At the Dahlia Dreams floral display, eight dragons greet visitors, including a 15m-long centrepiece two-storeys high that beneficiaries with Dementia Singapore helped complete.
In commemoration of the Year of the Wood Dragon, a dragon figure measuring two-storeys high and 15m across, was installed in the Flower Dome amidst more than 1,000 dahlias of 40 varieties. It was the centrepiece of Gardens by the Bay’s Dahlia Dreams floral display, which opened to the public on January 19.
It was also the first time Dementia Singapore was involved in its annual Chinese New Year floral display as the sole social service agency to contribute to the centrepiece. Over the course of a week, more than 30 beneficiaries made up of persons living with dementia and their caregivers came together to create over 30 floral arrangements, using preserved hydrangeas, lunarias, and statice in the auspicious colours of red and yellow. These floral arrangements were then incorporated into the body of the dragon centrepiece, forming its “scales”.
Such flower arrangement sessions have therapeutic benefits for individuals with dementia, such as cognitive and sensory stimulation, enhancement of motor skills, and bolstering of self-esteem as well as a sense of purpose. It is also an occasion to make precious memories, which is particularly poignant for those with dementia and their loved ones.
Being the only contributor to the Gardens’ signature exhibition also adds a sense of gratifying ownership and accomplishment for those involved.
Spanning a variety of Dementia Singapore’s specialised services, the participants are clients of namely the Family of Wisdom enrichment programme, the Voices For Hope empowerment programme and the social service agency’s CARA membership programme.
Gardens by the Bay Assistant CEO May Yeo said, “The participation of Dementia Singapore beneficiaries and their caregivers not only added a unique charm to the dragon centrepiece, but we hope we have also provided a beneficial activity to engage them. Chinese New Year is traditionally about family, and it is particularly meaningful how the effort put in by individuals with dementia and family members who are often their caregivers, will in turn contribute to a wonderful experience for visitors and their families to Gardens by the Bay this festive period.”
Dementia Singapore CEO Jason Foo said, “This initiative helps affirm the fact that we all have a role to play in building a more inclusive society. Not only is this a great way to leverage the cognitive benefits of the visual arts for people living with dementia, particularly the natural splendour of floral design, but allowing them to contribute directly to such an important centrepiece is surely as intrinsically rewarding. Ultimately, it should remind those living with the condition that despite dementia, there are many ways to continue living fruitfully. And we hope that fellow members of the public, whom we encourage to be more mindful of dementia and its impact, would subsequently be reminded of their active contribution to the cause.”
