If you’re looking for a natural retreat in Asia where you get to work with plant materials and dye fabrics, check out the Natural Dyes of Asia Retreat with Autumn Brown.
During my 6 day 5 night stay in July 2025, I learned so much about dyeing fabrics, from creating the dyes from fresh plant material harvested from the farm as well as store-bought, dried ones, preparing fabrics, to dyeing it and aftercare to ensure colour retention for as long as possible. In the process, we also created a dye atlas to take home for reference.
The Sakura floral display returned in 2025 for its 10th edition, promising an unforgettable celebration of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. Running till April 6, enjoy the breath-taking landscape in The Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. View more than 440 cherry trees, representing 48 varieties—the largest collection ever showcased.
This year’s milestone edition takes visitors on a journey through Fukuoka Prefecture, unveiling its rich cultural and historical treasures. A highlight of the display is the Phantom Castle, a light installation inspired by an ancient castle tower believed to have once stood in Fukuoka City. This yozakura, or night Sakura experience returns, offering visitors the chance to witness cherry blossoms under stunning illumination.
The much-anticipated reopening of the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden marks a new chapter at Jurong Lake Gardens in Singapore. After five years of redevelopment, the gardens were unveiled in September 2024, showcasing a blend of cherished landmarks and new features, including a new Edible Garden in the Chinese Garden.
The Edible Garden consists of several sections, including the Kitchen Garden, Edible Flower Garden, Climber Garden, Food Forest, Food Factory (indoor vertical farm), Spice Garden, Tea Garden, Medicinal Garden among others.
Pictured above is the Kitchen Garden, which features raised beds filled with a diverse selection of herbs and vegetables as well as flowering plants. The raised beds are thoughtfully designed to make tending to the plants easier and more accessible for persons with disabilities.
Christmas is nearing, and it’s time to start planning those thoughtful presents for your loved ones. Whether you’re shopping for a novice or seasoned gardener, here are 28 ideas from a fellow gardener. I hope these recommendations makes it easier to find the perfect gifts for the gardeners in your life.
I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links that come at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase. All prices are in Singapore dollars (SGD).
Books
1. 101 Edible Plants: A Guide to Designing Foodscapes in Singapore (2023) – In this book, Alexius Yeo highlights 101 edible plants that flourish in Singapore’s tropical urban environment. This guide offers practical insights on identifying and nurturing local edibles, as well as tips for designing edible landscapes. Priced at $50, the book is available at Books Kinokuniya, where GST applies. Alternatively, you can purchase it directly from Carbon Inq to enjoy GST-free pricing.
2. Waterlily in Bloom: A Beginner’s Guide To Appreciating and Growing Waterlily (2024)- Authored by Shih Lien Yao, a specialist in growing lotus and water lilies, this book offers practical guidance and information designed to support both novice and experienced gardeners in creating a thriving and vibrant water garden. Get your paperback copy from Amazon at $36.71.
3. Compost: Transform Waste into New Life(2024) – In this book, horticulturist and no-dig specialist Charles Dowding simplifies composting, showing how to turn garden and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost while boosting soil health and reducing greenhouse gases. Drawing from 40 years of experience, he covers what to compost and how to balance it effectively, share techniques for any space, from balconies to smallholdings. He also offers tips for using various systems, including hotboxes, wormeries, single bins, and multi-bay setups. Available at $31.20 from Amazon.
