My Green SpaceIssue 17 Vol 2/2013 Apr – Jun 2013
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Read Past Issues 50 Years of Greening SingaporeEditor's Note
Fifty years ago, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew planted a Mempat tree at Farrer Circus. The landscape of Singapore has changed drastically since then. But one thing remains the same. The commitment to transform Singapore into a City in a Garden, a place filled with natural biodiversity. This is something that could be carried out only with the support of the community.
In the same vein, My Green Space has undergone a revamp, it's first since its inception in 2009. Some of you have shared with us what you thought would improve the newsletter. Thus, we hope you like the new look and will continue to support us by reading each issue.
Ng Li-San
Editorial Team
- Editor:
- Ng Li-San
- Contributors:
- Ang Wee Foong
- Cai Yixiong
- Cheryl Chia
- Chrystal Chua
- Dr Wilson Wong
- Faezah Mohd Sanif
- Kenny Khoo
- Lois Yong
- Lua Hock Keong
- Lynn Tan
- Maxel Ng
- Nickolas Yip
- Nor Aishah M. Rashid
- Thaddea Chua
- Conservation Consultant:
- Tan Sze Peng
- Gardening Consultant:
- Dr Wilson Wong
Main Feature
Growing Sunflowers: A Journey of Discovery
Follow Nickolas Yip, a primary four student, as he learns a lesson in responsibiity. Nickolas had been given a starter kit as part of the Every Child A Seed programme. Find out how he fared.
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Lifestyle
Relive Your Memories at Raffles Place Park
Evoke memories of your childhood when the playground was your favourite hang-out spot. Take a swing or a spin, or have a picnic, all the while travelling down memory lane. Those are the emotions the Playsets of Yesteryears exhibition hopes to elicit from the public.
Read MoreMore in Lifestyle
Conservation
The Endangered Singapore Crab
Did you know that there is a crab endemic to Singapore? That means it can only be found in our country. However, its habitat is threatened by development. Learn about the effort to study this local crustacean in order to conserve it.
Read MoreMore in Conservation
Gardening
It’s Fun Growing Your Own Peanuts!
Do you know where peanuts come from? Did you know you can grow them in your garden? Find out how in this activity that the whole family can participate in, from planting to harvesting to eating!
Read MoreMore in Gardening
Highlights
The Fragrant Garden is open!
The newest attraction at Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Fragrant Garden is located near the Visitor Centre.
Commemorate 50 years of greening with NParks’ partners!
Visit www.nparks.gov.sg/50years to find out what exciting promotions our partners have lined up for you.
Win!
Win commemorative "Heritage Tree" NETS FlashPay cards and flower magnet set, as well as the Tale of the Magical Seeds book.
Find out how to win these great prizes!
Ask the Experts
The first question in this new series is from the writer of the article ‘Growing Sunflowers: a Journey of Discovery’. Read the article in the Lifestyle section of this issue.
Question: I tried growing sunflowers, but they all died after a week or two. Why did my sunflowers die? Is it because I did not put them in a bigger pot or add fertilisers when they have gown bigger?
- Nickolas Yip
Reply:
Dear Nickolas,Growing plants are easy once you understand their needs. I applaud you for your determination, don’t lose heart!
Your first tiny seedling likely flopped over as the soil was not firm enough. In preparing for sowing, fill your pot up with soil and press down lightly (tamp) on the soil to make it slightly more compact. Make sure to sow your seed about 1 inch into the soil and again tamp the soil around the seed before giving it a generous watering. Tamping will help to firm up the soil around the growing seedling and provide a more solid hold for young roots to grasp. This will help to support the sunflower’s upright growth. If this step is done right, seedlings will not need to be staked.
Your green instincts were right! It is important to handle young seedlings very gently as they are very delicate (like tofu!) – overwatering, too much sunlight and staking too tightly can cause damage. To prevent overwatering, test if the first inch of soil is moist, if it still is moist, there is no need to water yet. Place your seedlings in a semi-shade condition with good airflow – it is best to avoid direct sunlight until they are a bit older. If it becomes necessary to stake your seedling, it is important to use a non-abrasive material and to tie it loosely (slightly larger than the stem) to allow space for the seedling to grow and move.
Young plants are the favourite food of bugs and pests, so be sure to check that your seedlings are healthy and to nip off any bugs before infestation takes hold.
Hope this helped and good luck to your seed-sowing adventure!
- Soh Weijing
Ask the Expert team is made up of NParks horticultural and gardening experts. If you have any questions on plants or plant-related subjects, please send your question to Ask the Experts at nparks_communications@nparks.gov.sg.