Flowers that blossom throughout the spring, summer and fall are perennial favorites. They come in a wide variety of colors, and many are fragrant.

Irises are classic heralds of the spring, suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. White carnations are the typical Mother’s Day flower, symbolizing a mother’s unfailing love.

The garden centre’s launch on Friday was attended by Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Sim Ann.

“The Bukit Timah division, in particular, is home to many gardening enthusiasts. Our residents have been looking forward with anticipation as the building began to take form,” said Ms Sim, who is also Senior Minister of State for National Development and Foreign Affairs. 

The 11-storey building was a vision 30 years in the making for the founder.

Far East Flora’s six stores sit on leased land plots, which have to be renewed every few years, and this made Mr Cheok uncertain about business continuity and making heavy investments.

In the 1990s, he planned to build the centre on an industrial property, but he felt the location and size were not good enough. He continued his hunt for a permanent home for his company, and, in 2017, chanced upon a parcel of freehold land at 435 Clementi Road.

“It was a good location and big enough for us. For a really big project like this, only on freehold land – our own land – can we do this,” said Mr Cheok.

Source: straitstimes.com