This Weekend: Rock Around the Garden
Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on March 29 2013, by Matt Newman
It was a little touch and go on the seasonal front over the last couple of weeks, but, with some nudging, spring seems to have settled on sticking with us! And though the hints of its arrival are subtle–crocuses, snowdrops, a few plum blossoms coloring the trees–temperatures in the mid-fifties don’t exactly scream “winter!” anymore, do they?
Because some of you are heading into a three-day Easter weekend, we figure it makes sense to skip the usual Monday downtime and open our doors to everyone. So if you happen to be in the city on April 1, pay us a visit! We’ll be running all of our usual Orchid Show events and activities throughout the day, and with the NYBG only twenty minutes away from Grand Central by the Metro North, there’s no excuse to veg’ out on the couch.
For the night owls among you, it’s also worth mentioning that our latest Orchid Evening kicks off this Saturday–and tickets are still available! But if you plan on joining us for an evening of cocktails and ambiance, I suggest registering quickly, as these spots rarely last long. Recent events have seen hundreds of nighttime visitors pass through our Conservatory doors, with more than a few romantic surprises between them. Check out our most recent video under the glasshouse roof!
Last but not least, I’ve got another piece of exciting news up my sleeve: the Rock Garden reopens this Saturday! It’s no easy thing to go through the whole of winter without access to this most zen of landscapes, but the reopening of the Rock Garden each March is made that much better with the return of warmer weather. When you stop by the ticket booth, see about getting an All-Garden Pass for an opportunity to see what is–without fail–my favorite space in our 250 acres.
Even if you’re not looking at a long weekend, the start of spring (finally) is cause for some fanfare–and where better to ring in the warmth? See the full schedule of events below.
Saturday, March 30
Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert.
Orchid Evenings – 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Separate Ticket Required: Non-Member $30/Member $20 (Adults 21 and over) Advance tickets recommended; includes complimentary cocktail.
Enjoy a cocktail while viewing The Orchid Show and its thousands of spectacular flowers. The unforgettable beauty of these spectacular flowers makes for one of New York City’s most romantic date destinations. Your ticket includes a complimentary cocktail and special dinner offers at some outstanding restaurants on Little Italy’s Arthur Avenue.
Ongoing Weekend Activities — March 30 – April 1
Roaming Orchid Experts – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Garden experts highlight parts of the permanent collection and special exhibition to add insight to your experience of The Orchid Show.
Music from the World of Orchids – 1 & 3 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Orchids fascinate and touch the lives of people in every country and culture. Enjoy a selection of music from around the world–different artists play popular tunes from a featured continent each weekend—to compliment your visit.
This weekend: Cuba—Nu D’Lux
Enjoy some authentic Cuban Son music performed by a quartet from the ensemble Nu D’Lux, consisting of vocals, Conga, Cuban Tres guitar, bass, flute, and percussion. Their energy is irresistible with a sound that incorporates Afro-Cuban and Afro-Puerto Rican vocal stylings, and they can groove from the sweetest Son to funky Cuban, Rumba, and Danzón.
Orchid Care Demonstrations: Orchid Tips for Amateurs – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Someone has given you a beautiful flowering orchid as a gift. What do you do to keep it alive and have it flower again? Join us for basics of orchid care and become an orchid aficionado.
Orchid Care Q&A – 2 to 5 p.m.
In Shop in the Garden
Gardening and orchid experts share their best secrets and explain the simple steps to healthy plants as they help you choose the right plant for your home.
Little Landscapes
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Weekdays, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Weekends, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The plant world comes alive in a big way at the Discovery Center this spring. Kids step inside the world of plants and create their own terrarium to bring home. They’ll be inspired to create a rocky and mossy world in a jar by looking closely at a wide array of artistic and scientific terrariums, and while they’re at it, they can use a microscope to take a closer look at some classic terrarium characters like moss, lichens, and rocks. The Discovery Center will feature an exhibition of detailed and whimsical terrariums made by Brooklyn-based artists from Twig Terrariums.
