The Boxing Day Blizzard
| Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content. |
In England, the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. In New York City, at least in 2010, it was Blizzard Day. The city was socked-in by a massive storm that brought not only several feet of light, fluffy, powder snow; but also thunder, lightning, hurricane-force winds, and five-foot high snow drifts.
The Garden was supposed to be open for a rare holiday Monday, but due to the conditions and the dangers they posed to both visitors and staff, the decision was made to close. (If you had tickets to visit the Holiday Train Show on December 26, see exchange details here.) Despite the closure, some staff did come to work for the day, including intrepid photographer Ivo M. Vermeulen. See some of the stunning images Ivo captured in the photo essay below.
Around the Grounds
What looks like mist is, in fact, blowing snow.
Our stable of golf carts were rendered completely useless.
There used to be a parterre there.
Snow had fallen and drifted on Perennial Garden Way–which leads past the Conservatory to the Garden Cafe–nearly as high as the hedges running the length of the path.
Clearing the walkway in front of the Fountain of Life and the Museum Building.
The Abstraction of Snow
Conifers
We hope you enjoyed this short tour of our own winter wonderland. But, why just daydream about it? Getting to the Garden is easy, even in winter weather. Just take MetroNorth‘s Harlem Line from Grand Central Station to our very own Botanical Garden Station and experience the beauty of winter for yourself!
Beautiful photos, definitely a winter wonderland….
BEAUTIFUL Photos!! I used to live near the Botanical Gardens — it was less than 2 blocks away — and I used to walk thru them many times when I was a kid, then a teenager. It is still as beautiful now as it was then.
It is like a Dutch wunderland! Reminds me of my youth living in Rotterdam.
Oh gosh, I am stunned by the beauty of these snow photos. I’m so glad you made it to the Garden! Can’t wait to visit. I will try to get there this week. Thank you!
Such beautiful pictures.!!!!
Gee, I have been to the Garden many times but have never seen the building you show in the snow pictures. Do you have a new glasshouse?
I really like the way Ivo takes a picture–especially the “abstracts”. I used to come to the garden a long time ago and later brought my little daughter to see it; now she works there !!
So thats the Haupt Conservatory on the side! Wow, all these years I have been coming here and never saw it from that angle! Beautiful. By the way, Ivo the photographic takes spectacular photos!!
Stu — So glad you got your answer! Sorry for the late reply, it’s a busy time of year here at the Garden! It’s amazing how many beautiful angles there are for viewing the Conservatory, and we’re so glad you like Ivo’s pictures. We do, too! Happy New Year!