With Gardens by the Bay, the city’s landscape has been remarkably transformed by “Supertrees” and towering glass-domed greenhouses. Complementing the Botanic Gardens, this new gem located in the heart of Singapore’s new downtown, Marina Bay, is Singapore’s largest garden project and will strengthen Singapore’s global reputation as a Garden City. As announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the 2005 National Day Rally, this botanical reserve would also become Singapore’s premier urban outdoor recreation space and a national icon.

Gardens by the Bay is being developed in phases and the three distinctive waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central – span a total of 101 hectares. Officially scheduled to open to the public in mid-2012, it offers old and young an incredible place to enjoy the greenery and flora and discover a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The dominant Supertrees, which are tree-like structures ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height (9 to 16 stories) in Golden Garden and Silver Garden, add more dramatically to the city’s skyline. Multifunctional, they are enabled with environmental technologies that simulate the photosynthesis function of trees, storing renewable solar energy that can be used for other functions, such as lighting. These towering gardens also collect rainwater to use for irrigation and fountain displays, just as real trees absorb rainwater to grow. They also act as ventilation ducts for greenhouse cooling systems. Additionally, there will even be an aerial walkway between some of the Supertrees where visitors will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Gardens and surrounding gardens. A bistro will also function at the top of the 50-meter Supertree, giving visitors a unique treetop and garden experience. At night, this incredible crop of solar-powered vertical trees would be a magical sight to behold, as they turn into dazzling, shimmering canopies with the project’s special lights and media.

Other themed gardens include the Heritage Gardens, which represent Singapore’s colonial heritage and multiracial identity. Dragonfly Lake supports biodiversity and provides habitat for fish and birds. A preview of the Flower Dome, one of two amazing-looking refrigerated conservatories, organized in conjunction with the World Orchid Convention Exhibition, was held from November 14-20, 2011. Featuring tropical horticulture and garden art, the preview showcased plants found in the Mediterranean and semi-arid tropical regions, groves of baobabs, olive and palm trees, and showcased exotic flowers and sprays, and myriads of orchids. To witness this fantasy, watch his stunning 8-minute video at Gardens by the Bay.