#Indoor plants for summer 2023

[bharatvarsh22]

HOME GARDEN INSPIRATION: TOP 5 INDOOR PLANTS FOR SUMMER 2023

Indoor plants unlock the option of bringing nature to the home and creating an aesthetic and healthy environment. During the summer, indoor plants can play a crucial role in maintaining a pleasant and comfortable temperature in your home. This article will list the top 5 indoor plants for home garden in summer 2023.

Indoor plants add aesthetic value to homes and provide several health benefits. They reduce stress and anxiety, set mood, improve concentration, and promote better sleep. They are considered natural air purifiers that remove toxins and pollutants. This can lead to better indoor air quality and reduce respiratory illnesses.

Top 5 Indoor Plants for Home Garden in Summer 2023

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant is one of the most popular indoor plants in summer because of its ease of care. It can be grown in low light conditions and requires minimal watering compared to other indoor trees. Snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. They may make the surroundings less contaminated. Snake plants can be a perfect choice for one’s bedroom as they don’t require much space and can be easily placed or hung.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Because of its unique appearance and multiple benefits, the Spider plant fits perfectly for summer indoor gardening. Spider plants are known for their long, slender leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long while making an elegant arch. They are widely available and easily found in nurseries. They usually have long stems with small plantlets at the end. You can opt for it if you are a beginner and just starting with no prior experience.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lily is another trendy name for interior themes. Known for its striking white flowers, the peace lily can be grown in different containers, including pots, hanging baskets, and even terrariums. They absorb mold spores and allergens from the air, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. While you’ll be locked in your rooms to escape the hot weather, you’ll have something that can please you and set your mood.

Read More: https://bharatvarshnaturefarms.com/home-garden-inspiration-top-5-indoor-plants-for-summer-2023/

[reasonsforhope]

"A company in France has developed genetically-enhanced houseplants that remove 30 times more indoor air pollutants than your normal ficus.

Paint, treated wood, household cleaners, insulation, unseen mold—there is a shopping list of things that can fill the air you breathe in your home with VOCs or volatile organic compounds. These include formaldehyde and other airborne substances that can cause inflammation and irritation in the body.

The best way to tackle this little-discussed private health problem is by keeping good outdoor airflow into your living spaces, but in the dog days of summer or the depths of a Maine winter, that might not be possible.

Houseplants can remove these pollutants from the air, and so the company Neoplants decided to make simple alterations to these species’ genetic makeup to supercharge this cleaning ability.

In particular, houseplants’ natural ability to absorb pollutants like formaldehyde relies on them storing them as toxins to be excreted later.

French scientists and Neoplants’ co-founders Lionel Mora and Patrick Torbey engineered a houseplant to convert them instead to plant matter. They also took aim at the natural microbiome of houseplants to enhance their ability to absorb and process VOCs as well.

The company’s first offering—the Neo P1—is a Devil’s ivy plant that sits on a custom-designed tall stand that both maximizes its air-cleaning properties and allows it to be watered far less often.

Initial testing, conducted by the Ecole Mines-Telecom of Lille University, shows that if you do choose to shell out the $179 for the Neo P1, it’s as if you were buying 30 houseplants. Of course, if you went for the budget route of 30 houseplants, you’d have to water them all.

The founders pointed out in an interview done with Forbes last year that once they settled on the species and fixed the winning genetic phenotype, the next part of the process was just raising plants, the same activity done in every nursery and florist in every town in Europe."

Deliveries for the P1 are estimated for August 2024.

-via Good News Network, November 6, 2023

--

Note: I'm not a plant biologist, but if this works the way the company's white paper says it does, holy genetic engineering, Batman.

(Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who is a plant biologist or other relevant field!)

[ryanscabinlife]

I have been swamped these past couple of days outside and it's been extremely invigorating! Here are garden updates and some of the things I'm currently working on

First is the garlic! it's looking fantastic, they're just about 2 feet now and some are starting to get really thick.

Yesterday I planted my tomatoes. I specifically did not even bother starting seed for these guys, coz first of all we don't really have the indoor space, and also we had such great luck last year so we just repeated what we did. We just bought some from our local garden centre. Last year, we had 6 roma tomatoes (our favourite tomato variety) and it fed us throughout the summer and we've even managed to can over a dozen mason jars that we enjoyed in the winter. This year I have 30 of them! Last year, we had 2 cherry tomatoes, this year we planted 6.

Since our property is not big enough to have a well, the garden is 100% being watered by rainwater that we collect. Unfortunately for us, it's been a bit dry lately, hoping for more rain in June. Due to this circumstance, I decided to mulch what I could, in the hope that it will contain the moisture in the ground.

Shawn claimed a corner to turn into a place to relax and read books and god knows what. I will leave that to him but I was tasked to create a border to kinda separate it from the rest of the garden. I want to use some logs, terracotta pots, and other recycled things in our yard. So far this is what a have :(. I have been checking Facebook Marketplace every day for big planters but so far no luck. What's up with people wanting $100 for stuff that they don't want anyway?

I direct seeded a ton of things in the long beds where the trellis structure is including the snow pea I started indoors just a couple of weeks ago

Most of the potatoes are out! I've never grown potatoes before so this is a little too exciting for me

It turns out we have an apple tree and she is blooming! I don't exactly know what she is, my guess is some sort of crabapple. I'm so glad I didn't let Shawn chop her when we were building

And finally, the big project that's keeping me busy. My 42 feet border. This is the part where I don't know what I am doing. I've never planted ornamental flower beds before so it's kinda scaring me. Most of the things planted in this bed are perennials and few annuals on the front. I also broadcasted wildflowers all over. I'm really hoping for a cottage garden look for this one. Can't wait to see it in the summer when it's all filled up (hopefully)

25-May-2023

[tea-withnofixinsplease]

We're makin leaps and bounds with this whole sustainability thing since we moved from our apartment a few years ago. Whenever i feel like im not doin enough I lay out all the tiny swaps we've done on the table

we no longer by styrofoam cups and reuse the ones we have

We no longer use plastic plates, we either use glass or compostable ones (and throw the compostable ones in the compost)

Our building has solar panels for electricity

Our soaps are zero/low waste

My mother and I started our loc journey so its much easier to find all-natural, plastic free hair care

I use reusable pads

I don't buy new clothes often if at all, 4 shirts in the last 7 years

3/5 of us eat strictly plant-based bc we're vegan,

We have an indoor hydroponic system growing leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and fruits, and we bought seeds in bulk. We're planning on swapping rockwool cubes with reusable and compostable hemp fiber cubes

Since the hydroponic system is so bright, and the led lights last for 5 years at a time, we use the living area lights much less, opting for natural sunlight if the hydroponic system is not enough or is off.

We have a bokashi indoor compost bin for food scraps, and an outdoor cold compost bin for the scraps that cant go in the bokashi bin to make our own soil

We started a kitchen garden, and a pollinator/tea garden, and as of 2023 we now have a plum tree, a grapevine, two blackberry bushes, 5 reusable grow bags, 4 big planters and 2 big raised garden beds, lookin forward to fruits and vegetables in the spring, summer, fall and winter. We're planning to buy one more steel raised bed to ensure that we are cycling through what we're growing each year to limit pest-control methods, even neem oil, and planning on purchasing a lot more perennials and native perennials/annuals.

This fall Im gonna purchase a mushroom growing chamber kit for more low waste vegan meat alternatives and to add some healthy mushroom soil to the compost cycle

Our laundry detergent is environmentally safe

Our washing machine is water-efficient

We have a fridge with a water filter for cooking and drinking water

We have reusable grocery store bags

Im gonna try to grow lufas next year to replace our kitchen sponges and steel wool scrubbing pads,

Our property is small, and our neighbors are not as social/gungho about bartering or Co-Op food gardening,

but I'm proud of wat we've done so far, and I can do a lot more, and I plan to do so, so any advice would be welcome

[unofficial-sean]

"A Plea to the Future

Dear future residents,

Beside this sign is a western red cedar (Thuja plicata). To the native peoples of Puget Sound, this tree was used to carve totem poles and other crafts, like canoes. Today, it is one of the most abundant evergreen conifer trees in the Pacific Northwest. Despite its common name of cedar, this is actually a species of cypress. Funny how that all works out.

The flat needles of this tree provide good shade, and it is for that reason that she was planted here, on February 25th, 2023.

As climate change progresses unhindered and our leaders allow the petroleum industry to rape the only planet we know to sustain life, the summers here grow hotter and hotter. You will find your air choked with the smoke of a hundred forest fires.

Many of these older houses lack air conditioning. I did not own the duplex on this plot. I simply rented it. As such, I cannot retrofit its HVAC system with a heat pump to keep the indoors cool. I hope by the time you are reading this that that has changed.

As of this writing, this T. Plicata is but a sapling, not even two feet tall. I will never see her fully grown, but maybe you will. I ask of you a simple boon: please leave her untouched. One day, when her branches rake the very sky itself, she will reward you with shade from the sweltering sun. Care for her as I did. So few of us can leave a significant and lasting positive impact on the world. But this one thing I did will outlive my generation and the generations yet to come. Let her grow. Let it be the mark I leave on the world before I pass.

Thank you; and I hope she provides you with the relief and beauty I wish I had."

[krispyweiss]

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss at Rose Music Center at the Heights, Huber Heights, Ohio, May 3, 2023

Emerging from opposite sides of the stage without introduction, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss clasped hands when they met in the middle and launched into “Rich Woman.”

It was the first of 17 selections from 2007’s Raising Sand and 2021’s Raise the Roof - plus a few smartly reimagined Led Zeppelin numbers - the pair played May 3 in opening the summer concert season at Rose Music Center at the Heights in Huber Heights, Ohio. But the first night of proverbial summer was “really fucking cold,” as Plant, in layers with hand warmers in his pockets, put it while Krauss stood beside him with her hands pulled into the sleeves of her heavy winter coat.

“Welcome to Norway,” the maracas-playing Plant said to the sold-out house that remained standing throughout the 90-minute, low-ember-glow of a performance.

Stoking the warm aural flame were drummer Jay Bellerose, who employed mallets, sticks, shakers and tambourine on his kit; double bassist Dennis Crouch; multi-instrumentalists Viktor Krauss (Alison’s brother) on guitar and piano and Stuart Duncan on guitar, mandolin and violin; and guitarist JD McPherson. The latter pulled double duty, opening the gig with a self-described “quick, efficient, (3)0-minute rock ‘n’ roll set” that mixed originals and such covers as Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” into a blend of 1950s rockabilly with sax and 1970s, guitar-based rock.

Plant and Krauss went back further, setting songs like “Fortune Teller,” “Please Read the Letter” and “Gone Gone Gone” in hazy, swirling arrangements that evoked misty sounds of bygone eras that wafted through vintage amps. The stage, with lighting and beige and white curtains to give the outdoor shed the ambiance of an indoor theater, bolstered the aural illusion.

Long reluctant to revisit his past, Plant transformed “Rock and Roll” into a country rocker built upon Duncan’s violin. He and Krauss would play twin lines on a dark, moody version of “When the Levee Breaks.” Its bright, sonic anthesis, the slowed-by-half “The Battle of Evermore,” sparkled on Duncan’s mandolin as Krauss subbed in for Sandy Denny on vocals.

Singing gently and passionately, Plant and Krauss wavered out of perfect key only occasionally, the former likely owing to his 74 years and the latter - who ceded all banter to her partner - fighting against the cold air and adjusting her earpiece.

Slightly less than flawless is nevertheless a Herculean achievement - particularly given the unseasonable temperatures and the newness of this leg of the Raising the Roof tour.

Grade card: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss at Rose Music Center at the Heights - 5/3/23 - A

5/4/23

[garden-with-squid]

Yearly Garden Review - 2023

1/11/2024

The garden has improved so much over the past year.  I grew, harvested, and learned so much more than I did last year.  And that’s despite the weird weather - this was a very wet, gloomy year in SoCal, even into June and July.  

Highlights:

We loved the tulips this year and plan to plant out more chilled bulbs soon.

Surprise potato harvest in bed 2

Bed 3 was so incredibly beautiful in the spring - purple alyssum beneath fresh, green growth.  The alyssum also helped with water retention and attracting beneficial insects.  The soil in bed 3 felt loose and healthy compared to other beds that time of year.

Larger harvests of peppers, eggplants, and so so many tomatoes.  I couldn’t believe how tall the tomato plants grew!  We ate them all the time and they were delicious, especially the Black Cherry.

We cooked and ate more of our harvests.  Delicious omelettes, pasta, soups, and stuffed peppers on Halloween.

Installed ollas - extremely helpful!  Really helps keep water more consistent.

Grew delicious broccoli.  There are side shoots still growing too.  I didn’t realize how big broccoli plants actually get.  Bed 2 looks great still.

Ordered a tea plant.  It’s pretty dead now, but it was nice having a camellia for a bit.

The jasmine bounced back and bloomed a bit!

Got local compost and made my own potting mix

The dragonfruit is still alive, and hopefully will grow more this spring.

Notes for improvement:

I struggled to germinate seeds, both direct sown and started indoors.  The care/watering is hard for me to do consistently.  It was a real shame to kill all the shallot seedlings in particular - I was really hoping to grow some since they’re harder to find in store.

Lots of dead plants.  If I stopped talking about any particular plant in the logbook, it’s because it died.  The rosemary and lavender plants in bed 4 will probably need to be replaced this spring.  A lot of flowers and container plants didn’t make it.  For some reason, sunflowers struggled a lot too.

Aphids, cabbage worms, and rodents.  Barrier protection would probably help a lot, plus more consistent watering.  I did see a good number of ladybugs and larva this year.

Garden fatigue hit at different points in the year, usually when work was stressful or it felt like my garden wasn’t as good as it should have been.  But it helped to remind myself how much better I’ve become since last year, and that it will continue to get better as I gain more experience.  

Looking forward to the year ahead, I want to harvest many things in the summer/fall - okra and watermelon for my uncle, more nightshades, onions, pumpkins, and flowers.  I want to try growing on the trellis (I plan to install one more).  Most of the work will happen in March/April - that’s when the cover crops in beds 1 and 3 will be ready to turn in and transplant time for all the summer crops.

I’m currently using the wintertime to take a break, only checking the garden once a week or so.  While I could grow a winter garden in my zone, I find I’m very lazy on cold mornings, and having a season of rest is important to me symbolically.  

I think I have a solid foundation of skill and experience to build on, so I hope to have a very productive garden this year.  We’re also supposed to have another wet season coming up. So we’ll see how that affects things.  Very fitting for Year of the Dragon!

[lifewithmai]

I Found Peace in Calauan, Laguna

Angela Palma 2023

There are many places I have traveled so far in the Philippines ever since I became aware of them. For example, the Quezon province, specifically Nakar and Infanta, Pangasinan, Antipolo, Caloocan, Taguig, Makati, Manila, and Laguna. Out of all these beautiful cities, beaches, spots, views, etc., you may also wonder, Why Calauan Laguna?

Our first visit and stay here was for our cousin's 7th birthday celebration way back on November 27, two years ago. It was summer, and they had just finished building their house there, so we were the first to stay. I remember our first summer here being full of excitement and happiness. I loved the close neighborhood, the generous people, the packed sari-sari stores, the overlooking mountains, resorts, lagoons, hot springs, and the fields. At my cousin's birthday party, we set up tents and hired clowns to entertain the kids that we invited from the neighborhood. It was quite a big children's party, but it was expected in our tradition to have big parties when we turn seven. It was a fun and memorable celebration for everyone. The next day,our family went to make a second celebration at a village named "The Promise," then into Camp Silva Natural Hot Spring.

In July 2023, we decided to have yet another summer break in Laguna. I never thought that me and my family would need this short break especially me, because, being here for the second time, it was different. Coming back here helped me think clearly and solve all the puzzles that were trapped in my mind in Manila. What helped is the way life here is filled with such simplicity. It filled my longing for a simple, quiet, and peaceful life.

A walking-distance field near the house we're staying in has a hidden, built-in playground, a bicycle lane, a small stage, and wide grass floors. At noon, this is where everyone hangs out, including families, their little kids, and teenagers. There are also areas with fruit trees, plant farms, and farm animals such as cows and horses. On Laguna, this was my favorite spot. My siblings and cousins stop by in the mornings and at noon, and I usually bring my phone to take pictures along with my drawing book, journal, and a novel to read. Since it is quiet and windy out, I spent my time here writing my thoughts on paper or reading books that I brought with me on this trip. I also learned how to draw scenery, which is something I've always wanted to do. One of the most pure and memorable experiences I had here was when little kids approached me to compliment my drawings, even if they seemed simple or funny to me. They were so appreciative that they make me smile every time I see them and refer to me as "ate ganda na marunong mag drawing."

I also enjoyed my time indoors in our lovely home and helped with chores. I enjoyed accompanying my mom to the palengke to buy fruits and vegetables, and I enjoyed being assigned to prepare our daily meals. This place made me want to stay longer because it made me feel alive again. Unfortunately, we all have our own responsibilities back in Manila, but it has been an adventure to be here in such a magical place. Who knew that such a simple place would bring us closer and give us the peace we needed?.

If I could write more about this journey, I would say that it healed me. My inner child and I are so grateful that my family decided on this trip because I can't think of a more beautiful way to spend a short summer vacation than this.

[narilily]

WHO: Nari & @elliot-newman

WHERE: Paradise Gardens

WHEN: December, 2023

Whenever she needed a break away from the hustle and bustle of life, Nari found herself at Paradise Gardens. Sure, they were the most bountiful in the spring and summer seasons, when the flowers were freshly blooming and everything was bright and colorful... but there was something charming about the indoor gardens, how some of the trees were strung up with lights, little wooden reindeers and blow mold snowmen nestled among the plants. Cute, festive scenes that made walking through the gardens that much more fun, spotting each and every one. She liked to make a game of it, seeing if she could spot every single thing that had been added for the holidays. She was standing in front of one of the displays showcasing local evergreen trees when she noticed someone else, immediately recognizing Elliot and offering him a wide smile and a wave.

[sraddhasen12]

Some Natural Ways to Keep Your House Cool during the Summers

Beginning to totally depend on air conditioning to cope with the blisterian summer heat isn't unique. Based on reliable sources, India's usage of the cooling method with forecasting records of 2023 indicate a substantial rise because of the situation surrounding our quicker-than-usual altering environment. Fortunately there are still choices that enable us to preserve our houses pleasantly when maintaining some form of eco friendliness. Here are a few recommendations which may save some money as well as align with nature simultaneously as you construct .

1. Keep the ventilation open

For optimal ventilation, open multiple windows from 5 a.m. until 8 a.m. and then again from 8 p.m until 10 p.m., periods in which the air tends to be both pleasant and beneficial for air exchange with outside temperatures dropping in the nighttime hours of summer months -but remember to place appropriate mesh colonies on and around doors and windows frames into heat out annoying and disease-carrying bugs such as mosquitoes.

2.Blinds should be installed

Windows can create an intense warmth inside your structure if the sun beats on it. It is sensible to cover up your windows and stop the daylight by setting up window blinds. Close all the blinds in your room from 11 AM to 4 PM. Invest in breathable and resilient substances such as jute mesh or bamboo zephyrs. Don't select darker colours, instead go for tints of white hue or gentle pastels. If you plan to venture out somewhere.

3: Choose natural fabrics

If you have ever had the misfortune of sitting on a leather couch during a hot, humid summer, you may have noticed how uncomfortable the material can be against the skin. Fabrics like silk, satin and polyester are excellent at retaining heat, so look to wool and cotton when picking out linen and upholstery for your furniture that want lightness, breathability and allow for more airflow. These materials will not just make a room visually brighter; they also make it much more comfortable.

4: Make use of cool colors

During the parched summer, painting your house is an agreed-upon option. Opting for an inconspicuous pastel colour such as yellow, aqua, pink, beige or white will last after beyond then season. Also assessing any possible wall injury born due to change of season like monsoon ought to be examined first with the aid of some knowledgeable experts in usage of external protection companies like Bangor's All Weather Guard adhesion against variability as caused by elements.

5: Your roof needs to be treated

Overlaying your roof with a UV obstacle provides cool respite in the dwellings due to a few degrees difference it makes. Roof Guard by Weather Coat is one solution as it is pertinent for aquatic optimization and contains adornment efficiency function with a good surface further recognizing name (SRI) class display cool components. This coating barricades lampheaded ultraviolet photons, agreeing moderate content envelop expenses and shrink pathetical damage.

6: Paint your walls smartly

When examining your roof, think about innovative insulation possibilities for the walls. Having better heat complementation will aid in decreasing the temperature of your house under severe conditions. Ever wondered why light-toned clothing is recommended during hot weather? At its core lies a physical explanation: light tones replicate and darker hues comprises of this radiant energy received from outside, which leads to faster elevation of indoor air temperature. People who dwell in extreme temperatures should integrate white and gentle colours on their walls and keep away from heat.

7: Bring greenery into your home

The areca palm tree, aloe vera, and ferns can be highly effective at purifying allergens and subsequently 2 cooling the area due to their decorative appeal in any indoor environment. Strategically planting trees on the east and west sides of dur walls is another feasible option that will mitigate heat. Another temperature moderating idea or solution includes cultivating creepers on your balcony protection guards or interior room partitions.

8: Lights that use less energy

Using energy efficient lighting, such as LED or CFL fixtures, in frequently used spaces and turning off lights when not in use can help save energy and lead to an overall decrease in home heating. Additionally, unplugging electronics while they are idle will reduce the amount of energy they generate in the form of heat. It is possible to comfortably live inside with limited air conditioning when warm weather comes if these natural cooling strategies are utilized; a move which both saves money and works towards decreasing the effects that reduce global warming.

Paint Sutra - Wall Painting House Painting

We provide best Wall Painting Services for your sweet home. We do Wall Painting at a reasonable cost. Get free quotation and get in touch on 9700 22 6666.

[bharatvarsh22]

Discover the top 5 indoor plants for a vibrant home garden this summer at Bharatvarsh Nature Farms. Get inspired and create a refreshing indoor oasis.

Do Visit: https://bharatvarshnaturefarms.com/home-garden-inspiration-top-5-indoor-plants-for-summer-2023/

[rubydolly]

MY TRIP TO SINGAPORE 2023

I have just returned from a trip to Singapore. I went with my Mum and my Boyfriend Aaron, we all had a wonderful time, Singapore is such a beautiful clean, safe country with so much to see and do. We spent a week in Singapore, four days in the mainland and two days on Sentosa Island. Below is a day by day account of my trip as well as some information and tips I thought would be useful to add.

The trip started at Sydney International Airport on the 3rd of May. We flew from Sydney to Singapore via Singapore Airlines and let me tell you this is THE BEST!!! Airline I have ever flown with. We flew Economy and when we entered the plane I thought at first we were in the wrong section, that we were in business class because all of the seats had a pillow and blanket, something I have NEVER gotten on any other airline so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that we were in fact in the right section. The chairs were so comfortable, usually I find plane seats to be uncomfortable but these seats were perfect. The service is amazing, you never want for anything and the food was amazing too, for dinner I had Chicken Tiki Masala which was delicious and then after dinner we were all given a Magnum Ice Cream. The flight to Singapore was 8 hours and it was a very pleasant flight.

When we arrived in Singapore the first thing I noticed when we stepped off the plane was the heat, it was 9:00PM and according to my phone it was 87% humidity and the temperature was 28 degrees. This is normal for Singapore, as it is very close to the equator, also May is the last Spring Month before Summer in Singapore. We got our luggage and then got a cab to our hotel, we stayed at the Park Royal, a beautiful hotel directly opposite Haji Lane.

Myself, Aaron And My Mum At Sydney International Airport

Me In Front Of The Park Royal Hotel Pool

The Park Royal Hotel Pool

DAY ONE  Date: 4/5/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 28 Degrees Humidity: Day: 78% Night: 87% Itinerary:  Gardens By The Bay Marina Bay Sands Lavo

For our first day in Singapore we decided to do the famous Gardens By The Bay and Marina Bay Sands. We caught a cab from our hotel to Gardens By The Bay which took 5 minutes.

The Entrance To Gardens By The Bay

We decided to do the Cloud Forest, Supertree Observatory and Floral Fantasy, we got our tickets and headed straight to the Cloud Forest. The Cloud Forest is absolutely breathtaking, it features one of the worlds tallest indoor waterfalls which stands at 35m tall. The Cloud Forest is also home to a lush mountain covered in plants from around the world and also has an aerial walkway which provides a birds eye view of the Cloud Forest from above. There are many amazing plants inside the Cloud Forest such as Singapore’s national flower the Orchid, but my favourites were the carnivorous plants. There is a whole section dedicated to especially to carnivorous plants as well as lots of different kinds of Pitchers (My favourite Carnivorous Plant) dotted around the forest. While we were there, “Avatar The Experience” the exhibition was on display inside the Cloud Forest which made it even more magical.

The Waterfall In The Cloud Forest

Orchids, Singapore’s National Flower

Pitchers

Me Fascinated With This Beautiful Tree

Orchid Haven

Hanging Pitchers

Carnivorous Plant Collection

Mum And I

Birds Eye View Of The Cloud Forest From The Aerial Walkway

A Banshee From The Avatar The Experience Section

Me “Taming A Banshee”

Exiting Avatar The Experience

After The Cloud Forest we headed over to the Supertree Observatory, the tallest supertree in the supertree grove which offers amazing views over the entire Gardens By The Bay and the Marina Bay area. There are a few cafes inside the building should you feel the need to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

The Top Level Of The Supertree Observatory

Our next stop was the Floral Fantasy, an indoor garden that provides both a magical experience and the perfect Instagram shot. Suspended bouquets hang from the ceiling and elaborate floral arrangements fill the garden and over 15,000 fresh cut, dried and preserved flowers hang from the ceiling. There is also a vivarium housing Poison Dart Frogs which I was most excited to see as I love frogs (I have a Green Tree Frog named Princess) and I had never seen a Poison Dart Frog before.

Floral Horses

A Giant Tree Statue

Me With Butterfly Wings

Poison Dart Frog

We were all pretty hungry once we exited the Floral Fantasy so we decided to head to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel for lunch. We ate in The Shoppes foodcourt, Foodcourts in Singapore are unlike foodcourts any where else in the world, they are clean and offer a variety of the most delicious food, some of which even receive Michelin Stars. While I cannot remember the name of the stall I ate from I do remember it was Japanese and I got the best Bento box I have ever had, it came with Takoyaki, Rice and Katsu Chicken. After lunch we went and had a ride on Sampan Rides, a little boat ride in a canal in the middle of the shopping centre. After that we had a little look around some of the shops before heading back to our hotel for a quick rest before dinner that night.

Sampan Boat Ride

That night we headed back to Marina Bay Sands and had dinner at an Italian restaurant on the rooftop called Lavo. The restaurant is on the same level as the famous infinity pool and the views across Singapore are absolutely stunning. As a non drinker I was very happy to discover that this restaurant had a mock-tail list, in Australia where I’m from many places don’t do mock-tails, throughout my trip I discovered that nearly every place in Singapore does mock-tails which made me very happy so I had a mock-tail. Mum and I shared a Garlic Bread while we had drinks, for dinner I had the Rigatoni Melanzana and it was absolutely delicious.

The View From Lavo

Enjoying A Mock - Tail

The Three Of Us Enjoying Dinner

Rigatoni Melanzana

After Dinner, we walked back over to Gardens By The Bay where we watched the nightly Garden Rhapsody show, a sound and light show in the Supertree Grove that goes for 15 minutes. Once the Garden Rhapsody had finished, we got a cab back to our hotel and that was the end of our first day in Singapore.

Garden Rhapsody

COSTS Cab Fare: S$7.00 ($7.95AUD) Cloud Forest: S$53.00 ($59.00AUD) Supertree Observatory: S$14.00 ($15.00AUD) Floral Fantasy: S$20.00 ($22.00AUD) Lunch: S$12.00 ($13.00AUD) Sampan Rides: S$13.00 ($14.00AUD) Cab Fare: S$7.00 ($7.95AUD) Cab Fare: S$7.00 ($7.95AUD) Mock - Tail: S$23.00 ($25.00AUD) Dinner: S$59.00 ($65.00AUD) Cab Fare: S$7.00 ($7.95AUD)

DAY TWO Date: 5/5/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 27 Degrees Humidity: Day: 79% Night: 85% Itinerary: River Safari Singapore Zoo Piedra Negra

Day two was dedicated to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve which houses four wildlife parks, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Jurong Bird Park and Night Safari, we did the River Wonders and Singapore Zoo. To get to Mandai from Haji Lane took a trip MRT which took us about 45 minutes and from there a 10 minute trip on a bus.

We bought tickets for both the River Safari and the Singapore Zoo, we decided to do the River Safari first. The River Safari is a river themed zoo and aquarium, Over 6,000 animals including 40 threatened species call the River Wonders home with zones that replicate the habitats of rivers around the world. As we walked through the aquarium, I was delighted to see Red Bellied Piranha and Electric Eels as neither of these fascinating Amazon River dwellers can be seen anywhere in Australia. 

Manatee

Red Bellied Piranha 

Electric Eel

Green Anaconda

We made our way down to the Amazon River Quest Boat Ride, which showed us many more amazing animals from the Amazon Jungle which I had never seen before such as Jaguars, Flamingos, Anteaters (I call these animals the Living Vacuum Cleaners as they look like Vacuum Cleaners to me), Howler Monkeys and much more. 

Amazon River Quest Boat Ride

Collared Peccary

Brazilian Tapir

Jaguar 

Once we got off the ride our next stop was Panda Paradise to see the resident Giant Pandas Kai Kai, Jia Jia and Their one year old Cub Le Le. This was the most exciting part for me as I had never seen a Panda before, the first time we went through they were asleep however when we went through a second time they were awake and munching away on Bamboo. We had lunch at the appropriately named “Mamma Panda Kitchen” before moving onto Singapore Zoo, I had Chicken Katsu Ramen which was delicious.

Jia Jia And Le Le

Chicken Katsu Ramen At Mama Panda Kitchen

Kai Kai Eating Bamboo

We went into the Singapore Zoo which is home over 2,800 animals from 300 species and has won many awards both locally and internationally including plaudits from Forbes Traveler as one of the best zoos in the world, the Asian Attraction Awards for Most Popular Attraction in the Wildlife Park category and the STB 22nd Tourism Award for Best Leisure Attraction Experience of the Year, it was also ranked as one of the top 3 zoos in the world by the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award in 2018. I have been to many zoos in my home country Australia, we have many amazing zoos but I can honestly say that this is THE BEST!!! Zoo I have ever seen, such an amazing variety of unique animals in big beautiful enclosures that truly mimic Their natural environment. I loved seeing them all especially the White Tigers, Pygmy Hippopotamuses, White Rhinoceroses and the Orang-utans but my favourite section was Reptopia. I am a Snake fanatic and this zoo has many Snakes that I have never seen before as we don’t have them in Australia, one of the Snakes I had never even heard of which is a rarity for me, my favourite snakes were the West Africa Gaboon Viper and the Sidewinder but I loved them all.

Proboscis Monkey

White Tiger

Pygmy Hippopotamus

Asian Elephants

White Rhinoceroses

Orangutans 

Poison Dart Frogs

Sign On Poison Dart Frogs

Reticulated Python

King Cobra

Red Tailed Racer

Green Tree Python

West African Gaboon Vipers

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes

Sidewinder

Green Pit Viper

Once we had seen all of the zoo we once again got back onto a bus then the MRT and went back to our hotel. That night for dinner we ate at a Mexican Restaurant that was opposite our hotel called Piedra Negra, I had the most delicious Tacos and a Virgin Mojito beforehand.

COSTS

MRT Fare: S$3.00 ($3.50AUD) River Safari: S$42.00 ($46.00AUD) Lunch: S$17.90 ($20.00AUD) Singapore Zoo: S$48.00 ($53.00AUD) MRT Fare: S$3.00 ($3.50AUD) Dinner: S$11.90 ($13.00AUD)

DAY THREE Date: 6/5/2023 Weather:  Day: 31 Degrees Night: 27 Degrees Humidity: Day: 79% Night: 85% Itinerary: Haji Lane Sultan Mosque Little India Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Maxwell Food Centre Clarke Quay Fika Swedish Cafe And Bistro Jumbo Seafood Merlion Park

The next day we decided to walk down Haji Lane which is in the Kampong Glam area of Singapore and known for its one off boutiques and cafes. Located in the heart of of Kampong Glam is the elaborate Sultan Mosque. Built in 1824 for the first Sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah, Sir Stamford Raffles the founder of Singapore gave a  S$3,000 grant to the construction company of a single story building with a double tiered roof. A hundred years later, the mosque desperately needed repairs and was transformed into the what it is today, an elaborate building with huge gold domes that looks as though it is straight from Aladdin so of course I had to get a picture in front of it. We were planning to go inside to have a look however the day that we went which was a Friday the Mosque was closed off to tourists as it was being used for Prayer. If you decide to go to the mosque, Modest clothing is required to enter the Mosque, long sleeve tops covered to the wrist and long pants or skirts to the ankle are required, no shorts, tshirts or revealing clothing. Should you not have the appropriate clothing, the mosque does provide free cloaks to visitors.

Me In Haji Lane In Front Of The Sultan Mosque

After Walking down Haji Lane and seeing the Sultan Mosque we decided to get a cab to Little India. Once known as Serangoon in the 18th century and operating as an important artery of commerce and transport for the plantations located in the interior of the island along the route to Serangoon Harbour as well as being a vital loading and unloading point for the Johor gambier and pepper planters, Various communities began to establish themselves in this area in the 19th century. Many Kampongs (Malay Villages) were established around the area and attracted people from Java, Malaysia and of course India and by 1980, the area was officially named Little India. Today Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful and vibrant districts, there are many things to see and do in Little India as well as many great places to eat. We walked around the area a little bit until we came across the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This beautiful Hindu temple is one of the oldest temples in Singapore. The temple was built by Indian pioneers who went to Singapore to live and work to help these pioneers feel at home in a foregin land. Sri Veeremakaliamman, the chief deity of the temple is a Powerful Goddess and Destroyer of Evil was chosen as her presence fulfilled the need of the early migrants to feel secure in a new land. Modest clothing is required to enter the Temple, long sleeve tops covered to the wrist and long pants or skirts to the ankle are required, no shorts, tshirts or revealing clothing, you also must remove your shoes before entering the temple.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

We then caught a cab to Chinatown where we went and saw the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. built in 2007, this is the place to go to see Buddhist art and learn about this culture which is over thousands of years old. The name itself comes from what the Buddhists regard as the left canine tooth of Buddha which was recovered from his funeral pure in Kushinagar India and is housed within this beautiful temple. We walked around the first level and then took the elevator up to the fourth level which is where the left canine tooth of Buddha is displayed. We then went to the very top of the temple, a beautiful rooftop Orchid garden Modest clothing is required to enter the Temple, long sleeve tops covered to the wrist and long pants or skirts to the ankle are required, no shorts, tshirts or revealing clothing, if you happen to wear a short sleeve top, shawls are provided free of charge. You are also able to purchase offerings in the temple.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

We had lunch at Maxwell Food Centre, a very well known Hawker Centre in Singapore. For those not in the know, Hawker Centre are open air complexes that house many stalls that sell a wide variety of affordably priced food, You simply cannot go to Singapore and not visit a Hawker Centre. I had Haianese Chicken with noodles, at Tian Tian, it was the best Haianese Chicken and Noodles I have ever eaten in my entire life.

Maxwell Food Centre

After Lunch we got the MRT to Clarke Quay where we had a quick walk around the area before getting a cab back to our hotel where we spent the afternoon swimming in the hotel pool. After a few hours, we decided to go and get afternoon tea from a cafe across the road from us called Fika Swedish Cafe And Bistro. “Fika” is a Swedish tradition in which you stop for a coffee break and something sweet to eat for 30 minutes with family, friends or colleagues, in keeping with the tradition, I had pancakes with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

Fika Swedish Cafe And Bistro

We went back to Clarke Quay for dinner that night and had dinner at Jumbo Seafood, a seafood place in Singapore that is well known for its Chilli Mud Crab. This was my first time trying Crab and I must say I enjoyed every mouthful. We also had Fried Rice and some Satay Sticks as an entree, this was our most expensive meal in Singapore but it was absolutely worth every cent.

Dinner At Jumbo Seafood

After Dinner we walked all the way around to the Merlion Park and saw and took pictures with the famous Merlion statue. The Merlion is the cities national icon. According to the legend, Sang Nila Utama, the 14th century Prince of Sumatra, was sailing in the South China Sea when a ferocious storm hit. Scared that the ship would be wrecked he threw his crown into the ocean as a sacrifice to the Gods. Once the weather cleared the ship had reached an island paradise, as the Prince came ashore he encountered a lion, a good omen which Singapore - Sanskrit for lion (singa) and city (pura) was named after. The Merlions fish like body is symbolic of Singapore’s origins of a fishing city. Behind the Merlion statue is a smaller Merlion statue which is known as “The Merlion Cub”

The Entrance To The Merlion Park

The Merlion Statue

The Merlion Cub

Marina Bay Sands At Night

COSTS Cab Fare: S$6.00 ($6.95AUD) Lunch: S$5.00 (S5.95AUD) MRT Fare: S$3.00 ($3.50AUD) Afternoon Tea: Cab Fare: S$7.00 ($7.95AUD) Dinner: S$111.08 ($124.18AUD) Cab Fare: S$7.00 ($7.95AUD)

DAY FOUR Date: 7/5/2023 Weather: Day: 30 Degrees Night: 27 Degrees Humidity: Day: 79% Night: 86% Itinerary: Fort Canning Park ION Orchard Satay Street Lau Pa Sat

This was our last day staying in the mainland of Singapore before moving onto Sentosa Island the next day. We decided instead of going around by Cabs or the MRT to join a Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour and tour around the city for one last time this way. I would really recommend doing this as it takes you to all of the important sites and you get headphones which you can attach to an outlet and listen to information all about Singapore. Aaron is a bit of a History buff and very interested with the subjects of WWI and WWII so we made the decision to visit the beautiful Fort Canning Park which sits opposite Clarke Quay. The park itself is gorgeous and lovely to just walk through and admire the greenery, however we went for the Battlebox Museum. Many important historical events took place at the hilltop of this park, in the 14th century Malayan Princesses bathed in forbidden springs (the hill was known as Forbidden Hill during this time), and ancient craftsmen piled their trade for the royal family. During the British colonisation, Sir Stamford Raffles resided here and established the first botanic gardens to simulate agriculture in the country. In 1936 an underground bunker now known as the Battlebox was built, this was the command centre during the Malayan campaign and the Battle of Singapore. This is also the place where Lieutenant-General Arthur E. Percival and the Allied Forces decided to surrender to the Japanese in WWII. 

Aaron And I On The Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Forbidden Spring

Sign On Forbidden Spring

Beautiful Fort Canning Park

The Battlebox

After spending the morning at Fort Canning Park, Mum and I decided we wanted to go to Orchard Road and go through the iconic ION Orchard Mall. Aaron wanted to go to Suntec City and look at some gaming equipment so he went there and Mum and I headed to Orchard Road. There are nine shopping centres along Orchard Road however we only went through ION Mall. ION is absolutely huge and has everything from fashion, food, homewares, technology and high end designer labels. We went through many of the shops, however the shops I myself bought from were Daiso and Charles And Keith.

Orchard Road

Inside ION Orchard

Daiso

Charles And Keith

Sephora

New Shoes I Bought At Charles And Keith

Me Dressed Up In My New Shoes For Dinner

After a long shopping trip, Mum and I went back to our hotel where we met up with Aaron and spent the afternoon swimming in our hotel pool. For dinner, we caught a cab to Lau Pa Sat and Satay Street. We started off our dinner in Satay Street with some satay sticks, we ordered 10 chicken satay sticks and 5 beef ones, they were the best satay sticks I have ever eaten in my life. We then went into Lau Pa Sat and tried a variety of different foods, all of the dishes are so cheap my most expensive dish was S$12.00. I unfortunately don’t remember the names of the stalls I ate from but what I had was, Haianese Chicken and Rice and a plate of Spicy Tofu. We then went into Food Folks, a cute little shop inside Lau Pa Sat that sells dessert, my Mum and Aaron had coffee and cake and I had a chocolate gelato. We then caught a cab back to our hotel and began packing up our rooms ready for the next day.

Lau Pa Sat

Inside Lau Pa Sat

Satay Sticks From Satay Street

Haianese Chicken And Rice

Spicy Tofu

COSTS Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: S$52.78 ($59.00AUD) Lunch: S$10.00 ($11.00AUD) Dinner: S$39.00 ($43.00AUD) Dessert: S$5.00 ($5.95AUD) Cab Fare: S$8.00 ($8.95AUD)

DAY FIVE Date: 8/5/2023 Weather: Day: 31 Degrees Night: 27 Degrees Humidity: Day: 68% Night: 79% Itinerary: Siloso Beach Coastes

We checked out of the Park Royal Hotel and called a cab to take us to Sentosa Island. When we got to Sentosa Island we checked into the Village Hotel where we were staying and basically spent the entire day by one of the three pools just relaxing as we had been going no stop for the past four days. Around lunch time, Mum and I took a walk down to Resorts World and had a look in the bazaar which is filled with restaurants and shops.

Twelve Cupcake In Resorts World

The Bazaar In Resorts World

Aaron Relaxing By The Pool

One Of The Village Hotels Three Pools

Me Enjoying A Virgin Mojito By The Pool

Aaron And I Enjoying The Sun

In the afternoon, we decided to go down to Siloso Beach, Siloso Beach is a manmade beach, there is a zipline and lots of bars and restaurants along the shore, many of the bars even have pools in them. When we got to Siloso Beach the first thing we did was take a photo at the Famous Siloso Beach sign. We then walked around the beach for a bit before heading up to Rumours Beach Club, a bar that had a pool, Mum and Aaron didn’t take their swimming costumes with them but I did so I swam in the pool while they enjoyed some drinks.

The Famous Siloso Beach Sign

Siloso Beach

Rumours Beach Club

Me In The Pool At Rumours Beach Club

We had dinner at one of the restaurants on the beach called Coastes, it didn’t have a pool but it did have amazing food, I had spaghetti Arrabbiata. After dinner we went back to our hotel and swam in the pool as we waited for the Wings Of Time show to start. The Wings Of Time 20 minute laser light show featuring sound and fireworks is held on beach road and is a ticketed event, however we opted instead to watch the show from the rooftop pool in our hotel.

Spaghetti Arrabbiata At Coastes

The Three Pools At Night

Wings Of Time From The Village Hotel Rooftop Pool

COSTS Cab Fare: S$14.00 ($15.00AUD) Lunch: S$20.00 ($22.00AUD) Virgin Mojito: S$23.00 ($25.00AUD) Rumours Beach Club Virgin Lychee Mojito: S$10.00 ($11.00AUD) Dinner: S$22.00 ($24.00AUD)

DAY SIX Date: 9/5/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 27 Degrees Humidity: Day: 67% Night: 87% Itinerary: Universal Studios Altitude

Our second last day in Singapore was spent at Universal Studios, located on Sentosa Island this is the first Hollywood movie theme park in Southeast Asia.With six zones that are populated by iconic characters from the famous franchise Universal Studios, there is something for everyone to enjoy here, wether you’re a daredevil, a film buff or just looking for a day of fun, Universal Studios will provide you with a day of fun to remember. The Six Zones - Hollywood Zone - New York - Sci - Fi City - Ancient Egypt - The Lost World - Far Far Away

Us In Resorts World

When the gates opened, we went straight to the Jurassic Park Rapid Adventure and managed to get straight on, this ride basically simulates the scene in the first movie where everyone goes on the car ride for the first time which later breaks down, leaving the guests stuck with in the middle of the ride with carnivorous dinosaurs who are now roaming freely, except instead of a car you are in a boat. We got off the Jurassic Park Rapid Adventure ride and headed to the Canopy Flyer, a rollercoaster in which you are sitting on a seat which is suspended up in the air and moves quickly.

Us In Front Of The Universal Studios Sign

Mum And I With Trolls

Jurassic Park

Discovery Food Centre In The Lost World

We existed The Lost World and entered Far Far Away where we went on the Shrek 4D ride, a really fun 4D simulator ride. After that we went on the Enchanted Airways rollercoaster before stopping in for a look at the Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop

Far Far Away

Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop

We then made out way into Ancient Egypt to get on the Revenge Of The Mummy ride, an indoor rollercoaster that is pitch black inside, I’m not gonna lie I was terrified because I am not a big fan of rollercoasters, they have always freaked me out and the only reason I went on the Canopy Flyer and the Enchanted Airways was because Aaron and Mum managed to somehow talk me into it and I enjoyed them both but I would never have even considered doing it on my own. As we got on the ride, I was really nervous like I said but there was NO WAY!!! I was backing out, leaving Universal Studios without riding Revenge Of The Mummy was simply not an option for me so I went through with it anyway. I held Aaron’s hand all the way and according to him I was gripping his hand so hard I almost broke it LOL!!! The ride was for me very fast and full on as I don’t really do rollercoasters but I ended up enjoying it so much I insisted on going on it again one more time before we left the park.

Ancient Egypt

After riding Revenge Of The Mummy, we went into Sci Fi City, home of the famous Battlestar Galactica, now that is a rollercoaster I absolutely DID NOT!!! get on and there was no way anyone was going to talk me into it, but we did go on Transformers The Ride The Ultimate 3D Battle, a fun 3D simulator in which you have to help save Earth from total destruction.

Sci Fi City

Transformers Voices Of Cybertron Show

Battlestar Galactica

Transformers Supply Vault

We then stopped in at Loui’s Pizza for a quick lunch break before getting back into action.

New York

The next ride we did was far more low key than the previous rides, the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase. I know I know its for little kids but I wanted to try and do as many rides as I possibly could, my goal was to do all of them however there were some kids rides that adults couldn’t ride on and as I mentioned earlier Battlestar Galactica was out of the question so on the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase we went. While not a thrilling ride it was really cute and visually it was good.

Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase

Big Bird’s Emporium 

Having done almost all of the rides, we decided to do a little bit of shopping, there was both a Hello Kitty and a Gudetama store in this park, I would like to give a personal shoutout to Aaron for being an accountability partner for me in these shops, without him i for sure would have emptied my entire bank account.

Hello Kitty Shop

Gudetama Shop

Minion Mart

We then went back around and hopped on Revenge Of The Mummy for the second time before leaving the park and heading back to our hotel for a swim. While walking through Hollywood, I spotted a Vincent Price plaque on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame so naturally I needed to stop and get a photo.

Me With Vincent Price’s Plaque

We spent the afternoon in the pool and had drinks at the swim up pool bar.

Enjoying A Virgin Mojito By The Pool Bar

Mum And I By The Pool Bar

That night we had dinner at the rooftop pool bar Altitude in The Outpost Hotel which was next door to us. Mum and I shared a Margherita Pizza and Penne Arrabbiata. After dinner we all sadly and with heavy hearts went back to our hotel rooms to pack up all of our stuff, ready to check out and fly back to Sydney the next day.

Margherita Pizza

Penne Arrabbiata

DAY SEVEN Date: 10/5/2023 Weather: Day: 32 Degrees Night: 28 Degrees Humidity: Day: 68% Night: 85% Itinerary: The Jewel Changi Airport

Waking up we were all hit with a pang of sadness as we had breakfast, packed up our rooms and checked out of our hotel. We caught a cab to Changi Airport and decided to make the most of our last few hours in Singapore by exploring The Jewel and the rest of Changi Airport, this airport is rated the best airport in the world and after going through it I can see why. We checked in our luggage and then headed over to The Jewel where we went straight to the famous HSBC Rain Vortex to take some photos.

HSBC Rain Vortex

After we got our photos we had a quick walk around the Shiseido Forest Valley before heading to the food court for lunch, I unfortunately cannot remember the name of the place we ate at but I do remember that I had a very delicious pasta with red sauce. After lunch it was time for some shopping, The Jewel has many shops, my favourite being the Disney Store, Miniso, Charles And Keith and this really cute gift shop which I can’t remember the name of.

The Disney Store

Can’t Remember The Name Of This Store

Charles And Keith

With our last minute shopping done, we went up to the top level and went on the Canopy Bridge which gives you an amazing birds eye view of The Jewel, we also went through the beautiful Topiary Walk while we up there.

Birds Eye View Of The Jewel From The Canopy Bridge

The Topiary Walk

With only two hours until our flight to go, we headed back over to Changi Airport, we were in Terminal Three which has a Butterfly Garden, it is small but filled with all kinds of beautiful and unique butterflies. When we were done with the Butterfly Garden it was sadly time to go and wait for our flight back to Sydney.

The Butterfly Garden

COSTS Cab Fare: S$25.00 ($28.00AUD) Lunch: S$23.00 ($25.00AUD) Canopy Park: S$8.00 ($8.95AUD)

LAWS AND PENALTIES

In Singapore, failure to comply with laws and regulations is not tolerated, below is a list of laws you must know about before you go as well as the penalty if you fail to comply with any of these laws. Please note these penalties are for first time offences only, if you are caught a second time the penalty doubles and is much more severe.

No Smoking In Public  Smoking indoors is prohibited in Singapore and is also banned in certain outdoor spaces. Here is full list of smoking and non smoking areas. Penalty For Failure To Comply: S$200.00 Fine, If taken to court this Fine can increase to S$1,000

No E Cigarettes The importation, distribution, sale and possession of E Cigarettes is prohibited in Singapore Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$10,000 Imprisonment of up to six months

No Eating Or Drinking On Public Transport Eating and drinking anything, including plain water is prohibited on all public transport. Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$500.00

No Connecting To Someone Else’s WIFI Connecting to another persons WIFI without Their permission is illegal, this does not include free WIFI at local coffee shops. Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$10,000 Imprisonment of up to three years

No Chewing Gum Chewing Gum is an illegal substance in Singapore the importation of it into Singapore is strictly prohibited. Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$100,00 Imprisonment of up to two years

No Drinking After 10:30PM Or Before 7:00AM It is illegal to sell and consume alcohol in any public place, including bars and restaurants between 10:30PM and 7:00AM, however this can slightly change if you are in a Liquor Control Zone. Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$1,000

No Feeding Pigeons Or Any Wildlife Feeding Pigeons in any public area is prohibited as is feeding wildlife found in reserves and parks. Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$5,000

Flush The Toilet By law it is mandatory to flush a public toilet after use in Singapore. Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$1,000

No Littering Whilst all countries have laws against littering, in Singapore this law is heavily enforced. Penalty For Failure To Comply: Fine of up to S$2,000

TIPS - Currency is Singapore Dollar $S. - Singapore is 2 hours behind Australia in time. - Cabs are clean and efficient however it can be very difficult to get one at certain times like peak hour and when it rains. - The MRT is the easiest and most reliable way to get around, you can buy an EZ Link card which you tap on and off at each station like an Opal Card or you can just use your credit card to tap on and off. - Singapore is very hot and humid year round as it is very close to the equator. - It rains almost every afternoon in Singapore. - Google Maps is unreliable and does not work in Singapore, download the App Waze instead as it is much more reliable.

[minnesota001]

Tips for Growing Cannabis in Minnesota: Seed to Harvest 

Growing cannabis in Minnesota is a rewarding yet challenging task, especially given the state's unique climate and legal requirements. Whether you are cultivating for personal use or as a hobby, successful cannabis cultivation requires careful planning, knowledge, and dedication. This guide expands on the details, providing an in-depth explanation of each stage, ensuring that you can grow cannabis from seed to harvest with confidence.

Understanding Cannabis Laws in Minnesota

Legal Status of Cannabis

Minnesota’s legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2023 marked a significant milestone. However, cultivating cannabis at home comes with specific rules and limitations.

Who Can Grow: Only individuals aged 21 or older are permitted to grow cannabis.

Plant Limits: A household can cultivate up to eight plants, but only four can be in the flowering stage at any time.

Location: Plants must be grown in a secure, enclosed area that is not visible to the public. This ensures safety and compliance with local ordinances.

Why Legal Compliance is Crucial

Failure to follow these rules could result in legal repercussions, including fines and potential confiscation of your plants. Always stay updated on changes to cannabis laws, as local and state regulations may evolve.

Planning Your Cannabis Garden: Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing

Indoor Cultivation: Controlled Environment, Year-Round Growing

Growing cannabis indoors in Minnesota is a popular choice due to the harsh winters and limited outdoor growing season. Indoor cultivation allows growers to create a controlled environment tailored to the specific needs of cannabis plants.

Key Benefits of Indoor Growing

Climate Control: Temperature, humidity, and light cycles are fully adjustable, ensuring optimal conditions.

Year-Round Harvest: Indoor setups allow multiple harvests per year.

Privacy: Indoor growing provides greater discretion, adhering to Minnesota’s requirement for secure cultivation.

Essential Equipment for Indoor Growing

Grow Lights: LED or HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) lights simulate sunlight. LEDs are energy-efficient and produce less heat.

Ventilation: Inline fans, carbon filters, and oscillating fans maintain airflow and eliminate odors.

Grow Tent: Provides a compact, controlled space with reflective interiors to maximize light efficiency.

Climate Control: Devices such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and heaters help maintain ideal conditions.

Outdoor Cultivation: Cost-Effective and Natural

Outdoor cultivation in Minnesota is possible but requires precise planning due to the state’s short growing season and variable weather.

Advantages of Outdoor Growing

Natural Light: The sun provides full-spectrum light, essential for robust plant growth.

Lower Costs: Outdoor setups require fewer inputs, reducing startup and maintenance expenses.

Sustainability: Outdoor growing is eco-friendly, relying on natural resources.

Challenges of Outdoor Cultivation in Minnesota

Short growing season: Cannabis plants must be planted after the last frost in late May and harvested before the first frost in fall.

Weather unpredictability: Sudden temperature drops, heavy rain, or strong winds can damage plants.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for Minnesota’s Climate

Selecting Strains for Short Summers

The strain you choose has a direct impact on the success of your grow. In Minnesota, strains that thrive in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons are ideal.

Recommended Strain Types

Autoflowering Strains: These strains transition from vegetative to flowering stage automatically, independent of light cycles. They are fast-growing and mature in as little as 8–10 weeks.

Indica-Dominant Hybrids: These strains tend to have shorter flowering periods and are more resilient to cooler temperatures.

Top Strains for Minnesota

Northern Lights: A classic strain known for its resilience, quick flowering time, and potent effects.

Gorilla Glue: Offers high yields and is resistant to pests and diseases.

Blueberry: Adapts well to Minnesota’s conditions and produces aromatic, flavorful buds.

Feminized Seeds: A Smart Choice

Using feminized seeds ensures that nearly all your plants are female, maximizing the number of flowering plants while avoiding the need to identify and remove male plants.

Starting from Seed: Laying the Foundation for Success

The Importance of Germination

The germination stage is critical for ensuring strong, healthy plants. Proper germination gives seeds the best chance to develop robust roots and stems.

Step-by-Step Germination Techniques

Paper Towel Method:

Moisten a paper towel and place your cannabis seeds between two layers.

Keep the towel warm (70–80°F) and moist but not waterlogged.

After 1–5 days, you’ll notice a taproot emerging.

Direct Planting:

Place seeds directly into a small pot with loose, nutrient-rich soil.

Cover with a thin layer of soil and water lightly.

This method minimizes handling, reducing the risk of damage.

Soaking in Water:

Place seeds in a glass of water for 24–48 hours.

Once the seeds crack open, transfer them to a growing medium.

Caring for Seedlings

Once your seeds sprout, place the seedlings under grow lights with a schedule of 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. Keep humidity around 60–70% and avoid overwatering, as seedlings are particularly sensitive to waterlogged soil.

Optimizing Vegetative Growth: Building a Strong Foundation

Understanding the Vegetative Stage

The vegetative stage is when cannabis plants grow stems, branches, and leaves. During this phase, the plant focuses on building a strong structure to support future buds.

Lighting Requirements

Indoor plants should receive 18–24 hours of light daily.

Outdoor plants thrive during Minnesota’s long summer days but require full sunlight for at least 6–8 hours.

Nutrient Needs

During vegetative growth, cannabis requires a nutrient mix rich in nitrogen (N), moderate in phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients support healthy leaf and stem development.

Pruning and Training for Maximum Yields

Topping: Cutting the main stem encourages lateral branching, leading to more bud sites.

Low-Stress Training (LST): Bending and tying down branches improve light penetration and airflow.

Defoliation: Removing lower leaves that don’t receive light helps the plant direct energy toward productive areas.

Transitioning to Flowering: The Critical Phase

How to Trigger Flowering

Indoor Plants: Adjust the light schedule to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to induce flowering.

Outdoor Plants: Flowering occurs naturally as daylight hours decrease in late summer.

Adjusting Nutrient Ratios

Switch to a bloom-specific fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium to support bud development. Reduce nitrogen to prevent leafy growth during flowering.

Monitoring Environmental Conditions

Maintain humidity levels between 40–50% to prevent mold.

Temperatures should range from 65–80°F, with a slight drop at night.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Preventing Common Issues

Outdoor plants are prone to pests like aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Indoor growers must watch for fungus gnats and powdery mildew.

Organic Pest Control Solutions

Use neem oil or insecticidal soaps for pests.

Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, for natural pest management.

Maintain airflow and remove dead foliage to prevent fungal infections.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Examine your plants weekly for signs of pests or disease. Early detection and prompt action are crucial to preventing widespread damage.

Harvesting: Knowing When to Cut

Recognizing Maturity

To determine the best harvest time, examine the trichomes (the tiny, resin-filled glands on the buds):

Clear trichomes: Immature buds with low potency.

Milky trichomes: Optimal THC levels for maximum potency.

Amber trichomes: More sedative effects due to higher CBD levels.

Harvesting Techniques

Use sharp, sterilized scissors to cut the branches.

Handle the plants carefully to preserve the trichomes, which contain cannabinoids and terpenes.

Post-Harvest: Drying and Curing for Quality

Drying the Buds

Hang branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room with a temperature of 60–70°F and humidity around 50%. Drying typically takes 7–10 days, depending on conditions.

Curing for Flavor and Potency

Place dried buds in airtight glass jars, filling them loosely to allow airflow.

Open the jars daily for the first two weeks to release trapped moisture.

Continue curing for 2–6 weeks to enhance the aroma, flavor, and potency.

Proper Storage for Longevity

Best Practices for Storage

Use airtight glass containers to protect buds from air and light exposure.

Store in a cool, dark place at 60–70°F.

Add humidity packs to maintain moisture levels between 55–62%.

Avoiding Common Storage Mistakes

Do not store cannabis in plastic bags or near heat sources, as this can degrade potency and flavor.

Seasonal Considerations for Minnesota Growers

Optimizing the Short Growing Season

To maximize Minnesota’s limited outdoor growing season, start seeds indoors in early spring. This gives plants a head start before they’re transplanted outside in late May.

Protecting Plants from Frost

Minnesota’s unpredictable fall weather requires vigilance. Use frost blankets or temporary shelters to protect plants during sudden cold snaps.

Greenhouse Cultivation

Investing in a greenhouse allows you to extend the growing season and shield plants from adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion

Growing cannabis in Minnesota requires a blend of science, art, and adaptability. Each stage of cultivation, from selecting the right strain to proper harvesting techniques, plays a crucial role in the success of your crop. By adhering to Minnesota’s legal requirements and tailoring your growing practices to the state’s climate, you can enjoy a rewarding harvest of high-quality cannabis.

Whether you're an experienced grower or a beginner, this guide offers the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of cannabis cultivation in Minnesota, ensuring a successful and satisfying growing experience.

[johnkaweske]

How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient http://johnkaweske.com/how-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient/ Making your home more energy-efficient is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your wallet. Reducing energy consumption can lead to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Here are some practical tips on how to make your home more energy-efficient: Upgrade to LED Lighting: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. LED bulbs use less energy, last longer, and produce less heat, making them cost-effective and eco-friendly lighting options. Seal Air Leaks: Inspect your home for air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. Seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulking to prevent drafts and heat loss during winter and keep cool air inside during the summer. Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for various times of the day. This enables you to reduce heating or cooling when you are away or asleep, saving energy and money without compromising comfort. Maintain HVAC Systems: Regularly service and clean your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they operate efficiently. Replace air filters regularly to prevent clogs and improve airflow, which helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: When it’s time to replace old appliances, opt for Energy Star-certified models. Energy-efficient appliances use less electricity and water, lowering utility bills and reducing environmental impact. Install Solar Panels: Consider installing solar panels to harness renewable energy from the sun. Solar power can significantly reduce your reliance on grid electricity, leading to long-term cost savings and a greener energy source. Use Smart Power Strips: Plug electronic devices and appliances into smart power strips that automatically shut off power when not in use. This prevents energy wastage from “phantom loads” and saves electricity. Utilize Natural Lighting and Ventilation: During the day, open curtains and blinds to allow natural light into your home. Similarly, use natural ventilation by opening windows to cool your home instead of relying solely on air conditioning. Use Energy-Efficient Landscaping: Plant trees and shrubs strategically around your home to provide shade in the summer and act as windbreaks in the winter. This can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling. Making your home more energy-efficient is a practical and rewarding endeavor. Implementing these tips can lead to significant energy savings, lower utility bills, and a reduced environmental impact. By adopting energy-efficient practices, you contribute to a more sustainable future while creating a comfortable and cost-effective living space for yourself and your family. December 12, 2023 at 01:00PM

[thegreencorner]

Make Your Guests Say “Wow” Seeing Your Indoor Plant Collection

In Singapore, we adorn our homes with indoor plants to enhance the ambience and create a perfect setting for when guests come to visit. But have you ever considered something truly unique to make every day special? Let me introduce you to the fascinating world of air plants.

Wait a minute, air plants? Do they actually float in the air? You might be wondering. Well, they don't exactly float, but when you display them in the right way, they give off an illusion of floating. It is a captivating sight that never fails to capture the attention of your guests.

Picture this: Your guests step into your home, and their eyes are immediately drawn to the exquisite charm of air plants in your indoor plant collection. It's a conversation starter and a visual delight, making your home even more inviting.

Are you curious to learn more about these captivating air plants in Singapore and how they can elevate your home's aesthetics? Keep reading to uncover the secrets behind these delightful additions to your indoor plant decor.

The Curious Case of Air Plants

Air plants, scientifically known as Tillandsia, belong to a unique category of plants that don't require soil for growth. Instead, they draw essential nutrients and moisture from the air through specialised trichomes on their leaves. This distinctive feature makes them adaptable and versatile in various decorative arrangements.

Choosing air plants, also known as Tillandsia, offers numerous compelling reasons to elevate your indoor gardening experience.

Why Choose Air Plants?

First and foremost, air plants are renowned for their minimal maintenance requirements. Their ability to thrive without soil means you won't need to worry about messy potting mix or extensive watering routines. A simple soaking every one to two weeks is all they require.

Furthermore, air plants come in a fascinating variety of species and hybrids, allowing you to select plants that align with your personal style and interior decor. They are a flexible option for imaginative displays because of their variety of sizes, shapes, and colours. By removing pollutants from the air and releasing oxygen, air plants also contribute to better indoor air quality and the general health of your home.

Lastly, their unique appearance and adaptability open up endless opportunities for artistic expression in your home decor. From elegant glass orbs to rustic driftwood arrangements, air plants can be displayed in imaginative and visually stunning ways, making them an ideal choice for those seeking both beauty and convenience in their indoor gardens.

Air Plants: Effortless Elegance in Your Indoor Garden

Caring for air plants is delightfully simple. They are suitable for the majority of indoor spaces because they do best in direct, bright light. Every one to two weeks, immerse them in water for about 20 to 30 minutes, making sure they dry completely afterwards, to keep them healthy.

Within a few hours of watering, allow them to air dry since adequate airflow is essential to preventing rot. Additionally, provide a water-soluble fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) to nourish these charming plants. With minimal care, air plants can flourish and continue to enhance your indoor garden's beauty.

Want To Add It To Your Indoor Graden?

If you are in search of air plants in Singapore, there is no need to embark on the journey to nurseries yourself. The Green Corner offers a convenient solution where you can effortlessly order these captivating plants online from the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks, you can access a diverse selection of air plants and have them delivered right to your doorstep.

Blog Source: -  https://thegreencorner.com.sg/2023/09/30/make-your-guests-say-wow-seeing-your-indoor-plant-collection/

[homeimprovementcontractors]

Gardening Tips for Fall 2023

INTRODUCTION

As summer comes to an end and the leaves begin to change, it's time to shift our attention to our gardens. Fall is a crucial season for gardeners, and with the right tips and guidance, you can ensure your garden thrives during this transitional period. In this blog, we'll explore some essential gardening tips for Fall 2023, and we'll also introduce you to AllQuotes.com, a valuable resource that can help you find experts and services to assist with your gardening needs.

CLEAN UP AND CLEAR OUT

Before you dive into fall gardening, it's essential to clean up and clear out your garden beds. Remove any spent annuals, weeds, and debris that may have accumulated during the summer months. This not only improves the aesthetics of your garden but also reduces the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in the debris.

If you need assistance with garden cleanup or want to hire a professional landscaper, you can easily find local experts on AllQuotes.com. They can provide quotes for garden cleanup services, ensuring your garden starts fresh for the fall season.

PLANT FALL VEGETABLES

Fall is an excellent time to plant cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and carrots. These vegetables thrive in the cooler temperatures of autumn and can often produce well into the winter months if properly protected. Ensure your garden beds are well-prepared with nutrient-rich soil, and be sure to water consistently.

If you're unsure about planting techniques or need guidance on soil preparation, AllQuotes.com can connect you with experienced gardeners and landscapers who specialize in vegetable gardening. They can provide you with quotes and expert advice to get your fall vegetable garden off to a great start.

PRUNE AND TRIM

Pruning and trimming are crucial tasks in fall gardening. Trim back overgrown shrubs and trees to maintain their shape and prevent any potential storm damage during the upcoming months. Additionally, pruning encourages healthy growth in the spring.

For those who prefer to leave the pruning to the professionals, AllQuotes.com can help you find local tree trimmers and gardeners who specialize in this type of work. Request quotes and ensure your garden looks neat and well-maintained throughout the fall.

MULCH AND COMPOST

Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. In the fall, a fresh layer of mulch can also protect the roots of your plants from harsh winter conditions. Additionally, consider adding compost to your garden beds to replenish soil nutrients and improve overall soil health.

If you're looking for mulching and composting services or need help sourcing quality mulch and compost materials, AllQuotes.com can connect you with local suppliers and gardeners who can provide quotes and assistance.

PLANT SPRING-BLOOMING BULBS

While you're thinking about fall gardening, it's an ideal time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. These bulbs need a cold period to bloom, and planting them in the fall allows them to establish their root systems before the ground freezes.

If you're unsure about planting depths and spacing for bulbs, consider seeking guidance from garden experts listed on AllQuotes.com. They can provide quotes for bulb planting services and ensure you have a stunning spring garden to look forward to.

PROTECT YOUR GARDEN

As temperatures drop in the fall, it's essential to protect your garden from the cold and potential frost. Consider covering delicate plants with frost blankets or row covers to keep them warm during chilly nights. You can also bring potted plants indoors or place them in a protected area to shield them from harsh weather conditions.

If you need assistance with garden protection measures or want to consult with experts on how best to shield your plants, AllQuotes.com can connect you with local gardeners who can provide quotes and guidance.

CONCLUSION

Fall gardening can be a rewarding and productive time for garden enthusiasts. By following these essential tips, you can ensure your garden remains healthy and beautiful throughout the fall season and into the winter months. And remember, if you need any help, whether it's garden cleanup, planting, pruning, or sourcing materials, AllQuotes.com is here to assist you. Visit AllQuotes.com to connect with local garden experts who can provide quotes and expertise tailored to your specific gardening needs. Happy gardening, and may your fall garden flourish!