$13.1m 'superpark' for gardening enthusiasts
23ha HortPark also to support landscaping and horticultural industries
By Adeline Chia
A NEW 'superpark' half the size of the Botanic Gardens will open in Pasir Panjang next year, providing Singapore with not just a new green space, but also a haven for green-fingered Singaporeans.
Costing $13.1 million, the 23ha HortPark, linking Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge Park, will have 20 themed gardens. They include a Silver Garden, a collection of silvery, grey and white plants, and a Herbs and Spices Garden, which showcases medicinal and culinary herbs found in Singapore.
But this will be more than just a pleasure garden. The HortPark is being built to promote gardening as a hobby and support the growth of the landscaping and horticultural industries here.
With that in mind, the HortPark will feature attractions for both the casual hobbyist and industry expert.
A showflat, for example, will give visitors ideas on home gardening and interior landscaping, while eight 'green' 6m-high walls covered with plants will showcase different technologies for growing plants on vertical surfaces.
A HortMart, meanwhile, will sell gardening products such as potted plants, equipment and books.
Throughout the year, the National Parks Board (NParks) will conduct courses and talks on subjects ranging from general gardening to arboriculture - the management of trees - tailored for anyone from the amateur gardener to skilled workers in horticultural companies.
The number of gardening enthusiasts here is growing, according to Dr Leong Chee Chiew, NParks chief operating officer.
He pointed out that there are now 200 active gardening groups in touch with NParks, up from 150 last year. 'We hope to facilitate this interest by providing people with gardening information and introducing them to more successful gardening groups.'
NParks hopes the HortPark will be a focal point for local gardeners with guided tours, home gardening talks and workshops. For the experts, there will be trade shows and seminars.
Landscaping companies will also have a chance to showcase their products, in a series of ever-changing garden displays.
In return, more than 20 companies have pledged to sponsor roof garden systems and furniture in the park, as well as train the park's student guides.
For example, garden companies Zinco and Hitcin have both agreed to use their technologies on the roof of the park visitor centre.
Dr Leong said NParks hopes the park will help raise the level of industry expertise.
Having a landscaping centre like HortPark will help Singapore stay ahead of cities such as Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai, which are all increasing the amount of greenery on their streets, he added.
Models of the HortPark can be viewed at Republic Polytechnic on Sunday at the launch of the annual Clean and Green Week and during the Singapore Garden Festival at Suntec Convention Centre from Dec 16 to 25.
chiahta@sph.com.sg
What's hot at HortPark
Twenty themed gardens, including a Herbs and Spices Garden with medicinal and culinary herbs, and a Silver Garden featuring silvery, grey and white plants.
A showflat with creatively designed green spaces to give visitors ideas on home gardening and interior landscaping using indoor plants.
Eight 6m-high walls covered with greenery to showcase different technologies and systems available to grow plants on vertical surfaces.
Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.
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