Building Singapore’s largest flower carpet meant leaving no stone unturned: 200 hours of labor from 300 people, using 100,000 potted plants and 20,000 cut flowers. Measuring 44 meters in diameter, this stunning display honors their national flower, the Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, while paying tribute to the Housing Board architect Khor Ean Ghee. At the center are two replicas of the dragon heads from the iconic Lorong 6 Toa Payoh playground, originally designed by Khor Ean Ghee. Unveiled at Gardens by the Bay on September 23 last year, the flower display will be showcased for 9 days during the Mid Autumn (aka Mooncake) Festival, from September 4 to 15.

Mr. Lai Liangfa, Deputy Director of Garden Operations at Gardens by the Bay, explained that the team chose to use chrysanthemums once more, as they did in 2023, due to their vibrant colors and durability.

“They stood the test of time in last year’s display, maintaining their beauty throughout the duration of the flower carpet (display), making them a reliable choice for this year as well. We are also incorporating Cyathula, adding a unique texture and depth that complement the chrysanthemums beautifully,” he told The Straits Times.

Ke Yi Yong, 75, a retired taxi driver who began volunteering at the Gardens in November 2023, joined in on the carpet planting on August 24.

Don’t be housebound. Come out to nature.

“It is good for the mind and body. ” Ke Yi Yong shared while expressing his joy in having brought the carpet to life.

The 2024 Celebrations theme draws from the nostalgic childhood memories of many Singaporeans. This meant having iconic cultural elements like dragon and pelican playgrounds and traditional five-foot ways, which are featured in the lantern sets.

There are nine carefully designed lantern sets. One of the displays, Colonnade of Lights, features over 1,000 hand-painted paper lanterns crafted by the public. The remaining eight lantern sets, such as The Shophouse, Wishes Beneath The Moonlight, and Vertical Mid-Autumn, were designed by a team of 15 artisans from Sichuan province in China.

The flower carpet display will be available from 8pm to 10pm on September 4, and daily from 10am to 10pm between September 5 and 15. The lantern lighting show will be held daily from 6pm to 10pm from September 4 through September 22.