Toh Garden with Orchid Grower Zhuo Hongyi

Singapore’s iconic orchids are more than just flowers—they are living symbols of diplomacy and national pride. Join orchid breeder Zhuo Hongyi as he shares the meticulous process behind cultivating, cross-pollinating, and nurturing new hybrids, continuing the tradition of naming these blooms after visiting foreign dignitaries and esteemed guests.

About the Programme

What you’ll do:

Join us for a rare and intimate visit to Toh Garden with orchid grower Zhuo Hongyi, and step into the hidden world of Singapore’s most iconic flower. You’ll discover how orchids are not only lovingly grown on local farms, but also gain insight into the process of how new hybrids are carefully bred and named—sometimes for foreign dignitaries—as part ofSingapore’s unique tradition of Orchid Diplomacy.As you walk through the farm, you’ll learn what makes orchids so remarkable: their mimicry, aerial roots, and the patience they demand.You’ll also meet incredible varieties, like the Aranda Majulah, the Cobber Kain, and the Vanda Emrys Chew. And if you’ve ever tried to grow orchids at home, Hongyi will share his practical tips—how to water, when to repot, and how to fend off pests like mealybugs and fruit flies.This is a chance to see orchids not just as flowers, but as stories—of family, science, and Singapore’s way of making quiet yet meaningful connections with the world.

Meet Your Host

Zhuo Hongyi represents the third generation of a family deeply rooted in horticulture and the life sciences. Raised in a kampong near Tengah, Lam Soon, Hongyi grew up in an environment shaped by agriculture—his grandparents were vegetable farmers before his eldest uncle pioneered the family’s transition into orchid cultivation and export.

From a young age, Hongyi was inspired by his father’s lab work in orchid germination and tissue culture, witnessing first-hand the patience and joy that come with nurturing orchids from seed to bloom. Toh Garden was founded to support the export business of Toh Orchids and initially focused solely on cultivating Dendrobium Lucian Pink. As Singapore’s economy matured and demand diversified, Toh Garden expanded its offerings and now cultivates more than 200 varieties of tropical orchids.

Guided by a deep passion for orchids and a commitment to horticultural excellence, Toh Garden continues to champion Singapore’s orchid heritage. We actively participate in local orchid exhibitions, collaborate with both local and international institutions, and remain dedicated to producing quality orchids locally—as long as such efforts continue to be supported and appreciated by the Singapore Government.

About Toh Garden

Toh Garden is a long-established tropical orchid grower in Singapore, led by Mr. Toh Peng Chuan, who brings over five decades of expertise in commercial orchid cultivation. Our specialty lies in a diverse range of tropical orchids—particularly Dendrobiums, Vandaceous orchids, and tropical Oncidiums—delivering freshly harvested, premium-quality blooms directly from our farm to our customers.

Our core operations encompass orchid cultivation, fresh flower supply, and orchid landscape displays. We harvest orchids daily to meet market demand and have extensive experience supporting landscaping projects across Singapore. Our clientele includes government agencies, country clubs, educational institutions, tourist attractions, private corporations, and home consumers.

Tropical orchids demand precise growing conditions—careful management of light, humidity, and nutrition. Over the decades, we have refined and adapted our cultivation methods to suit Singapore’s unique climate, enabling our orchids to flourish sustainably. Beyond providing fresh cut flowers, Toh Garden is also known for breeding unique commemorative orchid hybrids.

Among our notable creations are:

  • Dendrobium Lucian Pink, a Singapore-bred variety that became one of the most widely exported commercial cut orchids from the 1980s through the early 2000s.

  • Papilionanda Anglo-Chinese School (Ascocenda Kwa Geok Choo × Papilionanthe Poepoe), registered by the Singapore Botanic Gardens on behalf of the school. We propagated 10,000 plants for the Methodist Schools Foundation, supporting landscaping and charity initiatives.

  • Papilionanda Chua Chu Kang, registered during SG50 by CCK GRC, at the celebratory event graced by PM Lee.

  • We also produce and conserve heritage orchids on behalf of organisations, e.g. orchids such as Dendrobium Sembcorp and Dendrobium YMCA

Toh Garden is honoured to support Singapore’s premier garden attractions—including the National Orchid Garden and Gardens by the Bay—by supplying orchids for their iconic floral displays.

Serene Lee

Meet Serene Lee, an English teacher and one of the dedicated ICs of My Community’s Museum Team. Passionate about heritage, she brings Singapore’s everyday histories to life through engaging programmes and hands-on art-making workshops for children. A firm believer in the power of storytelling and creativity, Serene seamlessly blends education and culture to spark curiosity and inspire young minds.

Beyond the classroom and museum, Serene is always on the move—whether she’s hiking, travelling to uncover stories from around the world, or volunteering as a nature guide at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Her weekends are a vibrant mix of nature, learning, and connection, often rounded off with a lively game of pickleball with friends.

Warm, thoughtful, and endlessly enthusiastic, Serene brings a nurturing spirit to everything she does. Whether she’s curating a museum programme or guiding visitors through mangrove trails, she creates joyful, meaningful experiences that connect people with the world around them—past and present.

Attire:

Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed.

What to Bring?

  • Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
  • Asthmatic individuals are encouraged to bring their inhaler.

Parking Availability

Parking is available at Keat Hong CC. Participants are strongly advised to take the provided shuttle bus.

Time and Duration

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (2 hours)

Days and Dates

Ticket Price

(excluding Eventbrite service fee)
$12.5

Meeting Point

Meet at Keat Hong CC Drop-off Point (2 Choa Chu Kang Loop, #01-01, Singapore 689687)

Ending Point

The event will start and end at the same point.

Language(s) / Age Limit(s)

English / No age limit
Baby Crawling

In Collaboration with

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