Gardens by the Bay has unveiled its first-ever Australian-themed floral showcase, Carnival of Flowers (澳洲花卉嘉年华), offering a vibrant celebration of unique blooms from Down Under. The display, inspired by the iconic Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, kicked off with a mini “floral float” parade featuring 16 children from TOUCH Child Care (Clementi) alongside Gardens’ horticulturists and a special delegation from Toowoomba, Queensland.
This stunning floral exhibition, presented in collaboration with Toowoomba Regional Council, brings the essence of Australia’s longest-running flower show to Singapore. The children’s floats, created in their art classes, will be on display throughout the event, which runs until November 17, 2024.
A Celebration of Toowoomba’s Garden City Legacy
In homage to Toowoomba, known as the Garden City, more than 8,000 plants from 30 varieties are featured at the Flower Dome, including the exotic waratah and banksia, making their first appearance at Gardens by the Bay. Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, Australian High Commissioner Allaster Cox, and Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald officially launched the event, accompanied by a delegation from the Australian city.
Unusual Australian Plants Take Center Stage
Carnival of Flowers showcases Australia’s extraordinary plant life, many of which have evolved to withstand harsh climates. Among the highlights are the grevillea, with its spider-like flowers, and the pink mulla mulla, resembling a bottlebrush. The waratah, often compared to a pincushion due to its dome-shaped head, is another star attraction.
Visitors can also enjoy the largest-ever display of kangaroo paws at Gardens by the Bay, featuring 14 varieties in rare shades like blue-green and purple. This whimsical plant has woolly flowers shaped like a kangaroo’s fingers, adding a playful touch to the exhibit.
Spectacular Floral Floats and Art Displays
In a nod to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ annual float parade, visitors will be treated to floral floats crafted from preserved flowers, including a 4-meter-tall Ferris wheel and a rotating carousel featuring Australian farm animals. Additionally, the floral display is decorated with almost 400 wooden ornaments of Australian wildlife, painted collaboratively by students from Singapore and Toowoomba.
The exhibition also features First Nations art from Australia, including the 3-meter-tall Genestreaming Journey Sculpture, which symbolizes the deep-time connections between species. This stunning piece of art, gifted to Gardens by the Bay, is being displayed outside Australia for the first time, representing the enduring friendship between Singapore and Australia.
Larger-Than-Life Paper Flowers
Singaporean artist Pei Li (PeiPer) has crafted giant sculptures of native Australian blooms, including the Golden Wattle, Australia’s national flower. Each flower has been meticulously sculpted with over 1,680 stamens, showcasing Pei Li’s intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Event Details
- Date: Now until Sunday, 17 November 2024
- Time: 9am to 9pm
- Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay (Admission charges apply)
- Bonus: Singapore residents enjoy complimentary entry to “Impressions of Monet: The Experience” from Mondays to Thursdays with the purchase of a Flower Dome ticket.
Celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of Australian flora this season at the Carnival of Flowers.
