This is a common sight along the walking tracks of the botanic garden. The low artificial fences serve as a margin, displaying a clear distinction between the walking path and trees. Although actions are taken to encompass nature in our urban society, man’s views of nature are a far-cry from the Romantics’.
An apparent disparity between the two regions lies in their brightness, which could imply the impression of nature in Man today. The upper section of the photo, where the trees are, represent nature which is dimmer; the lower region is brighter. Compared to man-made constructs such as the walking path, nature appears gloomier and less lively. Such a view differs from the vivacity and vigor of nature, as portrayed in Wordsworth’s “Daffodils”. Attempts of the Singapore Botanic Gardens in incorporating nature in urban spaces by planting trees alongside walking paths dwindle, rather than enrich man’s impression of nature.
The neater and more organized artificial fences and pathways stole the limelight of these trees in the botanic garden. The large difference between the orderliness of our natural surroundings and man-made constructs widens the gap between man and nature today. The falling leaves and disjointed trees in this photo signal nature’s dependence on man, the need of fences to improve its organization and tidiness. Most visitors prefer to walk on the concrete pathways which are neater and more stable, and not on dead leaves when the botanic garden is substituted by forests. Nature, in this photo, appears as a more complex and cluttered region which is outshone by the simpler man-made pathways.
However, nature is revolting against man’s actions. The brown crisp leaves on the ground are a gesture from nature, hinting to man that they too, live and die. The stems are sprouting towards the direction of sunlight, in a bid to make their existence known to walking visitors. In a small country like
The Singapore Botanic Gardens attempted to bridge the widening gap between man and nature but certain actions, such as the construction of the fences, conceal nature’s liveliness. This invokes nature to battle for its lost reputation and status in society today.
This photo of a bougainvillea standing on firm ground is also a common sight in parks. However, this plant found in the botanic garden relies on a wooden plank for support. This photo shows the interdependence and harmonious relationship between man and nature.
The fragility of nature sparks off a cordial relationship between man and nature. As seen in the photo, the stems and roots of the bougainvillea are not sturdy enough to support the growing plant and require the aid of the rope and wooden plank. Without the rope or wooden plank, the bougainvillea may not survive or exhibit such beauty in public places. The wooden plank was originally obtained from nature and this explains the interrelationship between man and nature. Nature is dependent on artificial constructions and these man-made objects were mostly acquired from nature. The importance and status of nature in urban society today is elevated in this photo.
The success that man achieved in integrating plants in an urban space is highly successful, as viewed in the great number of bougainvillea planted in neighbourhood parks. The bougainvillea is not enclosed within boundaries and the metal plate stating its variety allow for more interaction between man and nature. Such actions undertaken by man augment the balance between man and the urban landscape.
This close-up shot captures the leaves of different varieties of bougainvillea falling on the ground. This view was hidden behind a wooden shelter in the bougainvillea garden, which is not easily spotted at first sight.
The beauty of nature is veiled by artificial constructs. Man-made wooden planks and poles are visible at the sides and corners of this photo. The scene of bougainvillea leaves falling is hidden behind a shelter, exemplifying again, negligence of nature. This speaks of nature’s stand in today’s society. Behind the soaring skyscrapers, gravity-defying stock markets and improving technology lies the beauty of nature. Man’s obsession with material wealth denies them of the ability to notice nature’s beauty and importance.
Depending on different perspectives, this photo may be unattractive or beautiful. Dried crisp leaves falling on damp soil are usually deemed as rubbish, especially since it is isolated behind a wooden shelter. However, on a closer look, nature displays the simplicity of its beauty. The main theme, the rebirth of nature, is apparent in this photo. Nature tries to make its existence known, such that even the dried leaves are colourful. This is reminiscent of spring; the simple idea of leaves falling on the ground contrasts with the construction of skyscrapers in the city area. The degree of beauty in nature differs between individuals, especially in an urban environment when artificial constructs obstruct the true beauty present in nature.
Nature is reckoned less significant, compared to the appealing power of material progression. The sturdy bonds between man and nature during the romantic period have been broken by cash; in today’s society, man and cash has established a new relationship. The beauty of nature is veiled by the powers of material wealth, influencing man’s view of nature today.
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