ORCHID GARDEN

From deep within the earth they sprouted, elegantly spreading their symmetrical leaves into the sun. Citrine petals erupted like delicate flames licking the surrounding air. She felt like she was in a magical woodland; earthy flora and branches lay between her every step. So many splendorous orchids. She was surrounded by a flutter of soft florals. She imagined being enrobed in a dress of the buttery fleurs, radiating their carefree beauty. A stream gushed ahead, where she sat in a spot close by, listening to the falling water.

A cluster of yellow sparkles illuminated a corner, The frothy buds were at home near the driftwood and trickling water. Leafy domes had tiny buds shoot out from the surface, vying for the sunlight. Large paddled leaves built layers in the overgrowth, where calla lilies sat amongst them. Like conch shells in sandy earth, she could hear what they had to say wherever she went. Their antennae were always ready to tune in to nature's frequency. She found herself kneeling to observe curling petals, while taking in the gentle hum of all.

She came to a clearing to find a lovely vignette of flowerheads on long stalks, as though they'd been cross-stitched with velvet threads. Soft pink paillettes provided subtle colour in the verdant landscape. They provided nourishment; vitality in every way. On that note, she reached out to carefully pluck a bud. While it sat in her hand, she took a moment to wonder. What would it taste like? Slowly, she brought the petals to her lips. It fell into her mouth, began fizzing gently on her tongue and disappeared into a sugary sweetness. ​

 A flaming orange branch sparked into life. It grew, continuing to twist and twist some more. She watched as a miniature phoenix sparked into motion, arms oscillating and getting ready to take flight. It's tail twirled into the air, grasping the sun in a way the long leaves hoped to, Thoughts of conquering new heights were real; there were many lands to see. Perched on the end of the stalk, the fledgling calmly braced itself. Without another moment's notice, it was free from all doubt, launching into new horizons with fiery wings. 

A range of vivid pink petals had an ultraviolet touch. She was absorbed by the way they held the light, like mini beacons amidst the lime foliage. ​She was met with luscious orchids which looked as though they'd been marble dipped. Their motif began to swirl in front of her eyes. Next to them, little pots of fleurs were suspended on wooden beams. She imagined they must be the equivalent of a box of popcorn; perfect to grab and go for some carefree wondering. She decided to forego the tiny tub of treats on this occasion.

A menagerie of orchids came into her path. Candy colours of pastel yellow and peach climbed up the frame. She stepped within and looked at the sweet-like florals. She leant forward and carefully prised a petal. Again, it sat innocently in her palm. She picked up the flower and placed it on her tongue, The peach candy melted softly, seeping through her senses, with a similar feel to the first. Time for the yellow one. A vanilla taste was released and she was left feeling mellow. Talk about sedate. Small tokens of the serene. ​

She turned a corner to find a never-ending cascade of magenta orchids. They sprawled wholeheartedly through the ground. She thought about how they would be welcome to span across the entire sky. If she could use her finger as a wand, she'd touch a surface to have a flower bloom under it. She would trail her finger in the air to have a spell of flowers bloom magically in formation. One after the other, a  meandering trail would be created; swirls and curls with one continuous move. 

The flurry of white petals caught the sun like mother-of-pearl discs. She wondered how these ones tasted. Soon enough, she found out: milky slivers of the moon. She glanced to one side to find a .jungle of patterns. An array of slender lengths resembled seahorses with fuchsia splatters. The mottled scene also reminded her of curving coral; nodules pulsating at many a level. If she could miniaturize herself, she would walk through a forest of these splendid beams, with colourful bark arching way above her.

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Photos taken at the National Orchid Garden, Singapore