Media Release
NEW BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND DISPLAYS AT HORTPARK
- Butterfly Garden at HortPark enables NParks to research on the colourful winged-insects as part of the species recovery programme in Singapore and develop new butterfly trails in parks
Singapore, 22 May 2009 Visitors to HortPark can now enjoy its new attractions including a Butterfly Garden and new garden display plots such as the Permaculture Trail. The new Butterfly Garden enables the National Parks Board (NParks) to research on the colorful winged-insects as part of the butterfly species recovery programme in Singapore as well as develop new butterfly trails in parks.
Butterfly Garden
Providing a visual feast of multihued plants and butterflies, the Butterfly Garden enables visitors to learn about the different stages of metamorphosis from caterpillar into butterfly. At the same time, it serves as a butterfly breeding area and an experimental garden for NParks to research on suitable nectar (food) plants and host plants for breeding for a variety of butterfly species, including locally extinct species such as clipper (Parthenos sylvia), common sergeant (Athyma perius) and yellow glassy tiger (Parantica aspasia). Where appropriate, NParks will release locally extinct species back in our environment.
The 105sqm theme garden comprises an enclosed area and a outdoor garden. The enclosed area is designed as a conducive breeding environment for the butterflies, and showcases native species such as lime butterfly (Papilio demoleus), common rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae) and blue pansy (Junonia orithya). Visitors would be able to observe the butterflies through a viewing window and enter the enclosed area during guided walks and on the last Saturday every month. The outdoor garden enables visitors to view the butterflies and their pupae on host plants in a natural setting. Educational signage and pupae display cases are installed at the garden for visitors to learn about the life cycle and habits of butterflies.
HortPark worked with several partners to set up the Butterfly Garden, including Mr Khew Sin Khoon from Butterfly Circle who lent his technical expertise on the development ; Butterfly House (Pg) Sdn Bhd, sponsor of the butterflies and pupae; Netafilm Limited, sponsor of the irrigation system, Fukai Environmental Pte Ltd, sponsor of the water feature; and Maxcon Construction and Engineering Pte Ltd, sponsor of the signage.
