Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme, which began in 1928, deserve a place where they can be displayed in their full splendour. The very design of these orchids is, one could say, 'hand-crafted' by the Gardens' horticultural staff, dedicated to bringing out the finest in any hybrid cross. With over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids on display, the splendour of these gorgeous blooms is absolutely a sight to behold at the National Orchid Garden. The outstanding orchid hybrids from this programme established the reputation of the Gardens’ orchid programme. As Singapore orchids gained fame, it became obvious that they should be used as agents to promote goodwill and foster closer ties between nations.
From 1957 the Singapore Government began to honour State Visitors and other VIPs by naming selected orchid hybrids after them. This prized collection of “VIP Orchids” has become an important attraction of the National Orchid Garden. To date, the Gardens’ has named over 200 VIP orchids. Examples of VIP orchids on display include Dendrobium Margaret Thatcher, Dendrobium Joe and Jill Biden, Papilionanda William Catherine, Renantanda Akihito, Papilionanda Ban Ki-Moon Yoo Soon-Taek, Aranda Zhu Rongji. Celebrity Orchid Garden As the name goes, the garden acknowledges celebrities who had contributed significantly to the society by naming new orchid hybrids after them. Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan, popular Korean actor Bae Yong Joon, wild life warrior Bindi Irwin, and Bollywood veteran Shah Rukh Khan are among the many celebrities with orchids named after them.
Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection Through the generous sponsorship from Lady Yuen-Peng Mcneice, this unique collection of about 200 different bromeliads originated from Shelldance Nursery in the United States in 1994. It is the only featured non-orchid display in the National Orchid Garden. The origin of the name ‘bromeliad’ was attributed to French explorer-priest Charles Plumier. He chose the name Bromelia in honour of Swedish botanist Olaf Bromel for a plant he encountered while exploring the Caribbean region. Bromeliads may be terrestrials or epiphytes. Some store water in their leaf bases, while others absorb enough nutrients and water from the rain and atmosphere. Colours may be exhibited on the foliage or from the long-lasting bracts. The pineapple is a well-known bromeliad which was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, it is widely cultivated for its fruits and fiber, while ornamental pineapples are also available.
18, Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore Open hours: 5:00 - 24:00 National Orchid Park: 8:30 - 19:00
www.sbg.org.sg
This material been used for Educational purpose only.
