Celebrating Dutch culture and multicolour Hydrangea blooms at Gardens by the Bay’s Hydrangea Holidays 2022.
Hydrangea Holidays 2022 is yet another Flower Dome debut event for 2022. The impression I get is also that it’s the replacement/successor for similarly Dutch-themed tulips events of previous years.
Being scheduled for now till Mid-August, yup, all the way beyond National Day, I supposed it’s also more to welcome returning international tourists than for the local June holidays school crowd. Not that there weren’t excited schoolchildren around when I visited yesterday afternoon, of course. Or a lack of things for their age group to enjoy.
As for the Netherlands, I believe most people would agree that the Benelux country enjoys one of the most identifiable cultures in the world? One of the most picturesque too? Be it in architecture, ecology, or handicrafts?
I’ve been there thrice but my last visit was ten years ago. For that reason, I’m grateful Gardens by the Bay and its partners have worked hard to make this event happen. There was definitely an authentic Dutch ambience when I stood among all those gorgeous Hydrangea clusters.
The Resident Bears of Gardens by the Bay Enjoying a Dutch Summer Holiday
Other than blooms and a tranquil windmill, Hydrangea Holidays 2022 features the “resident bears” of Gardens by the Bay enjoying Dutch food and culture.
To be … quite honest, I had no idea Gardens has resident bears! Bears with names like Fun Felix and Precious Peggy. What’s more, there are even merchandises inspired by them.
With me heading down to the Flower Dome practically every month nowadays, perhaps I should get one of those plushies to accompany me each time. (Blink)
The Magnificent Hydrangea. Beauty in Abundance and Symmetry
Native to Japan but today cultivated all over the world, Hydrangeas aren’t the flowers most people immediately associate with the Netherlands. Frankly, I was a little puzzled when I first read the synopsis for Hydrangea Holidays 2022.
After enjoying the event, though, I’m now say, why not? The graceful blooms are wonderful settings for the Dutch displays. The colourful beds they form are serene and uplifting too.
In all, everywhere was quite the dreamy floral landscape for a summer holiday.
By the way, I love those wooden animal statues! Don’t their rustic simplicity feel so elegant?
You Can Manipulate the Colours!
Fun fact, and I got this from Gardens’ website. You can alter the colour of Hydrangea blooms by manipulating the pH levels of the soil they are planted on. Adding lime produces pink blooms while adding sulphur creates blue blooms. Is that alike or the opposite of litmus paper?
Dutch Architectural Landmarks and a Special Art Exhibition
Like other partnered Flower Dome events this year, Hydrangea Holidays 2022 features architectural replicas representative of the country on show. In this case, not just a windmill but also canal bridges and Dutch townhouses, and the famous Westerlichttoren lighthouse.
There’s also a special exhibition of artwork by JOURNEY, a Touch Community Services brand that celebrates the artistry of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Visitors who wish to support JOURNEY after enjoying the artworks can bid for them via a silent auction.
Hydrangea Holidays 2022 ends on Aug 14, 2022.
From Dutch Summer Romance to Mexican Heritage!
My other Singapore events posts.
