Gardenscapes

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Of course we had to go back and explore Gardens by the Bay and the mysterious, exotic domes looming over the shoreline behind the towers of Marina Bay Sands. Gardens by the Bay is rated #8 among the Top Attractions in the World by Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024. How could we be here in Singapore without going to see something so special?

There are two domes - the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The Supertrees are also part of the Gardens by the Bay, but the Supertrees are outdoors and you do not have to buy a ticket for them or for any of the outdoor walking paths.

We started in the Flower Dome, as most visitors do. There is so much to look at! Everything was well-tended and clean. A lot of thought had gone into the design of the plant beds, the walking paths, and the embellishments. We started out with a fabulous exhibit of striking, showy succulents. Some were just plain weird.

Sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. We visited her museum in Tokyo in 2023.

Characters from “Alice in Wonderland” could be spotted here and there

Moving into the next zone, we began to descend to the ground level (having entered on an upstairs level).  We passed through areas that suggested Africa and Australia (and the Hundred Acre Wood).       

Gorgeous oversized flowers made of gauze and wire signaled the beginning of the floral zone

More gauze flowers

One more photo of gauze flowers

An immersive Monet exhibit was located in the central core of the Flower Dome. 

Upon entering the Cloud Forest dome we found ourselves surrounded by vibrant orchids and other lush plants from the humid jungle.

The walkways wind around behind the waterfalls, stretch out into the air, and let you lose yourself in this magical cloud forest.

We spent a good part of the day at the domes. It left us in awe of the beauty, variety, and complexity of plant life. It was a delightful escape from the busy life of the city.

Today’s fabric is Caladiums - Dark by Phillip Jacobs for Kaffe Fassett Collective.