The Man Who Planted Trees

The timeless story of The Man Who Planted Trees tells of a shepherd who set out to reforest the ruined eco-system of a desolate and abandoned valley in the foothills of the Alps. In this tale, penned by award-winning French author Jean Giomo, the shepherd painstakingly and patiently cultivated an entire forest over a period of 40 years. His efforts transformed the valley into a Garden of Eden with a vibrant, lush eco-system. The story ends with thousands of residents flocking to the forested valley to build their homes.

To date, The Man Who Planted Trees has inspired generations of environmentalists and reforestation efforts worldwide. At the upcoming Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) 2010, a giant centrepiece inspired by this charming eco-fable will steal the limelight.

Photo credit: Mr Grant.W.Pereria

It started with hundreds of Singaporeans and residents from schools, community groups, and corporations gathering at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on 25 March 2010 to kick start the planting of seedlings into the centrepiece - The Man Who Planted Trees. They were accompanied by two participating SGF designers, Jim Fogarty, a multi-award winner at both the previous SGFs, and Dr Claire Whitehouse, who designed and staged 15 medal-winning Show Gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Following two successful editions in 2006 and 2008, the SGF returns to the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 15 to 22 July 2010. This eight-day festival is the only global event that brings together top award-winning garden and floral designers from around the world under one roof.

In 2008, some 300,000 visitors were enthralled by the luxuriance of the garden and floral displays showcased at the festival. This year, the biennial event looks set to charm visitors once again with stunning garden displays, unusual plant and floral varieties, innovative and eco-friendly gardening initiatives, amongst others.

Every one of us has a critical role to play in the greening of Singapore and the preservation of the earth that we reside in. The Man Who Planted Trees celebrates the International Year of Biodiversity 2010, and pays tribute to all the local heroes who have contributed significantly to the greening of Singapore. At five metres in height, The Man Who Planted Trees, with its commanding presence, will be transplanted to Suntec City this July and will take centrestage amid the lush beauty of the intricate show gardens at the Singapore Garden Festival.
Dr Wong Wei Har, Director of the Singapore Garden Festival


This year’s festival will feature new exhibits such as balcony gardens, a periscope garden, and a supermarket garden for the younger visitors. Aspiring home gardeners can also pick up useful tips from the new home gardeners showcase at the festival.

To be inspired by The Man Who Planted Trees and other highlights of the SGFs, pick up your tickets online at www.singaporegardenfestival.com, and at the Singapore Botanic Gardens' Visitor Centre or Botany Centre from 8am to 5.30pm. If you expect to make multiple trips to the festival, a new eight-day pass will also be available.

Popular Highlights Return to the Festival

  • Best of Show Designer Gardens will feature spectacular creations by local designers and top award-winning designers from renowned garden shows around the world.
  • Floral Windows of the World will showcase stunning cut-flower displays by floral designers from Singapore and abroad.
  • Singapore Orchid Show is an exquisite display of Southeast Asia’s rich and diverse heritage of orchids.
  • Garden Fiesta includes fringe activities such as talks, demonstrations and other exhibits catering to the public, families, serious gardeners as well as hobbyists.
  • Vibrant Marketplace offers a wide array of plants, gardening and landscape products and services, as well as arts and crafts for sale under one roof.