Mosquitoes, Beware - Dragonflies Are In The Air!

If you've been to a pond, you will likely see dragonflies, with their colourful iridescent bodies reflecting the sunlight as they rest on the leaves of water plants or zap about on their four strong wings.

But have you ever seen a swarm of dragonflies? If you do, don’t be alarmed. Instead, be grateful because these insects are probably feeding on mosquitoes – so there are fewer mosquitoes to feed on you!

Why Do Dragonflies Swarm?

We are probably seeing more of them because they may be going farther from water to find their prey, and the reason for that probably has something to do with mosquito control.

They swarm because their food sources swarm. If it has been a rainy season, or if you live near a lot of standing water, then the mosquito population is bound to be booming. If a large mosquito population is present at the time and place of the emergence of fully-grown dragonflies then you may witness a dragonfly swarm.

Dragonflies do not only eat mosquitoes, so you may even catch a small swarm of dragonflies in your yard if there happen to be any acceptable prey abundant there.

They are good for any garden, so be glad they're there for you...

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Singapore Garden Festival - Floral Windows To The World

Enter a magical world of exciting garden designs and exquisite floral creations as Singapore goes into full bloom this July at the Singapore Garden Festival 2016. Whether you are a serious gardener, hobbyist or just looking for a wonderful day out with the family, you are in for delightful treats at the Festival. Held at the award winning Gardens by the Bay, this year’s Festival promises to be more spectacular than ever before.

  

Landscape & Fantasy Gardens

Behold the beauty and magic of the mystical landscape and fantasy gardens created by renowned local and international gardening luminaries…

  

With the clever use of mirrors, the landscaped showcase is reflected on the ceiling and walls...

A light shines on a pathway in a pool of water plants...

  

Floral Windows To The World

Marvel at the exquisite showcase of beautiful flowers, creatively and delicately designed by celebrated local and international floral designers…

  

Celebrations! Floral Table Series

Learn how you can bring your table floral arrangements to life with floral creations by the experts…

  

Balcony Gardens

Be inspired to transform your own balcony into a magical and enchanted garden retreat with the showcases here…

Orchid Extravaganza

Be mesmerised by the variety and rainbow of the region's most exquisite orchids….

Among the many showcased blooms, this particular pot is among the most decorated…

SGF Rocks

As night falls, catch performances by popular and upcoming local artistes Gentle Bones, 53A, Jack & Rai, Jive Talkin', Lorong Boys, ShiLi & Adi, Shirlyn & The UnXpected, and many more! Enjoy music of different genres including R&B, pop and rock, at the Alfresco Stage in the Marketplace (free admission), and the Meadow Stage.

Vibrant Marketplace

Shop for all things gardening and satisfy your horticultural needs at this one-stop marketplace with over 100 retailers. Be enchanted by amazing performances and enjoy the diverse culinary delights on offer.

All in all, it was a most awesome experience...

  

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Singapore Garden Festival - Orchid Extravaganza

The designation of Vanda Miss Joaquim var. Agnes as Singapore’s national flower on 15 April 1981 was part of an overall effort to foster national pride and identity. Singapore has the unique distinction of being the only nation to have a hybrid as its national flower. The choice of an orchid as Singapore’s national flower is most appropriate because orchids have long been identified with Singapore. The Vanda Miss Joaquim was picked from among 40 flowers, out of which 30 were orchids, as Singapore’s national flower. Among the several varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim, the variety "Agnes" was chosen particularly for its vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience – qualities which reflect the Singapore spirit.

The orchid may be ubiquitous, but it conceals many surprises among its numerous blooms. Regarded as the world’s most diverse botanical family, orchids grow on almost every continent and vary widely in size and form. Due to its immense variety, there are more species of orchids in the world than the number of bird species or even mammal species.

The diversity of the orchid world was brought to life in this year’s Orchid Extravaganza, which runs from 22 July to 28 August in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Set amidst an enchanted forest where the mythical Orchidians call home, a stunning display of more than 10,000 orchid plants awaits.

Orchid Extravaganza' will feature over 100 orchid species and hybrids. Be it the myriad of colours of the well-loved Phalaenopsis, the intriguing kite-like flowers of the Masdevallia, or the bright, flamboyant blooms of the Cattleya, there is an orchid for every taste. Be mesmerised by the entrancing spiral of orchids above you in the Sacred Trees of Wisdom. Or take a moment to admire the flow of orchid colours along the Stream of Life. As you stroll through this secret village dotted with quaint fruit-shaped houses, you just might spot an Orchidian or two!

Miniature orchids that fit into the palm of your hand...

Educational tips about orchids...

In conjunction with the Singapore Garden Festival from 23 to 31 July, the Flower Dome will also showcase more than 400 orchids from the Singapore Orchid Show by the Orchid Society of South East Asia (OSSEA).

Award winning blooms abound...

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