Archive for February 6th, 2012

From the Field: Bill Buck in Cape Horn, Day 5

Posted in Bill Buck, From the Field, Science on February 6th, 2012 by William R. Buck – 1 Comment

January 21, 2012; Isla Hoste, Estero Fouque, 55º11′S, 69º35′W

I was wrong about everyone getting up early to go into the field today; late nights and early mornings are catching up to all of us. I have told myself that I will be in bed by 10 p.m. tonight, but we’ll see.

Where we spent the night, at the extreme south end of Estero Fouque, is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. From the ship’s deck you can see at least five glaciers and in the fleeting moments when the sun comes out, the reflection off the glaciers is almost blinding.

Isla Hoste

The Don José Miguelcruises at the south end of Estero Fouque.

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A Giant in the Rainforest: The Kapok Tree

Posted in Around the Garden, Exhibitions on February 6th, 2012 by Joyce Newman – Be the first to comment

Joyce H. Newman is the editor of Consumer Reports’ GreenerChoices.org, and has been a Docent with The New York Botanical Garden for the past six years.

KapokOne of the most dramatic specimens in the NYBG‘s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory rainforest is the gigantic Kapok tree, now part of the Caribbean Garden exhibition. A man-made version–looking very real–arches over the lowland rainforest path, showing off numerous epiphytic plants–orchids and bromeliads–that cling to its sides. Visitors are usually amazed to learn the tree is man-made. Two other examples (one real, one man-made) in the rainforest gallery reach high atop the rainforest canopy.
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Morning Eye Candy: Subject of a Mad Collector

Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on February 6th, 2012 by Matt Newman – Be the first to comment

Snowdrops are springing up in abundance at the Perennial Garden, though you wouldn’t guess from their humble white petals that such an unassuming species is the subject of a newfound global obsession. “Galanthophiles” around the world are gearing up for snowdrop conventions that will draw thousands of fanciers from all corners this year. Maybe you’ll empathize with their enthusiasm.

Snowdrop NYBG

Galanthus — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen