Gardens by the Bay may already be teeming with lush greenery, but it will boast of even more exquisite floral exhibits at the upcoming Singapore Garden Festival from July 23 to 31. The biennial garden and flower show, which is said to be the largest of all six editions, has grown into 9.7 hectares of garden designs, art competitions, nightly performances, food selections, and a nature-inspired marketplace. Read on to find out why you must not miss this year’s much-awaited festival.

1. International and local talents will showcase a total of 37 masterpieces. Globally renowned designers are taking the spotlight with their landscape and fantasy gardens, balcony gardens, terrarium exhibits, and intricately designed floral displays. While previous festival awardees like landscape designer Andy Sturgeon and lighting designer John Cullen are once again bringing their visions to life, newcomers and even local communities have likewise collaborated to introduce Singaporean talent to the global scene.
    

   Full Circle? by Andy Sturgeon (Landscape Garden)

   Rock Paradise by Alan Wong (Balcony Garden)

   Winter Illusion by Kate Hillier and Dan Rutherford (Fantasy Garden)

2. The biggest bonsai event in Singapore, also known as the Penjing and Artistic Stone Exhibition and Competition, will be taking place. The art of growing bonsai trees is no small matter, especially when there are about 80 bonsai plants of varying sizes and designs that are calling for attention. These potted ornaments inspired by a Japanese tradition are to be displayed along with what is known in China as penjing, or simply miniature landscapes on trays.
    
3. Ten thousand orchid plants will be on display. Coinciding with Singapore Garden Festival 2016 is the Orchid Extravaganza, which will showcase the diversity of the world’s largest botanical family. Come across over 100 orchid species between July 22 and August 28, including the Dracula orchid endemic to Ecuador and the vibrantly coloured Cattleya orchids.
   
   
4. An electric guitar ingeniously carved out of a fallen tree will be unveiled. There is probably no better instrument to use than an actual guitar made from Singapore’s dead trees to spread the importance of conserving the environment. Young artists can now raise awareness through the gift of music, all thanks to a humble guitar-maker and repairman, who initiated this project and worked with a 25-metre tall Senegal mahogany tree.