wild x wayward

Lose yourself in a kaleidoscope of colours, forms and textures as we search for wild botanical treasures in the urbanscape of Singapore’s coffee belt at Jalan Besar. Relive the innocence and simplicity of childhood by embarking on a guided trail led by local naturalist and Skillseed Director Wilson Chan, who will teach you how to identify and collect common ‘wayside plants’.

In doing so, we hope to open your eyes to different sides of Singapore – a true ‘garden city’ growing and thriving amidst the cracks and gaps of a concrete labyrinth.

With our hand-gathered botanics, we will blend science, art and dashes of whimsy to craft a framed herbarium that will immortalise your experience, enliven your space and enchant visitors.  

  • Learn how to preserve wildflowers in their natural 3-dimensional form and their colours (not your usual flower pressing!)

  • Develop the detailed knowledge and skills to craft your framed herbarium art

  • Enjoy the company of other like-minded people who appreciate natural-art in a cosy social enterprise space 

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Venue: Skillseed Office or participants’ premises

  • Fee: starting from $1,200 for up to 20 pax, with 2 Skillseed facilitators

All necessary materials, including light local refreshments (i.e. finger food and drinks) will be provided. 

Participants will bring home their framed herbarium art (13cm x 18cm) showcasing about 5 botanic specimens that they have handpicked and preserved.

THE FACILITATOR

Wilson is a biologist by training and an artist at heart. His childhood memories are filled with collections of insects, sea life and plants; the boy still lives in him today. He spent 10 years in NParks first traipsing around Singapore, cataloging our local wildlife, then leading research to improve our urban greenery. He now teaches social impact tools at Skillseed, amongst many other things. He’s on a mission to share the language of nature with others.  

Wild x Wayward is a sincere attempt to share Singapore’s  overlooked natural heritage with locals and visitors alike. It was inspired by the idea that sometimes the best things in life are right before us, if only we knew how and where to look.