The 20 themed gardens are the main attractions of HortPark. They are designed so that learning will be a fun and enjoyable experience in a living outdoor classroom.

UrbanWire finds The Silver Garden most intriguing with its variety of grey, silver and white-hued plants that exude a futuristic and mysterious vibe.

There is also the Golden Garden, where a variety of yellow or gold plants are grown. Though nowhere as stunning as the Silver Garden, the Golden Garden is still worth a visit for the rich (pun intended) feast of colours come alive, with life-sized structures of the Scarecrow, Dorothy, Tin Man, Toto the dog and the Lion crouched down in corners, waiting to spring a surprise.

This garden promises plenty of surprises and fun for the whole family with its visual treats, and “talking” characters.

Another interesting gardening concept is the Recycling Garden, which teaches visitors how to turn common household items or waste materials (think plastic bottles and worn-out rubber boots) into useful gardening accessories for homes. It reinforces the concept of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and is a lovely and practical idea that’s great for environmental education. Kids will love the Fantasy Garden, where they get to see their favourite characters from the story of Wizard of Oz using animatronics.

If you’re searching for a tranquil corner for meditation and self-reflection, look no further than the Bamboo Labyrinth. Made up of a number of circular paths that are enclosed within a grove of bamboos, the labyrinth has been specially designed to manifest ancient beliefs in the meditative and healing qualities of such mazes.

Instructions are provided for visitors who want to explore it, and experience its healing power. Also, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the Herb & Spice Garden where you get to engage your senses of sight, taste, touch, and smell. The strong scent of herbs in the air will tickle your nose and entice you to learn more about the medicinal and culinary uses of these herbs and spices from signs provided in front of the plants.

Apart from learning about herbs and spices, you’ll also get to learn about fruits and vegetables in the Fruited Tree and Vegetable Garden, though you aren’t allowed to pluck them for consumption. Those who’re interested in knowing more about seed dispersal methods can also head down to the Seed Garden, and can even get to play traditional games such as “Congkak”.

Think that gardening is confined to land only? HortPark’s Water Garden is sure to teach you a lesson or two about Aqua Horticulture, with fish and plants flourishing in this watery habitat.

If you can’t get enough of the water theme, you can visit the Aquascape in the Lifestyle Corner for a view of lush landscapes and terraces submerged under water.

Needless to say, those who love flowers should also make time to visit the Orchid Corner for its wide variety of orchids, available in an array of vivid colours. If that isn’t enough for you, you can even take a 5 min stroll along the Floral Walk; a path lined with beautiful flowering plants.

If you still have time, you may want to check out the Tree Climbing Corner or Tree Garden to learn more about the sturdy fellows we see all around our garden city.

The other themed gardens, like the Passage Walk, Flora Fancy, Home Garden, Car Park Garden, Lifestyle Corner, and Terrarium Arcade also leave plenty to be explored. There are maps provided all around HortPark to guide you along if you’re feeling lost.

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