Sunflowers and other popular Spanish garden blooms like pelargoniums, petunias, roses and camellias are brightening up the Flower Field at the Flower Dome as part of A Spanish Serenade with Sunflowers.
The flower display is the first collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Embassy of Spain in Singapore and the Spain Tourism Board. It highlights the rich architectural styles and culture of Andalusia, a region in the south of Spain.
A Spanish Serenade With Sunflowers: Spotlight on the Andalusia region of Spain
Occupying centrestage at the Flower Field is a recreation of the Patio de las Doncellas from Spain’s Real Alcázar of Seville – one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Another highlight of the floral display is an interpretation of the patio houses of the Andalusian city of Córdoba. These houses, which are designed with their own courtyards or “patios”, are renown for taking part in a unique festival, the Fiesta de los Patios. During the annual 12-day festival held in the beginning of May, residents decorate their courtyards with flowers, fountains and ceramic pieces and open them up to visitors as part of a competition.
The Fiesta de los Patios has also been inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Culture & History
Elsewhere around the Flower Dome, A Spanish Serenade with Sunflowers offers a showcase of Spanish culture. These include information about the art form of Flamenco, including its costumes, at the South American Garden. The dance has its roots in Andalusia. Pay a visit on 23 October 2022 to view a live performance.
There is also a mini “olive museum” at the Flower Dome’s ancient olive trees.
At the Mediterranean Garden, there are pottery artworks from Granada.
Visitors can also take a picture with a statue of Pablo Picasso. The artist was born in the city of Malaga in the Andalusia region.
A Small Corner of Spain at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh said, “We are honoured to partner the Spanish Embassy to introduce a well-known UNESCO destination to our local community. By combining distinctive elements of Spain with our horticultural expertise, we hope our visitors will learn more about the rich history, culture and heritage of Andalusia amid the lush landscape of Flower Dome.”
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Singapore Her Excellency Mercedes Alonso Frayle said, “Just as the centuries-old olive trees brought from Spain have taken root in Flower Dome and bear fruit, the collaboration in this ‘little great project’ will crystallize helping us get to know each other better, to discover our history, culture, traditions, art, heritage, in all, our way of life. This exhibition brings to Singapore a small corner of Spain, Andalucía, a nook I invite you to discover and to explore; a friendly, cheerful and hospitable region that has its doors open to Singapore and Singaporeans.”
A Spanish Serenade with Sunflowers takes place from 1 to 30 October 2022. Get more details here.
