Van Cortlandt Manor was the first Holiday Train Show miniature that I saw, not long after I started working at the Garden. It’s still at the top of my list, I suppose–I’m a sucker for wraparound porches.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Bring on the winter! Tropical Paradise is just around the corner, meaning the snow will only make the Conservatory’s jungle plants and island flowers that much more brilliant to look at.

Pavonia cauliflora– Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

This week, we’re back with Kevin Character to recap a few of the holiday events taking place at the NYBG through this weekend and beyond, including the very last of this year’s Bar Car Nights. The turnout this year has been massive, and while that makes for a top notch party, it also means that tickets to these special evening engagements are becoming scarce. If procrastination has been your status quo for the first two Bar Car Nights, now is the time to get jump on the opportunity! Register your tickets online to be sure you get a spot for December 22′s night of cocktails, elegance, and the glow of the Holiday Train Show–one of New York’s most beloved seasonal traditions.

In other major news, the Garden’s ongoing events are drawing such impressive crowds that we have decided to free up our schedule, opening the gates on Mondays through the end of the year to accommodate all of our visitors. That means you can join us a full seven days a week, at least up until the Holiday Train Show packs it in for the season.

Of course, Kevin’s rounds don’t limit him to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, much as our Plant Talk fans love to catch him there. Over in the Shop in the Garden, he joins Maria Colletti for an introduction to our terrarium selection, something home horticulturists and gift givers alike are welcome to take advantage of. If you’re interested in piecing together your own plant world under glass, but can’t make it to the Shop to consult our experts, Conservatory Manager Christian Primeau is more than glad to get you caught up in this video.
read more »

Gobbling through life’s endless Garden buffet, oblivious to tour, horticulturist, or passing camera lens. It’s not a bad life, I think.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

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