TALK
Growing Gingers for your Kitchen

The Ginger family – Zingiberaceae – includes a variety of edible plants that are enjoyed around the world. While many are grown for culinary purposes, others are cultivated as ornamental plants or used in traditional medicine. In fact, not just the rhizomes, but also the leaves and flowers of some ginger species are edible, offering a unique combination of fragrance, flavour, and spice that makes them popular as both ingredients and natural remedies. This talk will focus on three ginger species that are ideal for beginners and apartment dwellers: Common ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Cekur (Kaempferia galanga). These three ginger species can be grown in pots, making them perfect for urban gardeners looking to add fresh, homegrown spices to their kitchen.

Over 1 hour, attendees will learn about:

1. Ecological habitats and distribution
2. Plant characteristics
3. Light, fertiliser and potting media requirements
4. Propagation methods of Common Ginger, Turmeric and Cekur

Date : Saturday, 2 August 2025

Time : 10.00 – 11.00 am

Venue : Centre for Education and Outreach 

Fee : Free

(Please click here to register.)

TALK
Nature’s Minimalists: Air Plants 

Tillandsias, (or air plants, are admired by plant hobbyists for their beautiful silver-green colour and form.  These epiphytic plants have minimal maintenance requirements and do not need soil to grow. Join us to learn about the characteristics of air plants and their native habitats, as well as how to make them flourish. 

Over 1 hour, attendees will learn about:

1. Ecological habitats
2. Unique plant characteristics – extreme epiphytism and hair-like structures on leaf surfaces  
3. Mesic and xeric conditions 
4. Light, fertiliser and watering requirements 
5. Propagation methods

Date : Saturday, 16 August 2025 

Time : 10.00 – 11.00 am

Venue : Centre for Education and Outreach  

Fee : Free

(Please click here to register.)

WORKSHOP

Introduction to Growing Orchids

Keen to do some soilless gardening? Try your hand at growing orchids! Many tropical orchid species and hybrids are epiphytic. They thrive well without soil. Bring home your own orchid plant to start your gardening journey.  

Over 2 hours, attendees will learn about:  

1. What is an Orchid? 
2. Diversity of orchids
3. Basic needs of an Orchid
4. Transplanting and propagation methods
5. Caring for your Orchid

Date : Saturday, 30 August 2025
Time : 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Venue : Centre for Education and Outreach

Fee : $50.00/- per participant (inclusive of all materials)

(Please click here to register.)