I must say firstly, superb work by Gardens by the Bay, you actually created a sculpture of Madam White Snake, using flowers. Well done!
To be precise, it’s crafted using dahlias in full bloom. Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. Dahlias are members of the Asteraceae family of dicotyledonous plants, its relatives include the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia.
Although I do not know how Madam White Snake looks like, but still, this is of by far no mean feat on the international standard.
Spring Blossoms was launched by Minister of Health Mr Ong Ye Kung, who is ever jovial and likeable. He shared about his lasting friendship with Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr Felix Loh. which went back to their army days. In anticipation of the coming Chinese New Year which is the Year of the Snake (Chinese Zodiac Animal), he also shared some common misconceptions of the snake, and how we can emulate the positive attributes that the snake possesses.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Singapore His Excellency Cao Zhongming gave his address to the media here. He was pivotal to the collaboration with leading Chinese landscaping company Beijing Florascape. An expert in mosaiculture, Beijing Florascape is also behind large-scale 3D floral installations for major China events such as the annual National Day floral displays at Tiananmen Square and the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Asian Civilisation Museum displayed their 7-metre tall replica of Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰塔）where hearsay Madam White Snake was trapped as a form of punishment for her love for a mortal man. These Pagodas were featured in our blog previously here, and it was nothing short of magnificent. As for the lovebirds, we are happy to see them dancing away at the opening of “Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake”.
The floral display also features a zodiac snake sculpture in a tribute to the Year of the Snake, and paper umbrellas, a reference to how in the story, Xu Xian and Madam White Snake had shared an umbrella on a rainy day. The items are on show courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore, who is commemorating 35 years of Singapore-China diplomatic relations this year.
We were treated to the Lunar New Year tunes of 凤阳花鼓 and many other classics by the Chinese Orchestra from Beijing University. You need a good diaphragm control when playing the flute and this guy has it!
Now, let us check out some beautiful flowers.
Within the garden, there is a limited-time exhibition “Impression of Monet” that beautifully combines horticulture with digital art, celebrating the life and work of the legendary painter Claude Monet. Visitors will be transported to his iconic garden in Giverny, France, through stunning floral displays that echo the vibrant landscapes found in his masterpieces. Here I wonder what he is drawing.
Spring Blossoms: Legend of Lady White Snake
Date: Until Sunday, 23 February 2025
Time: 9am to 9pm
Venue: Flower Dome (Admission charge applies)
Impression of Monet: The Experience
Date: 12 July 2024 – 18 February 2025
Time: 9am to 9pm (Last admission at 8.30pm)
Venue: Flower Field Hall (Admission charge applies)
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