Starting as a garden with horticultural and botanical research facilities, they have transformed into a state-of-the-art botanical garden, research institution, and vital conservation site.

It’s a place for recreation and learning and a refuge for various plant species. Today, the botanical and horticultural efforts will remain crucial in establishing the institute as a top tropical botanical center and a beloved destination for guests.

Where is the Singapore Botanic Gardens located?

Located in Singapore, the location showcases the transformation of a British tropical colonial botanic garden into a state-of-the-art scientific center for conservation and learning. The cultural environment encompasses different historical elements, flora, and structures, showcasing the progression of the Garden since its establishment in 1859.

Since founding in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has been a crucial hub for science, research, and plant preservation. It notably contributed to the development of rubber plantations in Southeast Asia, a legacy that endures today.

Inscription of  Singapore Botanic Garden

The Gardens, known as the Singapore Botanic Gardens, was validated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 4, 2015, during the 39th World Heritage Committee (WHC) session in Bonn, Germany. This prestigious designation makes the Gardens the sole tropical botanic Garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking a significant milestone for Asia and making it the third botanic Garden in the world to receive this honor, after Orto Botanico di Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

What is the history of the Singapore Botanic Garden?

The concept of creating a national garden in Singapore first emerged in 1822. Sir Stamford Raffles, a passionate naturalist, established the initial ‘Botanical and Experimental Garden’ at Fort Canning. The gardens at their current location were established in 1859 by an agricultural and horticultural society, following the style of the English Landscape Movement.

The British colonial government took over the Gardens in 1874, and a group of botanists with training from Kew helped them develop into a significant botanical institute in the subsequent years. Currently, the Singapore government’s National Parks, a statutory board, manages the Gardens.

What is the Agriculture in Singapore?

In the beginning, gardens played a crucial role in advancing agricultural progress in Singapore and the surrounding area by gathering, cultivating, testing, and dispersing plants that had the potential to be beneficial. The introduction and experimentation of Para Rubber, Hevea brasiliensis, resulted in one of the earliest and most significant successes. This major crop brought considerable wealth to Southeast Asia in the early 20th century.

How many heritage trees are in the Singapore Botanic Gardens?

Heritage Trees contains 44 heritage trees, and mature, majestic trees are vital to Singapore’s natural legacy and are significant green landmarks in the Tropical Garden City. They develop elegantly in the environment over decades and sometimes even centuries, contributing to establishing a feeling of lasting presence and individuality.

The Rainforest in Singapore Botanic Gardens

In this precious six-hectare fragment of primary tropical forest, around 314 species of plants compete for space, creating a complex ecosystem with layers of herbs, ferns, climbers, shrubs, and trees. Some of the trees in this area are as tall as 50 meters and have been present since before the establishment of modern Singapore in 1819.

The rainforest is home to various plant species, including economically essential trees like rattans, fruit trees, and the tall Jelutong. Singapore’s rainforest contains over 50 percent of rare plant species, making it a significant part of its natural heritage.

National Orchid Garden

Orchids have been strongly connected with the Gardens since 1859. The gardens’ orchid breeding program, which commenced in 1928, has produced orchids that should be showcased prominently. The gardens’ horticultural team meticulously shaped the orchids’ design to highlight the best qualities of each hybrid cross. The National Orchid Garden displays over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, showcasing the stunning beauty of these flowers, which is truly a magnificent sight.

The Gardens initiated orchid breeding and launched its hybridization program in 1928. New in vitro techniques developed in its laboratories made this possible. The Gardens also significantly impacted Singapore’s Garden City program by consistently bringing in plants of horticultural and botanical significance.

Ginger Garden

The Ginger Garden, covering an area of one hectare, features over 250 species of plants belonging to Zingiberaceae and related families. Guests can explore a diverse range of gingers showcasing an array of leaf shapes and beautiful flowers. The Ginger Garden has been segmented into themed sections based on the geographical areas to which the gingers are native.

The Ginger Garden showcases numerous varieties of ginger and other plants from similar botanical families. Visitors have shown great interest in the Garden, mainly because of features like a stroll behind a waterfall, enchanting evening illumination, and a pond embellished with giant Amazon water lilies.

Bandstand

The Bandstand, an octagonal gazebo, was built in 1930 and has preserved its original structure. Initially, the Bandstand was located on a modest hill, standing 33 m above sea level and serving as the highest point at the Tanglin Core site. In the 1860s, workers flattened this hill to create a space for regimental bands to play, enclosed by terraced flower beds and palm trees.

Although The Gardens’ iconic landmark is no longer used for music performances, it remains a popular spot for wedding photos. The Bandstand currently features a prominent landscape element: the circle of Yellow Rain Trees (Samanea saman) encircles it. These trees have been intentionally planted around the area for the pleasure of visitors.

Eco-Garden and Eco-Lake

The discovery garden, called the Eco-Garden, features plants that have been economically important throughout human history. In this context, the term ‘eco’ represents financial and ecological aspects. Various plant groups, such as trees, shrubs, and herbs, provide numerous resources in a vast expanse of land, including spices, dyes, resins, fibers, fruits, and timber.

A graceful family of Western Australian black swans and various significant plant and animal species inhabits the tranquil Eco-Lake’s meandering banks. With its gorgeous surroundings and quiet, organic ambiance, it’s a perfect spot to relax at the end of a tiring day.

Swan Lake

Swan Lake is located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was built in 1866, not long after the Gardens was established. This water feature is regarded as the oldest decorative lake in Singapore. The lake, which spans just under 1.5 hectares and reaches depths of approximately 4 meters, is home to various aquatic plants and fish. It is famously named Swan Lake due to a stunning pair of mute swans from Amsterdam that elegantly glide across its surface.

The island in the lake is known for its large cluster of Nibong palms (Oncosperma Tigillarium), which were reportedly placed there in 1891. Swan Lake is also an essential water source, providing water for the plants in the Gardens’ vicinity around the Tanglin Core.

Botany Centre

The Botany Centre, established in 1859 at the southern end of the Gardens, was carefully planned with consideration for the historic trees and colonial buildings utilized by the Gardens’ Directors. It contains valuable research materials, including the Singapore Herbarium, Library of Botany, Horticulture, Orchid Breeding, and Micropropagation Laboratory.

Seed Bank

The Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank, established on July 13, 2019, is a facility within the Singapore Botanic Gardens dedicated to conserving plant species by safeguarding the seeds and germplasm of plants in Southeast Asia. It serves as a hub for conservation, research, and education related to plant preservation.

The Seed Bank includes an explanatory exhibit that introduces the facility and emphasizes its significance in plant conservation and research within Singapore and the surrounding area. Additionally, it features a garden demonstrating seed dispersal, complete with sculptures showcasing various seed dispersal mechanisms.

Sculptures

The landscapes of the Singapore Botanic Gardens showcase sculptures crafted from various materials by local sculptors and artists worldwide, serving as a vibrant gallery. Several individuals, communities, corporations, and nations have contributed generously and formed partnerships, thereby becoming an integral part of the Gardens’ rich history.

Preservation and Conservation of Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens has a rich heritage and a crucial role in preserving the natural environment in Singapore and its vicinity. Due to its efforts in plant conservation, research, and education, it holds the prestigious status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majority of the Singapore Botanic Gardens is situated within a National Park, and it also encompasses areas designated as Conservation Areas, Tree Conservation Areas, and Nature Areas (specifically for the rainforest section).

The Gardens have been at the forefront of safeguarding various plant varieties, such as crucial crops like the Para Rubber, which played a significant role in agriculture in the area. The Gardens’ Heritage Trees Scheme preserves large trees and highlights their significance in Singapore’s natural environment. Furthermore, the Gardens feature a six-hectare rainforest housing over 300 plant species, including rare and valuable trees. This unique ecosystem is vital to Singapore’s natural heritage and is conserved within the Gardens.

The National Orchid Garden showcases various orchid types, exhibiting the beauty of these flowers and contributing to their conservation. In addition, the Ginger Garden in the Gardens features multiple plants, including those belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. Overall, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is strongly dedicated to preserving nature, conducting plant research, and educating and safeguarding plant diversity.

Why should you visit, and what advantage do you get as a visitor from Singapore Botanic Gardens?

The Singapore Botanic Gardens provides an exquisite opportunity to indulge in natural beauty and peacefulness. Visitors can enjoy the verdant plants, stunning orchid gardens, and tranquil bodies of water. A notable benefit of visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens is its chance to escape the city’s commotion, reconnect with nature, and admire the variety of plant species and remarkable landscapes. Whether one seeks a peaceful walk, a picturesque spot for a picnic, or a serene place to unwind, the Singapore Botanic Gardens caters to all preferences.