At a recent launch event for the 160th Anniversary celebrations of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Parks Board (NParks) unveiled their plans for the 8 ha extension to the Gardens along Gallop Road. Comprising an arboretum which will hold 200 to 300 species of dipterocarp forest species, Singapore’s first permanent collection of botanical art on display, a restored ridge-top habitat and a biophilic play area, the Gallop extension brings the total area of the Gardens to 82 hectares – the largest in its 160-year history. For the first time in Singapore, visitors of all ages and abilities will be able to explore and appreciate native forest ecology in one location, furthering the Gardens’ mission of connecting people with plants.

As Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has a rich history of research, conservation, education and recreation.

With its rolling terrain of open lawns framed by landscapes of native plants and forests, and featuring two conservation buildings, the Gallop extension will continue the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ heritage roles in research, conservation, education and recreation. As a natural extension of the Gardens’ Nature Area which covers 6 ha of primary rainforest and the Learning Forest, the Gallop extension will enable visitors to learn about forest ecology and the importance of conservation in a single location when it opens in late 2019. The extension will also buffer against urban development surrounding the native flora and fauna within the Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more about the various new features of this green project here. 

UnPackt is the first zero-waste specialty grocer and wholesaler in Singapore to offer packaging-free shopping. Following the debut of their well-received flagship store, they recently established their second store in the heart of the central business district at Downtown Gallery. 

You can pick up quality groceries and daily lifestyle products in your own containers. UnPackt helps you to minimize food waste and excessive plastic packaging, while saving you money on your grocery bill.

Unpackt is also a social enterprise which aims to employ single parents and elderly, with an aim to cultivate a conscious community within the neighbourhood.

6A Shenton Way, Unit #03-05 OUE Downtown Gallery

Gardens by the Bay's new outdoor garden attraction, Serene Garden, is a unique horticultural garden inspired by the minimalist concept of Japanese zen gardens. A tranquil 2-hectare space located just a stone’s throw from The Meadow, visitors can get a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life as they enjoy an intimate encounter with nature.

Serene Garden, a calm and peaceful green space is just a short stroll away from the popular Supertree Grove. Taking 3 years to conceptualise and build, the outdoor themed garden offers scenic views of the city's beautiful skyline as its backdrop while bringing visitors closer to nature — truly a uniquely Singaporean experience.

Serene Garden is open daily from 5.00am to 2.00am to the public and admission is free. Read more about Serene Garden here.

18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay

Tel: +65 6420 6848 Email: feedback@gardensbythebay.com.sg

Reprovisions is a new zero-waste bulk store which is now open in Jurong Point. You can even get freshly grounded nut butter (without any additional oil, salt or sugar) on the spot! 

Reprovisions is a bulk food store where you can purchase various unpackaged items through the weigh-and-pay concept.

They serve your needs and cravings as they stock healthful foods such as superfoods, nuts and dried fruits, as well as eclectic indulgences such as long licorice candies and handmade chocolates. They also cater to homemakers and cooking enthusiasts with their range of spice blends, Asian mixes and staples.

At Reprovisions, they aim to provide you with items from the best sources, so you can refill and relish with them!

Jurong West Central 2, Unit #03-32/33 Jurong Point 1

Tel: +65 8768 2023 Email: management@reprovisions.com

A green corridor adjacent to the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal (between Holland Green and Holland Plain) is now open. 

Reaching almost 1km in length, this green corridor features rain gardens, vegetated swales, and wetland systems. The diverse native plants and forest tree species provide a conducive environment for flora and fauna including the Grey Heron, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Malayan Water Monitor and many dragonflies. 

The green corridor runs along Holland Plain and you can get there via Holland Road or Holland Link.  

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg

Photo Credit: Alex Tam and NParks. 

The National Parks Board (NParks) launched Singapore’s first turtle hatchery at the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park in end-September. The hatchery is strategically located on Small Sister’s Island, a protected area zoned for conservation and research. There are two species of turtles that are native to Singapore – the Hawksbill Turtle and Green Sea Turtle – both of which are critically endangered. 

Supported by HSBC’s 150th anniversary Community Fund through the Garden City Fund, the hatchery will also provide research opportunities for scientists to study local sea turtle populations. Outreach and education programmes will also be organised at the hatchery.

The turtle hatchery consists of two sections: A turtle field station and an incubation sand pit area. The turtle field station is a hub for hatchery-related activities, volunteer training, as well as curated educational and research programmes. The incubation sand pit area comprises three non-magnetic metal cages, where the turtle eggs will be kept. The cages will be partially buried in the sand and will protect the incubating eggs against predators, such as monitor lizards.

Jelutung Harbour Park has officially reopened after a major facelift and it is now a recreational hotspot for the Sembawang GRC residents. 

The new water play area and an iconic adventure / interactive playground, along with an inclusive play area for children of all ages, especially for children with physically challenged and special needs are the major highlights of the revamped park. 

The new water-feature playground in Jelutung Harbour Park operates from 9.30am - 9.30pm daily and it is something not to be missed!

A new Entrance Plaza with an improved amphitheatre also allow for more group gatherings or community events in the future.

Residents can also enjoy the enhanced basketball court and BBQ pits in the park. All these features make Jelutung Harbour Park a great destination for the whole family!

493 Admiralty Link

The 900 sq m Therapeutic Garden at Choa Chu Kang Park launched recently and is situated next to the Community-In-Bloom Garden and Allotment Garden, which improves the social connection to gardening communities in the area.

It is specially designed with features that bring about restorative effects to our mental well-being and relieve stress. The garden includes edible and fragrant plants, a calming water feature and is wheelchair-friendly.

Threpeautic Garden at Choa Chu Kang Park is the first of its kind in the western part of Singapore. There are three other such gardens at HortPark, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Tiong Bahru Park. Two more will be opened by the first quarter of 2019, bringing the total to six around the island. 

Choa Chu Kang Drive, Choa Chu Kang Park