We started off simple, each choosing a topic to further delve into. At this stage of our research, we were able to get a general idea of the culture and environment needed for inspiration for the showcase, as well as better understood the significant structures required as centerpieces for the display. We also found new interesting concepts such as that of desertification and what is being done to combat it that may help serve as further inspiration for the showcase.

We then went further in depth with our research, zooming in on the more relevant topics. In digging deeper into our theme, we managed to compile a list of specific plants, and also found more information on patterns, symbols, and art there to help with our research. As a result of the research done on art, our mentor was able to pick out another structure that she wanted to use in the display, which she then instructed me to get more information on for a storyboard.

We then began planning the layout and sizing of the structures she wanted in the display. This was done using an A3 field plan they provided. It was helpful for us to be able to walk around the flower field area where the display would be at to allow us to gain inspiration on what better for our proposed display.

Later, we were also given the task of gaining a better perspective on the structures and layout, so one of the other students was assigned to do some sketches and a 3D modelling of the plan on Blender, while I was taught to create borders and designs to be used for the display boards. In doing so, I gained valuable insight on designing and how they come up with such boards, and learned that it is good to simplify your designs to bring visitors’ attention to the words and stories on the boards rather than your design. I later also familiarized myself with how to digitize these ideas for my mentor's reference.

Nearing the end, our mentors also provided us with some floral foam blocks and taught us how to use them to carve and sculpt models of the structures needed to give them a better perspective of the design, and hence help them better plan the layout of their display. This was both exciting and beneficial as it was something new to us and we were excited to see what we could do to help make the idea come to life even further. We were told that this idea had been brought up by other interns before us, and that they have since continued using the idea to allow them to bring about displays of better quality by putting themselves in the point of view of the visitors.

We were taught how to prune and were informed that the purpose of pruning is to ensure the plants look neat and healthy for the visitors’ viewing by allowing the plant to dedicate its energy into forming new flower buds rather than fruits. We also learned to cut the plants to the appropriate height to allow the field o have a neater look.

I also gained valuable insight on how to take care of plants, how to water each different variety of dahlia, and how to transport them from one place to another. I also learnt how to recognize and spot pests found in the plants, such as the leaf miner, which is a garden pest that grows and feeds between the leaf layers, leaving lines on leaves.

I also learnt that GB uses its own horticultural waste to produce cooled air to provide an appropriate environment for the plants in the dome.

I also learnt how the designers at GB come up with different display themes and map out where to put their chosen structures. It made me realize that much research and modelling has to be done before a finalized field plan is decided upon. The way they consider different colors, designs, and layouts also reminded me of the importance of considering different perspectives to allow one to come up with a design best suited to the target audience.

We were always reminded that when designing, it is crucial to consider the visitors and how the displays can be better catered to them, like making the pieces more accessible for them to take photos of.

I was excited to learn how to carve floral foam proportionate to the proposed sizes to form a miniature model of the plans.

I learnt numerous facts about the plants used in the CNY display. We were taught by our mentor how to determine which flowers were orchids by their petals, and learnt some names of the plants around the garden during our introduction tour of the dome.

Before the official opening of the Dahlia Dreams showcase, the head of the dome conducted a briefing to educate all the staff in GB on the different displays, stories, and plants, which was useful for me in learning more about them. I learnt that Dahlias differ in shape, sizes, heights, and colours - Cactus variety, round (pom poms), dinnerplate (~30cm in width) . They grow from 1-2 inches to 30cm in width and are grown in GB's glass house or in Cameron Highlands. The display also showcases other plants like celosia, longevity flowers and cyclamens.