Singapore Garden Festival to return in 2016

Asia’s premier tropical garden and flower show came to a close on Sunday

Singapore, 24 August 2014 – Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) came to a close today, after nine days (16 to 24 August), during which it showcased exciting garden designs and exquisite floral creations. Some 300,000 visitors to the Festival, over 50 displays and more than 250,000 plants featuring more than 1,000 different species were on display.

This is the biennial Festival’s fifth run, the first being in 2006. Over the years, SGF has grown to become the world’s premier tropical garden and flower show. This year’s Festival featured over 50 designers from 15 countries under one roof showcasing their masterpieces at the Singapore’s leading horticulture-themed destination, Gardens by the Bay. This was the first time the Festival went outdoors and visitors were treated to the best of tropical horticulture and artistry with impressive structures of up to 10 metres high. There were 15 Landscape and Fantasy Gardens, 14 Floral Windows to the World displays, eight Balcony Gardens, seven Table Top Floral displays, six miniature gardens and the Orchid Extravaganza featuring some 18,000 plants and more than 40 orchid species and hybrids.  

Mr Kenneth Er, CEO of National Parks Board, said at an appreciation party on Sunday, 24 August, “The past nine days have been truly exciting, as we planned for the first time a Festival that was partially outdoors at Gardens by the Bay.  Not only did we overcome some of the challenges of an outdoor garden venue, we were also able to attain the highest number of award recipients in the Festival’s history, a sure indication that overall standard has risen”

The next Singapore Garden Festival will be held in 2016 at Gardens by the Bay. Details on the event date will be announced when available.

A snapshot of what participants and visitors say about SGF:

“The garden has created something of a sensation across the world and we will continue to promote the show and its ethos wherever we can.  SGF provided us with the opportunity to explore a particularly ambitious design in the context of Singapore, creating a unique and memorable garden experience,” said Gavin McWilliam, who together with Andrew Wilson (UK) designed the “Sacred Grove” (Landscape Garden).

“…I think the move to Gardens by the Bay has been very successful. Visitors to the show have still been able to experience Fantasy gardens in the giant Marquee under lights but outside they have been able to see the true delicate textures of natural plant foliage and flower colours against the beautiful backdrop of Singapore’s city skyline. The show has grown from strength to strength and is now widely known amongst international circles as the premiere tropical garden show, evident this year by such a strong line-up of world famous designers from a variety of countries. The people of Singapore, NParks & Gardens by the Bay have every reason to embrace this wonderful show and feel proud that international visitors are seeing first hand that you really are creating a garden in a city,” said Jim Fogarty (Australia) who designed “Australasia” (Landscape Garden).

“This is the second Festival we participated in and its new venue has brought about new challenges and new excitement. Working with the overseas designers and participating in the Fantasy category has also enabled us to challenge our thinking and design innovation,” said Gurumurthy, Managing Director of Landscape Engineering Pte Ltd, who was the implementing partner for James Basson’s Tartarus (Fantasy Garden).

“I believe this is a great opportunity for local designers to showcase their talents with other international designers through this international festival. Not only we learn so much but also a good exposure among all. Truly a wonderful experience!” said Winston Chin, local floral artist behind the display “Enchanted Night” in the Table Floral Series.

 “I am very impressed by the Penjing display and I wish I had more time to explore the other parts of the Festival. I will definitely come again in 2016,” said visitor Ms Ho Foong Hoe.

“I came to the Festival this year as it is now at Gardens by the Bay – a garden setting rather than indoors. It is good that the landscape gardens are outdoors and being able to visit the Flower Dome as well is a plus,” said visitor Irene Foo.