Changi Airport is currently hosting its inaugural flower-themed event, “A Sunflower Sojourn”, featuring a stunning display of over 5,000 sunflowers spread across its terminals. Today to 30 September 2024, this event is set to be a floral extravaganza that promises to captivate visitors with its vibrant, sunny display.
This event marks the airport’s most ambitious floral project to date. The sheer scale of the display means that the horticulture team at Changi has had to go above and beyond their usual practices to ensure that the sunflowers remain fresh and vibrant throughout the month. Given that sunflowers have a relatively short bloom period of about a week, the team needs to replace the flowers regularly to maintain the visual impact of the display.
To achieve this, Changi Airport’s horticulture team has embarked on an impressive logistical feat. Over the past three months, they have cultivated 14,000 sunflowers to ensure a continuous supply of fresh blooms. These sunflowers were grown in Changi’s own nursery, a testament to the airport’s commitment to maintaining high standards in plant care.
The team’s expertise with sunflowers is well-established, given their history with the Sunflower Garden in Terminal 2, which has been a fixture for over two decades. However, “A Sunflower Sojourn” requires a significantly larger quantity of flowers, necessitating a fourfold increase in production compared to their usual output.
Nikkole Ng, a horticulturist involved in the project, explains that growing such a large number of sunflowers helps to account for the natural variability in plant growth. Not all seeds will bloom perfectly, so having a surplus ensures that there are always enough beautiful flowers to showcase. Moreover, the event features over 10 different sunflower varieties, including new additions such as the tall Titan and the bright yellow Sunbuzz. This variety not only enhances the visual appeal but also acts as a safeguard against plant diseases. The diversity helps limit the spread of any potential diseases, ensuring that the display remains healthy and vibrant throughout the event.
Preparations for the event began as early as January, with trials of new sunflower varieties to assess their suitability for the nursery environment. These trials help determine factors such as growth rate and flower size, which are crucial for ensuring a successful display. As the sunflowers grew, the team faced challenges such as pest infestations. To manage these, they experimented with alternative pest control methods, including pesticide pellets that dissolve into the soil, rather than conventional sprays.
The first batch of sunflowers arrived at Changi Airport on 26 August, just in time for the event’s launch. Some flowers were still in the early stages of blooming, but the team’s meticulous planning ensured they would be in full bloom within a few days. This careful coordination highlights the dedication and expertise of the horticulture team, who have worked tirelessly to create a memorable experience for visitors.
Sustainability is also a key aspect of “A Sunflower Sojourn”. Once the sunflowers begin to wither, they are not discarded but repurposed. The withered flowers are returned to the nursery, where they are ground into mulch. This mulch is then composted for two to three months and used as a natural fertiliser for other plants around Changi. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces waste but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the airport’s horticultural practices.
In addition to providing a visual feast for visitors, “A Sunflower Sojourn” offers insights into the horticultural practices at Changi Airport. The event showcases the team’s innovative approaches, from experimenting with new sunflower varieties to exploring alternative pest control methods. This commitment to excellence and innovation reflects Changi Airport’s dedication to providing exceptional experiences for its visitors and passengers.
Visiting Changi Airport during this event is not just an opportunity to enjoy a stunning floral display; it’s a chance to appreciate the hard work and expertise behind one of the most impressive airport-based horticultural events. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful and engaging experience, “A Sunflower Sojourn” promises to be a highlight of your visit to Changi Airport.
Promotional/Event Details:
- Date: Now till 30 September 2024
- Time: All day
- Venue: Changi Airport, Singapore
- More Information: Changi Airport Sunflower Sojourn
EverydayOnSales help brands connect with our community, the largest warehouse sales consumers database in Singapore. Advertise with EverydayOnSales Singapore.