More being done to promote greening of private estates

The government will continue to encourage greening efforts in private housing estates across Singapore, revealed National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan in a written reply in parliament.

Responding to a query from MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Christopher de Souza, he noted that the National Parks Board (NParks) already provides roadside planting verges with suitable soil for Community in Bloom (CIB) projects to flourish.

NParks also offers spaces within public parks for Neighbourhood Committees (NCs) with large gardening interest groups to start gardens.

"This has enabled these CIB gardeners to grow a wider range of ornamental plants, vegetables and herbs. Currently, there are more than 20 community gardens started by NCs, located within our Community Parks," said Mr Khaw.

Moreover, information and training is given by NParks to help sustain these gardens, and includes how to design a garden and the right plant selection. The agency provides free access to more than 40 online gardening resources for interested residents as well.

Meanwhile, an initiative was started in August 2014 to promote indoor gardening.

"Through this extension, NParks provides technical advice to those who are keen to beautify and enhance the interior scapes of shared common spaces with greenery," said Mr Khaw.

Currently, there are more than 850 CIB gardens in Singapore, of which 81 are in private estates.

Outstanding CIB gardens are recognised through the biennial CIB Awards.

Image: Minister Khaw visits the community garden at Bukit Panjang Zone 4 in August 2014. (Source: NParks Facebook page)

Romesh Navaratnarajah, Singapore Editor at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg

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