So we are back in Singapore gazing at what has
to be one of the coolest trees I have ever seen. This is a solar
powered super tree, one of 18 just recently opened to the public in June, 2012.
They have been described as walking thru Alice in Wonderland. (with such a
description I might even go back and read the book).
The trees are vertical gardens, generating solar power, collecting rainwater
and acting as air vent ducts for nearby conservatories. The trees vary in
heights from 82 to 164 feet. Ultimately they will be completely covered with
tropical plants and ferns providing shade for those walking beneath them. One
even has a bistro on top (which we did not visit because of my height thing).
They are also lit up at night in all different colors.
Part of a 250 acre landscaping project, Gardens By the Bay, they are
so incredible I wonder why the Supertrees concept is not used all over the
world. In fact, I am thinking of building one in my back yard if I can figure
out how to get around the Palm Beach Architectural Review Board who would
probably frown on such a grand idea.