Blooming through the years: Mikhaail Ng’s cultivating journey at Gardens by The Bay

From humble florist to deputy director, Mikhaail Ng looks back on his near 15 year journey with Gardens; sharing his hopes for the future.

Meet Mihkaail Ng, the dedicated Team Lead at Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, cultivating a harmonious blend of nature's beauty. In this candid shot, his genuine smile mirrors the vibrant greenery he oversees on a daily basis. (PHOTO: Tiffany Lim Zi Yan)

Mikhaail Ng confronts the same sight everyday. He drives across the old Sheares Avenue, catching a glimpse of Gardens by The Bay (GBTB) undergoing construction along the way. He considers himself privileged to be able to see the infrastructure for plants being built. However, he also wishes he could do way more than merely peeking at it from the window of his car. He yearns to be a part of it, to be involved in something which ignites his passion and desire. So, he took a leap of faith and applied to GBTB, planting the seeds for his career in the horticulture field.

In the heart of the Flower Dome, Mihkaail Ng emerges. Cladded in simple attire, one would assume he is one of the regular 506 Gardens employees when he is actually the deputy director of Gardens conservatory operations; a main source of revenue for Gardens. As deputy director, he conceptualizes the design of the floral displays at the flower dome, cloud forest and floral fantasy through planning, research and even liaising with national embassies!

Mikhaail shares that his deep-rooted love for plants stems from his desire to see beauty. This passion led to him joining Gardens as a gardener. As the environmental scene around Gardens evolved, so did his role as he now works as a director in conservatory operations, curating programs where the plant displays are imbued with cultural elements through collaborations with external organizations!

Mikhaail’s Horticultural Odyssey

Mihkaail’s journey began when he did various part-time jobs as a florist and gardener. After his National Service, he applied for GBTB’s scholarship. In the initial stages, his job was more a profession than a passion, but as he immersed himself into the world of horticulture, his appreciation for the beauty of plants deepened. This evolution wasn't instantaneous but slowly became a chapter in his personal horticultural adventure. From a spectator who could only admire on the bylines to a custodian at GBTB, Mihkaail's journey symbolizes the blossoming of a personal connection, intertwining with the roots of his career.

“I like beautiful things and a lot of the time, there's a lot of beauty in plants. I wanted to help project that beauty to visitors.” Mihkaail Ng expressed.

Evolution of GBTB's Landscape

The Flower Field, centerpiece of the Flower Dome, hosts 6-8 changing displays annually, each with a different theme, look and feel. (PHOTO: Bryant Yap & Syahiran Bin Sean)

“At first, GBTB’s strategy was to leverage the most aesthetically pleasing plants. If the plants are pretty, people are happy.” Mihkaail explained. However, as customer preferences evolved and GBTB developed, Mihkaiil found that this superficial strategy was not going to work out in the long run.

“Over time, people start to look for more in-depth experiences. Now, we try to integrate cultural elements by collaborating with various organizations so when we bring the flowers, we package it with the relevant culture.” explained Mihkaail.

An example of this was when Gardens collaborated with the Turkish embassy to have a tulip exhibition last year. They brought along Turkish culture to educate the public on its origin as many people assume it’s from Holland. Gardens serve as a platform to educate others on unique cultures whilst giving them a scenic floral experience.

Memorable Moments Amidst the Green Symphony

Throughout his career at GBTB, Mihkaail has forged many fond memories. One poignant episode involves an encounter with a senile old lady. The beauty of the Peranakan attractions moved her so deeply that, despite being wheelchair-bound, she stood in awe as she marveled at it, then proceeded to take a seat on the chair.

“ Witnessing that warmed my heart and reminded me of the reason why I joined Gardens. To show others the beauty of plants.'' shared Mihkaail.

Additionally, Mihkaail is proud of his contributions to the substantial impact GBTB has. Last year, roughly 10% of the population visited Gardens Sakura theme display over a period of 3 weeks, showcasing the growing appreciation for the floral beauty and cultural significance. This sense of accomplishment reflects not only his personal journey but inspires him for the future as well; hoping to spread the love of floral sights to many more in the future.

Every bloom, every story, and every shared moment becomes a testament to the power of nature to inspire and uplift. As Mihkaail navigates the ever-evolving landscapes, he hopes that one thing remains; everyone will find their connection with nature—a connection that speaks to the soul and leaves an unforgettable experience.