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Australian is first person to adopt a tree at Gardens by the Bay

SINGAPORE — For Mr Andrew Psarianos, June 17th has always been a special day for him, since it is both his father’s birthday and death anniversary.

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SINGAPORE — For Mr Andrew Psarianos, June 17th has always been a special day for him, since it is both his father’s birthday and death anniversary.

Now, the date has acquired a new significance as well — June 17 this year was the day the Australian became the first person to adopt a tree at Gardens by the Bay.

Mr Psarianos chose to adopt the Brachychiton Acerifolius, commonly known as the Illawarra Flame Tree, which is native to the subtropical east coast of Australia, and to Sydney, where he is originally from.

Mr Psarianos, 49, said: “The Illawarra Flame Tree is dear to my heart because I grew up with one in my garden, where my father and I used to relax. Every time I see one, it reminds me of the happy childhood memories I shared with him.”

“My father was a strong and proud man, and bringing us up, he gave us shelter, strong family roots and protection, very similar to what a tree does,” he added.

June 17 this year would have been the 90th birthday of the late Mr George Psarianos, and also his second death anniversary.

Joining Mr Andrew Psarianos at the special occasion to mark his adoption of the tree today was his 78-year-old mother, Mrs Finette Psarianos, who had travelled out of Australia for the first time in 62 years.

His sister and niece, Marina and Amelia Nounis, were also present, together with Second Secretary to the Australian High Commission, Mrs Clere White.

The idea to adopt a tree first came up at a meeting between Gardens by the Bay CEO Tan Wee Kiat and Mr Psarianos, who relocated to Singapore in 2011.

The six-month process to bring the idea to fruition included the endorsement of a sponsorship agreement. After some paper work, Mr Psarianos was invited to tour the gardens and select a tree close to his heart.

Mr Psarianos called the adoption process “simple”, and picked a 12-year-old Illawarra Flame Tree at the World of Plants area, one of the largest out of the 50 specimens spread out throughout the garden. He donated a five-figure sum to adopt the tree.

Ms Peggy Chong, deputy chief executive officer of Gardens by the Bay, said: “We were delighted when Andrew came to us with this idea. Tributes like these reaffirms family bonds, and are especially heartening.”

When asked about the challenges they face in getting members of the public to participate in the adopt-a-tree programme, Ms Chong said: “I would say that there are many out there who have a passion for plants and the environment, but certainly plants are not as cute as animals like pandas.”

She added: “This is the kind of outreach that people need to come onboard and support, because while Singapore has done very well as a garden city, I think there is a lot more that can be done.”

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