Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Singapore

Gardens by the Bay Conservatory Complex (7 July 2011)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Sections of Gardens by the Bay

1. Conservatory Complex
   These are the armadillo-shaped glass structures beside Marina Channel. They will house two conservatories covering a total area of two hectares. Within this climate-controlled environment, visitors will get to admire plants from different environment including those found in the Mediterranean climate, in tropical montane forest as well as temperature annuals and other species of flowering plants.
   
   
2. Super Trees
   Located between the Conservatory Complex and the Benjamin Sheares Bridge is a cluster of "Super Trees". Although these are man-made objects, they play an environmentally sensitive function, as receptacles for collecting rainwater to verticle ecologies and shade providers. The Super Trees will tower between 25 meters to 50 meters above the ground below. Their canopies will provide shade during the day and a display of lights during the night. Some of these Trees will also be connected by canopy walks.
   
   
3. Horticultural Show Garden
   This is a showcase of the best in botany. There will be two collections, to be called the Heritage Gardens and the World of Plants. The themes of this show garden are "Plants and People" and "Plants and Planet". Through the use of flowering plants and coloured foliage, the show garden attempts to show the interaction between plants and humans, and also between plants and the environment at large.
   
   The Heritage Garden takes visitors on a botanical journey through the history of Singapore. There is a Malay Garden showing herbal plants and shrubs found in a kampong, from kacip fatimah to tongkat ali and pandan. The Chinese Garden celebrates the role of garden design in Chinese culture, and how it inspired Chinese poets, authors and artists. The Colonial Garden recounts plants and trees that were part and parcel of the colonial enterprise, from the spices to the commodity crops.
   
   The World of Plants displays the diversity of plant life found throughout the world, with emphasis on the unusual.
   
   
4. Main Events Space
   A central arena of 2 hectares will be an area in Gardens by the Bay South for the staging of events. The area can accommodate up to 7,000 spectators and performers, and will include a stage with retractable canopy.
   
   
5. Flower Market
   For the benefit of flower enthusiasts, a Flower Market will be created near the entrance to the Gardens by the Bay. There will be a retail area supplemented by indoor event spaces, eateries and restaurants. There will be an underpass connecting it with the Marina Bayfront MRT Station and to Marina Bay Sands.
   
   

Conservatory Complex during the day (7 July 2011)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

1. Food Gardens
   The theme of this garden are plants, herbs and spices that go into cooking the various cuisine of Singapore and Southeast Asia. After admiring the plants, you can proceed to the foot outlets to enjoy some delicious Singapore fare.
   
   
2. Water Gardens
   This section combines recreation with education. There will be a cascading waterfall that empties into a shallow wave pool. At the same time, the landscaping will showcase wetland and aquatic plants.
   
   
3. Boating Quay
   A new quayside for dragon boats and canoes, the Boating Quay is planned as a venue for future watersports activities. For the comfort and convenience of event participants, the site will include supporting amenities such as changing rooms and clubhouse.
   
   
4. Theme Building
   This will, when completed, be another highlight of Gardens by the Bay. The building will house an interactive centre that showcases the vital relationship between water, plants and animals. Visitors will be able to learn how this affects their lives and livelihood.
   
   

A Singapore Ducktour amphibious craft cruising down Marina Channel past the Conservatory Complex of the Gardens by the Bay (7 July 2011)
© Timothy Tye using this photo