WAR AT THE GARDENS uncovers a fascinating and forgotten chapter of WW2 history: how a friendship between wartime adversaries saw them work together to protect a world-renowned green sanctuary.

This 2-part series recounts the unlikely collaboration between British, Japanese and local scientists of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Raffles Museum in WW2. Their joint efforts would help preserve priceless collections in a time of turmoil and destruction.

Assembled from various historical accounts, our story explores the difficult and delicate positions of the botanists who do their best to continue their scientific research, while being questioned about their loyalties.

Alongside that, we examine achievements, such as EJH Corner’s landmark work on trees; and Richard Eric Holttum’s breakthroughs on orchid hybridisation, which would spawn a billion-dollar industry.

Beyond the Gardens, Experts also detail the reality of the Occupation, and the brutal campaign of Japan’s Military.

2 x 60 min

Trailer here.