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Help protect our natural heritage! Learn how to be a responsible visitor when visiting our nature parks and nature reserves.

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contest image 42

contest image 42
In this issue, we are giving away five Renanthera embroidered bookmarks. Contest Issue 42

Highlights

Like so many of you, I took a short break overseas in June. Upon my return to Changi Airport, I took the opportunity to quickly pop by the “iconic” waterfall at the Jewel shopping mall for an obligatory shot for my Instagram feed. And as my taxi left the airport, I caught sight of the “iconic” airport control tower framed by beautiful Bougainvillea blooms and shady Rain Trees, in the rear view mirror.

At this time every year, we feel a stronger connection to Singapore, given its proximity to National Day. So in this issue, we re-examine 10 “icons” linked to our Singaporean identity, but viewed from a floral and fauna lens. One item left off this list is our food paradise reputation, but that’s because we have another article purely devoted to local desserts and the key plant ingredients that makes each sweet treat so “iconic”. 

A place that may one day earn the “iconic” label is Jurong Lake Gardens, our first national gardens in the heartlands. This past April, the 53-hectare Lakeside Garden in Jurong Lake Gardens was opened in conjunction with the first ever Singapore Garden Festival Horticulture Show. If you were away or busy and missed both events, you can read about the highlights of each in this issue too.

Our green spaces are for every resident, so the young haven’t been forgotten. In the article, Playing In Nature, we introduce the key features of three nature playgardens where children can run about, explore and immerse themselves in imaginative play. And if you are a pet owner, our writer (who has two dogs of her own) tells us where you can bring your furry friend to, in the article Day Out With Your Pets.

So this National Day, besides proudly displaying your red and white, also enjoy the green. Here’s hoping you can discover your own “iconic” places as you explore our green spaces.



Felix Siew

Editor

  • Felix Siew

Conservation Consultant

  • Shin Koh

Gardening Consultant

  • Dr Wilson Wong

Contributors

  • Chenny Li
  • Chong Poh Choo
  • Heather Tay
  • Jacqueline Choo
  • Leon Chin
  • Lynn Chan
  • Naomi Goh
  • Nur Hafizah
  • Rebecca Lee
  • Tok Yin Xin
  • Victoria Cheong
  • Wong Yeang Cherng