Singapore Botanic Gardens

Sorry for the delay in posting.  I am not, in fact, dead, but merely forgot my camera yesterday.  But today I made up for by going to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.  We started off our journey from the Botanic Gardens MRT station.  After strolling around the edge of the park, Adam, pointed out a reflexology path which we all gingerly ambled across, shoe-less of course.

Then we walked over to the Evolution Garden, which contained the types of plant life that was thought to be found at various points in Earth's early history.

It started out mostly moss and rocks (surprise, surprise) but then quickly become more interesting with large ferns and something resembling a scaly tree that Tim Burton would love.  Sadly I think it was only a replica...

Next up was a beautify example of a cycad.  Prof. Yeh said that these plants may have been munched on by dinosaurs, but a recent genetic finding but their age into question.  Still, I'd like to think of Dino snacking on one of these.

Leaving the time of the dinosaurs we saw a stunning example of a lily pond.

Safely out of the Evolution Garden and back into our own time we were greeted by a stunning view of our own modern foliage on the way to the Healing Garden.

The Healing Garden had 500 species of medicinal (and a few toxic) plant varieties.  Starting with a brief disclaimer that the signs were not actual medical advise, the garden launched into samples of hundreds of medicinal plants organized by the body systems they were used for, i.e. respiratory, digestion, etc.

Now I finally know what a ginger plant looks like.

After a brief rest at the local food court we were off for the most exciting part of the tour... But first some examples of plants we found on the way to....

The National Orchid Garden.  The largest display of tropical orchids in the world.  Best of all, it was free to enter for NUS students!  First stop in the garden is the statue.

And then its hundreds of stunningly beautiful, rare, and award winning orchids.  I have many many more photos posted at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlaw8504/ but here are a handful of my favorites.

After that we headed to swan lake where we saw turtles, koi fish, catfish, and, of course, swans.  Most exciting of all though, was the surprise monkey.  We found him/her by the lake catching in the scenery just like us before disappearing into the bushes.  S/he was a bright monkey though.  S/he managed to obtain, open, and drink from a water bottle from a member of our group.  Look out for this guy/girl, don't let the cute fuzzy face fool you.