Singapore swept the top three spots in the best plant category, as well as the top two prizes for landscaping.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, which won the orchid landscape competition, said its display showcased some of the nation’s heritage orchids created by local breeders, as well as some naturally occurring native species.
“One of the orchids that we wanted to showcase over here is the deer antler orchid because its inflorescence kind of resembles that of a deer. It puts up small, dainty beautiful red blooms,” said National Orchid Garden manager Jeremy Yeo, who designed the winning landscape.
Participants will also attend seminars on the science of orchid growing and how best to cultivate and cross breed them.
Some 50,000 orchid enthusiasts and experts from around the world are expected to attend the five-day event, which is being held in Singapore for the first time.
Mr Tan Puay Yok, group director of Singapore Botanic Gardens and NParks, which are co-chairs of the conference, said that hosting the event is of much significance to Singapore.
“Over time, the national flower has become incorporated into our currencies, our notes, our stamps, floral prints for dresses and so forth,” he said. “So for me, this is particularly significant because a humble flower like that has helped to strengthen the national identity of Singaporeans.”
The event will run until Aug 20.