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At the western end of the very busy Orchard Road, lie the Botanic Gardens. Spread over 128 acres, it contains almost half a million species of plants and trees from around the world. The grounds contain a large lake, masses of shrubs and flowers and examples of various palm trees, some over 90’high. The Gardens have grown into one of Singapore’s most popular attractions, welcoming more than 3m visitors every year. The park was founded during the reign of Great Britain, in 1859 and was modeled from the Kew Gardens in Great Britain. The agri horticultural society behind this effort, were instrumental in fostering agricultural development in Malaysia and Singapore. They developed farming for cocoa and nutmeg and more notably, the rubber plant. There was plenty of resistance to the development of this plant as the new cash crop, which was to replace coffee in Malaysia. However, Henry Ridley, director of the gardens from 1888 to 1912 persisted, some say relentlessly, to grow the rubber plant in Malaysia. Given his western orientation, he knew it was just a matter of time before most people would own cars, with tires, made of rubber and that there was a fortune to be made. For his efforts there is a memorial dedicated to him.

In the 1960’s, the ruling government launched a successful campaign to make Singapore the “Garden City”. Most of the trees planted besides the highway were transplanted from the Botanic Garden. Many plants and trees around the city have matured and contribute to the lush atmosphere. The park is currently used for recreation by the residents of Singapore. Every morning and evening the park is filled with nature enthusiasts who are intent upon getting some exercise. There are tai chi classes and joggers. On weekends, wedding parties will pose for photos in the park. A number of events and exhibitions will be held at Singapore’s Botanic Gardens (SBG) throughout 2009 to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Events taking place to celebrate the 150th anniversary this year include an exhibition on Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.

The Botanic Gardens also house the National Orchid Garden. It is here that the National Flower, known as the “Vanda Miss Joaquim, is being cultivated. Highly esteemed by native Singaporeans and tourists alike, this elegant flower can be found in the large floral arrangements of hotel lobbies and are frequently used as a single element in a more modern Singapore boutique hotel. The flower, which is hardy and free flowering, has a rosy-violet, dark purple appearance with surprising shocks of orange.

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