Joanna Chan Channel NewsAsia 3 Feb 11;
SINGAPORE: Singapore's latest national project - Gardens by the Bay - moves closer to its November completion date.
The large-scale green space just minutes from the city centre features 18 giant concrete trees and two special conservatories that showcase plants found outside this region.
Rising nine to 16 storeys above ground, the 18 giant concrete trees - named the "super trees" - are probably a familiar sight to those travelling along the East Coast Parkway.
The tallest tree will also be home to a restaurant, providing a panoramic view of its surroundings.
For a more natural feel, the structure is covered in living matter.
Andy Kwek, Assistant Director (Development), Gardens by the Bay, said: "The super trees are currently 40 per cent completed. We've got all the concrete cores erected and are currently putting in the steel "skins" that give the supertree its form. Thereafter, we will cover the skin with ferns, orchids and flowering climbers."
Construction for the two conservatories are also well underway.
The "Flower Dome", which features plants found in the Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions, is scheduled to be completed by November.
More than 90 per cent of its glass panels have been fitted.
The other conservatory - "Cloud Forest" - which features plants from the Tropical Montane region, will be ready six months later.
Some of the plants that will be housed in the conservatory have already been brought into Singapore.
While the local weather is not conducive for their growth, they can look forward to moving into their special climate-controlled new home in April.
Another feature at the Gardens of the Bays will be the four heritage gardens which will be ready by November.
The gardens showcase the important role of plants in the different cultures of Singapore.
Once the billion-dollar first phase of Gardens by the Bay is completed, visitors can look forward to viewing the various features, as well as a series of horticulture themed events and concerts.
