Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Hello to our Bostonian friends! Our baseball teams don’t get along, but I see no reason why that should keep majestic landmarks out of our Holiday Train Show Artist’s Studio.

Boston Harbor Light House — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

It’s the proverbial belle of the ball, the jewel on the crown, that once-in-a-blue-moon event that our visitors (and employees, honestly) can’t help but get excited for. Well, technically it’s thrice in a blue moon–Bar Car Nights are back this year, and this Saturday evening marks the second of three events for the closing of 2012. Of course, tickets have been selling out faster than we can advertise them, and this week is no exception–tickets are sold out for Saturday, December 15. But there are still a few left for next Saturday, December 22! So join us as we pause the family fun for a few hours of relaxation in the Conservatory turned cocktail lounge, aperitifs in hand and seasonal tunes in the air.

Afterward, head over to Arthur Avenue for some of the finest Italian dining in New York City, made that much better by a discount for Bar Car Nights ticket holders.

If themed drinks under the glow of the Conservatory lights aren’t your style, everything else that makes the season great at the Garden will be running throughout the weekend, including a few special one-off events for those who love the outdoors as much as we do. After Debbie Becker’s weekly Saturday morning Bird Walk, you’re welcome to join one of our experts for a tour of my favorite NYBG collection: the Ross Conifer Arboretum. Seeing as Christmas trees are popping up everywhere you look, now seems as good a time as any to learn about these evergreens while they’re still planted and thriving.
read more »

Higan cherry blossoms, courtesy of that most inspiring time in fall when nature reminds you that it’s only dozing.

Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Late fall outside, summer in the tropics inside. As if cued by the swirls of frosty breath, our red jade vine is opening in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, countering December’s chill with a flush of vibrant flowers.

Mucuna bennettii — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

And still the grass holds the fort against winter.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Because I adore lithops, and because it’s not often you get to see these little guys in flower, we break with the fall scenery for one more visual trip over to our Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections.

Argyroderma patens — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen