Even if you aren’t a plant enthusiast, you might well turn into one after a visit to the new Far East Flora HQ along Clementi Road. The nine-storey building (with a rooftop garden) is a plant paradise, stocking all sorts of flora, greenery and then some.
Far East Flora HQ at Clementi Road: A Vertical Horticultural Hub
Located on the former site of Union Farm, famous for its “paper chicken”, and beside the Singapore University of Social Sciences, Far East Flora HQ is the first vertical horticultural building that we know of.
While most plant nurseries are spread out across a broad swath of land, the Far East Flora HQ takes it upwards.
Here’s a look at what you can expect at the new building.
Level 1: Gardening and Accessories
Level 1 of the building is where you’ll find the indoor houseplants and other small plants like succulents that can be kept indoors.
The gentle music playing in the background made shopping amongst the plants feel like a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
It is also where you will find the gardening care accessories like watering cans, garden lights, gloves and tools. We were surprised that we didn’t come across any gnomes here though.
From Level 1, you can choose to go up to Level 2 or down to the Basement via the escalator.
Basement: Lifestyle Gardening
We loved walking into the basement floor where the plants provided a burst of colour once we stepped inside.
This is the section with flowering, exotic and temperate plants. You will also find beautiful orchids on display.
You can also pick up a terrarium that suits your lifestyle and home.
Level 2: Wholesale Fresh Market
Head up to Level 2 where more surprises await; there is a cold room which has fresh cut flowers.
And it is not just plants being sold at the Far East Flora HQ; there is a fruits and vegetable section and grocer too.
Along with fresh produce, you can also pick up dried nuts, snacks, floral gifts, hampers and more.
Pet Lovers Centre occupies a corner of the Level 2.
Levels 3, 4, 5
There will be an Events Hall on Level 3 but it was not yet opened when we visited.
On practical note, there are car park spaces on Levels 3, 4, 5 and 9. Those who are driving can reach the parking lots via a circular rampway.
Level 9: Specialty Gardening
“Why are there car park lots at Level 9,” you may be wondering? Well, they actually come in quite handy if you are planning to pick up something from the Specialty Gardening section on Level 9.
These are water features for the garden, along with other types of garden supplies.
Want a vivarium? Or a garden shed? These are on sale at Level 9.
Sky Garden: Outdoor Gardening
Head up to the rooftop Sky Garden for outdoor plants, big pots and even fruit trees.
There are rows and rows of plants on sale up on the rooftop.
Far East Flora HQ Food: F’east
If you want to get something to eat while shopping around Far East Flora HQ, there is a cafe / restaurant on Level 1.
F’east offers a full menu that includes All Day Breakfast items like Avocado Toast ($19) and Shashuka ($16). There are also mains like a Beef Burger ($19.90), Beef Sirloin Steak ($32.90) and Chicken Cutlet ($19.90). Other menu items include pasta, cakes, beverages and desserts.
You place your order and then wait for your number to be called to pick up the food.
We tried the Fish ‘n Chips ($17.90), Mushroom Soup ($8) and Pasta Carbonara ($17.90). While the presentation was nice, we felt that the prices were on the high side for the quality of food for the dishes we got and the cafeteria-style setting.
Strangely, F’east doesn’t have bottled water on the menu. So you’d have to get one of the beverages if you need a drink. Perhaps this will change in the future as they were still in the soft launch phase when we visited.
They do have a bakery section and the breads looked nice. So, we may have to go back again to try those on another day.
If you are thinking of heading there for a drink, prices for hot beverages start from $3 for a single Esspresso. Cappuccino and cafe latte costs $5 each.
All the prices quoted above are before GST.
Plant Paradise at Clementi Road
Far East Flora HQ at Clementi Road is a place that plant parents would want to pay a visit to. It is a nice showcase of different types of plants and worth exploring even if you don’t think you have green fingers.
We enjoyed viewing all the different types of plants on sale, and even visiting the grocer which seemed to stock less commonly found items.
Pay it a visit for a dose of plant-spiration and you may turn into a green enthusiast at the end of your visit.
Far East Flora HQ is located at 435 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599873.
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