When Sir Stamford Raffles established the first Botanic Gardens in 1822, its main purpose was to evaluate for cultivation, crops that were of potential economic importance, including those yielding fruits, vegetables, spices and other raw materials. However, without a full-time salaried director and sufficient funding, the garden languished and was closed in 1829. It was not until 30 years later, in 1859, that the present Singapore Botanic Gardens was founded by the Agri-Horticultural Society. Since then, the Gardens went through numerous changes with the opening of the National Orchid Garden, a major tourist attraction today, as well as recent added features like the Visitor Centre, Ginger Garden, Evolution Garden, Children's Garden and the Botany Centre. Today, the Gardens is geared towards entrenching itself as a tropical botanical institution of international renown, a key tourist destination and a flagship park. Significant new attractions are being planned in a continuing renewal programme.