The Hidden Work Behind Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts:

• Supertree Grove: Vertical gardens that function as both aesthetic features and integral components of the Gardens' sustainability systems.
• Bromeliads & Air Plants: Hardy plants suited for the Supertrees' environment, requiring minimal soil and thriving in heat.
• Automated Irrigation: A system within the Supertrees that delivers water directly to the plants.
• Solar Energy Harvesting: Solar panels atop some Supertrees convert sunlight into energy for lighting and cooling.
• Biomass Incineration: A process that converts horticultural waste into energy to power the Gardens.
• Flower Dome: A climate-controlled conservatory that houses flowers from around the world, requiring precise temperature and light management.
• Cloud Forest: A recreated tropical highland environment with a waterfall and misting system to maintain cool, moist conditions.
• Horticultural Waste Management: The collection and processing of plant waste to generate energy.
• Climate Control: The regulation of temperature, humidity, and light within the conservatories to mimic specific environments.

Supertree Grove: Vertical Gardens and Sustainable Infrastructure

The Supertree Grove is a central feature of Gardens by the Bay, comprising 18 vertical gardens, some reaching the height of a 16-story building. These structures are covered with over 158,000 plants.

• Maintenance: Gardeners regularly inspect the Supertrees for dry bromeliad leaves and stagnant water in bromeliad reservoirs, removing dead foliage and overgrown air plants to ensure adequate sunlight for all plants, including orchids.
• Automated System: An automated irrigation system within each Supertree delivers water directly to the plants.
• Sustainability: 11 of the 18 Supertrees are equipped with solar panels that convert sunlight into energy to light the Supertrees at night and cool the conservatories during the day.
• Biomass Plant: One Supertree acts as a chimney, venting exhaust gases from a biomass plant that runs on horticultural waste. The plant processes approximately one tonne of wood waste daily, including tree clippings and pruning waste, through incineration to generate steam and heat, which powers a turbine to produce electrical energy.

Flower Dome: Climate-Controlled Floral Displays

The Flower Dome is a conservatory where seasonal floral displays are meticulously curated and maintained.

• Seasonal Changes: The displays change approximately every month, with themes such as cherry blossoms in March and tulips in April.
• Overnight Transformation: Teams of 8-10 gardeners work overnight to plant thousands of flowers and arrange props for each new display.
• Tulip Cultivation: The team plants dozens of tulip varieties in specific patterns, even though the tulips are received as green buds and their colors are not immediately apparent.
• Climate Control: The Flower Dome maintains a perpetual spring temperature of 12°C to 18°C, and shades are deployed during the day to filter sunlight and prevent overheating.

Cloud Forest: Recreating Tropical Highland Ecosystems

The Cloud Forest is a conservatory designed to replicate the cool, moist environment of tropical highlands.

• Design: The space features a mountain structure with a tall indoor waterfall.
• Climate Control: A misting system maintains a constant humidity level, and the temperature is kept between 23°C and 25°C.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Gardens by the Bay is a meticulously engineered garden that integrates aesthetic beauty with sustainable practices. The Supertrees serve as vertical gardens, energy harvesters, and components of a waste-to-energy system. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest demonstrate advanced climate control techniques to showcase diverse plant life. The garden exemplifies how design, planning, and care can create a thriving ecosystem in an urban environment.