With more people working from and spending more time at home, gardening has become a major hobby for many in Singapore (yours included). It seems tinkering with home gardening systems and growing your own sustainable produce is now a national passion, supported in part by the government’s efforts in encouraging more citizens to embrace our ‘Green City’ status.
The national Singapore Garden Festival kicks off tomorrow (9 Oct) with the launch of the SGF Hort Show, this time round it’s gone a step further to provide a hybrid physical/virtual format so there’s lots to see and do even if you are not able to make it to the event grounds because of the safe distancing measures. Along with virtual talks and workshops, on-site displays will take place at Singapore Botanic Gardens and Jurong Lake Gardens from 9 to 17 October and 23 to 31 October respectively.
Online talks conducted by the organisers, along with a panel of experts, cover topics ranging from growing your own micro-greens, to growing begonias and african violets. Handy video guides on plant pot decoration, growing gingers and how to grow shade-loving plants, will also be uploaded onto NParksSG’s youtube channel from 10 October. Click here to see a full list of the talks and videos available.
For avid gardeners and those yearning to glean some inspiration from the experts, below are some competitions worth attending. Admissions to the festival grounds are free but those interested will have to register online here for a slot to attend.
Balcony Gardens and Vertical Greenery Competitions
Not sure how to design a garden around your balcony? Take a look at some of the looks conceived by the competitors of these competitions, which showcase creative possibilities for small spaces and innovative vertical garden installations.
Bonsai Competition
One of the most well-loved categories of potted plants in Southeast Asia (and among gardeners around the world), bonsai growing is an intricate art form that requires years of practice in order to get shrubs and trees to thrive in a miniature form. You can see the results of hardworking from some of the best bonsai artists at this competition.
Community Garden Edibles Competition
Now this is where you’ll be able to see the island’s community gardeners put forth their best produce in a bid to garner an award. The Edibles Competition comprises three participation categories – the longest fruit or vegetable, the heaviest fruit or vegetable as well as an open category. Who knows, it might just inspire you to register for your own garden plot in a nearby community garden!
Horticultural Competition
One of the most highly anticipated events at the show, the Horticultural Competition is where plant enthusiasts and growers compete for medals and the City in the Nature Challenge Cup. Visitors will be able to see a wide range of floral varietals and displays. The winning plants from the Horticultural Competition will be on display at the Plant House (Botanic Gardens).
Nano Tank Competition
The Nano Tank Aquascaping Competition, a crowd favourite in the previous year, is making a return. Participants of the competition are given a day to complete a 30cm x 30cm x 30m underwater garden.
Orchid Competition
The orchid competition is held in conjunction with the Orchid Society of Southeast Asia (OSSEA), showcasing beautiful blooms across 68 categories grown by hobbyists and the horticulture industry. Get to see some new hybrids featured among familiar favourites.