The Rock Garden — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

A Sunday spent in the Rock Garden is, in its way, a miniature vacation. No beach umbrellas, but the trees fill the gap admirably.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

So I was sitting out here the other day, guessing at the rainclouds and mulling the notion that I should be up on my feet, exploring the Rock Garden and snapping pictures for others’ benefit. But I didn’t get up. It’s not because I was lazy–rather, I didn’t want to ruin a rare moment of serenity.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Not, as some might first assume, a neatly-arranged diorama of pine cones.

Orostachys boehmeri ‘Keiko’ — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Sorry, but there are no hammocks allowed in the Rock Garden, no matter how dreamy a spot it is for zenning out in a state of complete existential bliss. Our appreciation goes out once again to each and every one of you for supporting the NYBG in the Partners in Preservation competition. Because of you, this little paradise is set for rehabilitation that will preserve its ambiance for decades to come.

We’re pretty happy about that.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Thank you! Yes you! And you, and you, and you and you and you! Thank you to every one of you who voted to help the Garden win a $250,000 grant from Partners in Preservation to help restore the cascade in the Rock Garden!

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With the finish line of the Partners in Preservation competition in sight, we humbly ask that fans, Members, visitors and horticulturists alike rally around the Garden in support! We’re holding steady at third place for the moment, but with your help, first place is only a stone’s throw away. Voting for the NYBG each day from now until May 21 will push us that much closer to winning the privilege of restoring the Rock Garden to its original beauty.

As we enter the final week of the contest, those who grew up with The New York Botanical Garden seem better suited to explain the allure of the Rock Garden than we do, both from the perspective of long-time visitors and that of nature lovers. Naomi Shriber is one such person. Her years-long history of exploring Nature’s Showplace gives her a keen understanding of the Rock Garden and its importance as an iconic landscape at the NYBG. In turn, her art–swept with color and light–captures the essence of this garden’s central feature.
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The concept of a rock garden sounds amazingly dull, like it would be a garden full of well … rocks. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Plants are imminently adaptable, and those that adapt to the arid, hardscrabble life of grappling for nutrients in a barren biome tend to be, well, really cool. Need proof? Just check out the fractal fabulousness of these Hens and Chicks in the Garden’s WPA-era Rock Garden.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

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We’re entering the weekend of our Spring Gardening Open House, leading a seasonal tour de force through the explosive color of the Azalea Garden, the awakening Rose Garden, and of course, the Rock Garden! It’s a perfect cocktail of the mesmerizing and the serene (though the afternoon wine tastings can’t hurt, either). And more than an opportunity to revel in the spring landscape, it’s a chance to brush up on your gardening techniques.

Meet with expert docents for a tour through our iconic landscapes, then stop in with our talented gardeners for casual demonstrations on the care of azaleas and Alpine plants. The Rock Garden in particular is the home of New York’s most revered Alpine collection, as well as an integral piece of Nature’s Showplace, so make a point of spending some time there. If anything, it will help you to experience the very thing we’re trying to restore!
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The sun is high, the tulips are flirtatious, and the workday already has one foot out the door. Tomorrow opens up a spree of exciting events at the NYBG as we work our way toward the beginning of Monet’s Garden. More importantly, we’re springing off our announcement of the Rock Garden’s inclusion in this year’s Partners in Preservation competition. We need your help to make this happen!

We’re encouraging everyone to stop by the Rock Garden at the heart of the NYBG when they come for a weekend visit. You’ll understand why I call it a zen experience. And once you’ve walked along the gently sloped gravel paths and looked up at the reach of the trees overhead, I think you’ll also come to understand what makes this Garden icon worth your time. After seeing the Rock Garden, think about throwing your vote in the hat for The New York Botanical Garden as we strive for the privilege of restoring this piece of Nature’s Showplace.
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