Jul 17, Gardens by the Bay South - The Conservatory Complex

The focal point for the Gardens by the Bay South is the Conservatory Complex, and is one of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Gardens by the Bay, one of the newest Singapore attractions. The complex consists of two buildings- a cool dry conservatory called Flower Dome and a cool moist one known as Cloud Forest. Together, they will feature annual plants and flowering species from three very distinct climates: Mediterranean, Tropical Montane, and temperate.

Gardens by the Bay Conservatory Complex: The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest
Before heading into the Gardens by the Bay South, take some time to learn about the different climates so you know what to expect from each section. Use that knowledge to impress your travel mates as you wander through the complex.
The Mediterranean climate is a subtropical one, and stretches across the Mediterranean basin, although it also exists in parts of southern Australia. It is also called a Dry Summer Subtropical Climate, because it doesn't see much rain during the warmer months. Plants and flowers in this climate must be able to stand up to both hot summer droughts and long wet winters.
Several different types of trees grow in this region, including pines, oaks, and sycamores, however the cypress tree may be the most famous of all. This tree has a place in the mythology of many Mediterranean cultures. In Turkey, the cypress symbolizes the universe. In Persian cultures, it is a symbol of freedom and truthfulness. The ancient Greeks associated it with the passage to the afterlife, while the ancient Egyptians used it to protect the mummified remains of their pharaohs. Fruit trees such as figs, citrus, walnuts and olives also grow in this climate.
As you walk through the complex of Gardens by the Bay South, keep your nose open for some amazingly fragrant herbs that grow in the Mediterranean, as some of pasta's favourite companions are found here, including rosemary, basil, and thyme. Just don't linger too long near the lavender unless you're in the mood for a nap, it is well known for its relaxing and sedating effect. The climate also produces some of the most beautiful flowers, including the bright yellow hibiscus, the vibrant red Nerium oleander, and the fleshy white flowers of the caper bush.
The Tropical montane is a type of rainforest that grows on mountains and at high altitudes. It is often referred to as a "cloud forest," and is much cooler than other tropical rainforests. It is also a very wet region, with much of the precipitation coming from the fog that is almost a constant feature.
One of the most interesting and unique features about this climate is that it has many types of epiphytes, or plants that grow on top of other plants and in the trunks of trees. Expect to see different types of mosses, ferns, and orchids in the Gardens by the Bay South. Keep an eye out for the rather unique looking nepenthes, also called pitcher plants or monkey cups. These carnivorous plants trap insects in their pouch and produce a special fluid to help them squeeze all the nutrients from their prey. They are most common in the Malay Archipelago, which includes Singapore.
Tropical montane forests are high on the list of threatened ecosystems, making up only about 1% of the world's forests, and it is believed that the few that remain are mere shadows of their former glory. By dedicating a section of the conservatory to the plants and flowers found in the region, perhaps the Gardens by the Bay can help preserve some of the species before they die out in their natural habitats.
The temperate climate region lies between the tropics and the polar circles, and generally doesn't get too hot or too cold. Most of the yearly rainfall comes during the summer, and the dry winters cause the trees to lose their leaves, creating beautiful colours before they fall.
This climate produces some of the most beautiful flowers. Purple Nemesia bloom throughout the year, and Princess Flowers soar twenty feet high into the air, and Dahlias blossom in a myriad of stunning colours. The famous Sakura, or Cherry Blossoms, of Japan grow best in a temperate climate, as does the Lotus flower. Iris, pomegranate, roses, and sunflowers and tulips also grow in this region.
The Conservatory Complex in the Gardens by the Bay South is still under planning, so you may not see all of these flowers and plants there right away, and you will definitely see more than those listed. There are thousands of species of plants, flowers, and trees throughout these three climate regions, so expect many delightful surprises as you pass from the cool dry to cool mist environments.
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