For the month of June, visitors to the Lifestyle Corner at HortPark had the chance to savour the sight and smell of more than 30 types of common and exotic dried spices in a special showcase of spices. They were also able to view various live spice plants, such as the pepper vine, clove, candlenut and asam gelugor trees on the Timber Deck.

Spice showcase at HortPark Lifestyle Corner.

In conjunction with the showcase, a talk-cum-demo entitled “SPICE up your life!” was conducted on Saturday (13 Jun 09). More than 30 participants turned up and learned interesting facts about spice trees and how to set up a simple spice garden. Spices such as clove, nutmeg and candlenut and leaves from their respective trees were passed around during the interactive session for the audience to take a closer look.

Wilson sharing facts on spice gardens with the audience.

Leaves and fruits from spice trees were passed around in the audience.

Students from Teck Whye Secondary School’s Art Club also gave a demonstration that taught participants how to make attractive spice gifts using spices. At the end of the session, each participant received a spice magnet as a parting gift and was then brought on a guided tour of the Lifestyle Corner.

Students from Teck Whye Secondary School Art Club showing the making of spice pouch magnets to the audience.

Fragrant spice ornaments you can display in your house.

You can still view the spices showcase at HortPark even after the month of June as the entire collection will be relocated permanently in the kitchen section of the Lifestyle Corner. So come down to HortPark and ‘SPICE up your life’ with us! Spices will never be the same again!

Wilson Wong