The Family Garden is changing gears for the foodie crowd, jumping from Sweet and Stinky to an equally (and pungently) delightful delicacy. You’ve probably been there: the corner deli clerk plucks a zeppelin-sized pickle from that greenish jug of brine on the counter, you set into it with a crunch, and your pastrami sandwich is suddenly transcendent. You’re likely thinking it would take a family history in the pickling business, not to mention a wealth of time, to make something so delicious. But, with a little practice, you’ll prove yourself wrong!

Putting together the perfect balance of spices and other flavoring blends is where time and imagination come into play. Otherwise, the brining process is about as easy as packing up leftovers! A few clean jars, a selection of fresh cucumbers, and a handful of other easily-attainable ingredients. It’s so simple you can pick it up during an afternoon “Pickle Me!” session, now running through August 17 in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, from 1:30 to 5:30* p.m. daily. You won’t even need your grandmother’s chilly cellar to let your pickles prepare; with our recipe, the refrigerator will suit just fine.
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Is it too early to plan for your child’s critically acclaimed gallery showings? Maybe not! Because sometimes inspiration just needs a little coaxing. Join the NYBG on Saturday, July 28, as we host MasterCard^® “Priceless Budding Masters” in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, guiding each young artist through a hands-on exploration of the links between nature and their own boundless creativity.

Just as Claude Monet looked to his garden to find his muse, kids will enjoy the opportunity to indulge inspiration through the plants and flowers around them, channeling what they see, smell, and touch into masterpieces of their own. Once finished, each young Impressionist’s painting will be photographed for our online gallery–or even hang in the Budding Masters Gallery if your child chooses. That’s a long way from sticking it on the kitchen fridge. So be sure to sign up today, as remaining spots are sure to disappear quickly!
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