Published by the Tanjong Pagar Plaza Residents’ Committee, this booklet traces both the history and socio-cultural significance of the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid and includes poetry about the flower. The Vanda Miss Joaquim was first discovered in 1893 by Agnes Joaquim in her garden in Tanjong Pagar (at Number 2 Narcis Street, off Tanjong Pagar Road) and confirmed by then Director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Henry N Ridley, to be a new species. On 15 April 1981, Vanda Miss Joaquim was selected as Singapore's National Flower from among 40 flowers. Among the several varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim, the variety "Agnes" was specifically chosen for its year-round blooming quality, as well as vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience – qualities reflecting the Singapore spirit. Singapore is the only country to have a hybrid as its national flower.An Orchid Garden has been created at the location of Agnes Joaquim’s old house, in front of Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza as a tribute to the discovery of the Vanda Miss Joaquim. It includes historical information on the flower within a pavilion and a bronze orchid sculpture, the design of which was chosen through a public competition.
