Article by Tay Suan Chiang
First published : The Straits Times, 21 July, 2007.
Photos by : ST Photos (Dominic Wong & Francis Ong), and Jacky Chuang of the Singapore Gardening Society.

GET ready to see red if you are visiting the Botanic Gardens next week.

Among the numerous trees at the Sun Garden is an 8m-tall Illawarra Flame Tree which was planted 10 years ago.

It is now in bloom and its bright red flowers, which resemble clusters of scarlet bells, can be seen from a distance.

The flowers started appearing last week and will be in bloom for about another week.

Native to Queensland and the coastal regions of New South Wales in Australia, the tree can grow up to 20m.

Trees usually flower after a period of drought or a cold spell.

Dr Chin See Chung, the gardens' director, says: 'The local weather is similar throughout the year so there is no trigger for trees to flower.'

He adds that flowering is unpredictable and the last time the Illawarra did so was last year.

The Botanic Gardens is open daily from 5am to midnight. Admission is free. The National Orchid Garden is open from 8.30am to 7pm daily. Admission fee is $5 for adults.