Visitors to 1 Utama often expect the usual activities from a major shopping complex, from browsing through latest fashion, dining at trendy restaurants to enjoying the latest movies. But they are in for a treat when they discover the mall’s beautiful rooftop attraction.
Refreshing: Heliotropium commonly grown in Southern Europe as an ingredient for perfume is a refreshing sight.
Ironically called the Secret Garden, this natural attraction is not a secret at all.
Located on the rooftop of 1 Utama Shopping Centre’s new wing, this beautiful park is open to visitors to enjoy the lush tropical plants and many varieties of flowers planted there.
Touted as Bandar Utama City Centre’s unique attraction, and possibly one of the largest rooftop gardens in the country, it occupies an area of 30,000 sq feet.
The Secret Garden displays 500 types of rare and unusual plant species, which include cool-climate plants such as apples, rhododendrons, camellias and plums, accent plants like palms and giant aroids, and ornamental foliage plants such as begonias and crotons.
Water plants like the Madagascar tree arum and an extensive herb garden is also included in the Secret Garden.
Visitors have the opportunity to learn about tropical climbers, flowering plants and orchids as they walk through the walkways which are dotted by park benches.
Sprinklers from wooden arches rejuvenate the plants, as well as provide a cool atmosphere throughout the garden. The plants are clearly labelled and categorised under 16 zones.
The Secret Garden is a successful result of intensive experiments, where plants are grown on a form of charcoal or granulated horticultural carbon. The team behind this park continue to work on new ways to grow plants and showcase new species in creative displays.
Visitors can enjoy free admission to the park, open on weekends and on public holidays from 10am to 10pm.
