I became steadily fascinated by plants from the age of five and can honestly say that now I have to have them around me wherever I go.

The most interesting feedback solicited from the public in response for our shout-out for new ideas for SBG was a request for a toilet for dogs!

If I could rule Singapore for a day, I’d make education about plants and their environments, the benefits they bring us and the appreciation of outdoor green places, a compulsory part of the national curriculum for all ages.

The more you think you know or could learn, the more you get hooked by that interest—so it’s the nerd thing.

When I’m not ensconced in my office, I prefer to be immersed in greenery.

Change is essential when it is timely and driven by good reason—meaningless when instigated for its own sake and for want of having anything better to do.

If I have any regret about my career it would be that nowadays I need to understand people better than I understand plants.

I think it fair to say that the standard of maintenance and presentation at SBG is somewhat higher than The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (where I used to be Head Curator of Horticulture).

Kew has a greater diversity of plants, however, and reasonably claims to have the largest number of species in cultivation in the world. Oh, yes, and Kew does not allow in four-legged beasties unless they are to guide the blind.

SBG will still shine with Gardens by the Bay around because both gardens are very different. The former has a classic English Landscape Movement style of informal design and glorious rolling historic landscape with heritage trees that are hundreds of years old.

SBG holds special memories for many in Singapore with its rich heritage of more than 150 years.

Being nerdy is good as long as you do not bore everyone to tears.

If I were a plant, I’d be a big fat barrel cactus covered in sharp spines—happy in the drought and heat, but also happy enjoying a long drink after it rains.