As the happiest nation in Asia, there is no better day than National Day to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental wellness of our people. After all, it has been in our pledge since day one, “happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation”

With the 58th National Day approaching, we want to inspire a collective spirit by initiating conversations around mental health, and encourage Singaporeans to focus on their wellbeing with the help of green spaces in our latest campaign, #MySecretGarden. 

Being one of the greenest nations in the region, we have over 400 parks, 3,347 hectares of nature reserves and an extensive 300km park connector network that is easily accessible to refresh and renew ourselves. What’s more, the National Parks Board (NParks) has widely researched and developed 9 Therapeutic Gardens around our City in Nature that can contribute positively to the health and well-being of residents. 

Together with NParks, we also collaborated with photographer Daryl Aiden Yow and REFASH as we embarked on a journey to share with all about the nine Therapeutic Gardens across our island. Through the restorative power of nature, our goal is to foster happiness and instil a profound appreciation for these green spaces.

Vote for your favourite Therapeutic Garden

With #MySecretGarden, we want to spotlight the 9 Therapeutic Gardens across our nation that have been established by the National Parks Board (NParks) to contribute positively to the wellbeing of Singaporeans. 

From the first Therapeutic Garden with a seaview at Pasir Ris Park to the largest Therapeutic Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens, we want to bring alive these Therapeutic Gardens with our creative photo collection of how Daryl Aiden views the gardens through his lenses.

To cast your vote for your favourite Therapeutic Garden, head to www.mysecretgarden.sg and select up to 5 of your favourite images from Daryl’s creative photo collection. 5 lucky voters will be rewarded with a $100 eCapitaVoucher. You can vote daily and voting ends on 31 July 2023.

With your support by voting, we hope to reach 10,000 votes and we will be donating $10,000 to NParks’ registered charity and IPC, Garden City Fund. This donation will help support 6 to 9 beneficiary groups in Therapeutic Horticulture Programmes, allowing them to reap the mental health benefits from nature-related activities within these gardens.

Refresh your mind with REFASH

In line with #PlasticFreeJuly, we’ve partnered with REFASH, Singapore’s largest online thrift store brand that aims to inspire the next generation of consumers to think second-hand first in order to advocate for a healthy, sustainable future through fashion. 

Catch limited-time pop-ups in stores across Chinatown Point, Funan and Tampines One, from now till 31 August, where you can shop preloved clothing while viewing Daryl’s captivating images of the Therapeutic Gardens. 

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite to receive a complimentary set of nine postcards from the campaign. When voting concludes, the top 3 winning images will be distributed as limited edition tote reusable bags, available with every purchase from 9 to 31 August. Take home a piece of therapeutic art, and carry the message of nature and its profound impact wherever you go with your tote bag.

9 Therapeutic Gardens, one inspiring exhibition

Established by NParks in 2017, Therapeutic Gardens are outdoor spaces built with horticultural principles to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of park visitors. The serene spaces offer much-needed respite, alongside health benefits that alleviate mental fatigue and reduce stress levels associated with urban lifestyles. 

With the artistic vision of Daryl Aiden, we reimagined these green sanctuaries as hidden edens with an ethereal touch. From the riverine Therapeutic Garden at Punggol Waterway to countryside-inspired HortPark, you can expect to see images of all the nine gardens on display at Funan Mall, Basement 2. 

View the full exhibition from 17 till 23 July at Funan and take home complimentary gifts, including a limited edition set of Geneco X Daryl Aiden postcards, and a Sprout plantable pencil, while stocks last. What’s more, you can receive a Geneco Green Starter Kit worth $40 if you are one of the first 50 voters each day on 22 and 23 July, from 3pm to 6pm.

Let’s continue to #PowerTheChange starting from within and we hope you can find your haven of happiness.