Gardens can be wonderful, peaceful locations that promote learning and enjoyment. Sometimes, it’s just enough to be outdoors, enjoying plants, greenery, trees, sunshine, and fresh air.
However, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is aiming at making being out in beautiful nature even more educational. A new facet of the gardens has opened after more than a year of construction — as well as millions of dollars to develop it. The theme of the feature, which includes new garden grounds, art installations, and a state-of-the-art center, is to educate the public about types of plants that were used by indigenous people in Singapore.
Visitors to this new feature in the gardens have the chance to experience the types of flora and fauna that perhaps their own ancestors encountered. Hundreds of native plants are included, many of which had specific purposes for the people who used to live in this region. Whether it’s a plant whose leaves are used to aid before and after childbirth or a tree with fruit that tastes like almonds, visitors can learn about all of the plants — which include labels — through an innovative online registry that takes them through their history and purpose.
Separate areas of the gardens examine different uses of the plants. In one area, visitors can see and understand how plants were used to make tools for various tasks or discover which plants ancient people foraged for. Another area examines the plants that were used as medicine, such as the one that helped induce labor. Yet another area involves plants that were used symbolically in different cultures. The last area looks at plants that were used for ancient artworks.
The new exhibition’s center highlights the culture and history surrounding the plants. Visitors can view displays about such practices as cash crop farming in the region over the course of history. They can also appreciate more than one hundred art artifacts found in the area that are prime examples of historic masterpieces made from the flora and fauna present in the garden. Fabric and clothing made from plants, as well as instruments from the wood of certain trees, can be found on display. Murals painted on rocks at the site depict some of the heritage events that have occurred there.
The official opening of this new education segment of the Singapore Botanic Gardens has been scheduled to coincide with a special festival. Tours, movie showings, and other attractions will be on tap.
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To read more about the Botanic Gardens exhibition, go to https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/58m-attraction-opens-at-botanic-gardens.