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Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Archive: March 2013

TPPC: The Winners!

Posted in Photography on March 12 2013, by Ann Rafalko

The Tropical Paradise Photography Contest is officially over, which means we have our winners! It’s been a challenging competition not only for the participating photographers, but for the NYBG judges as well–selecting six weeks of winners from such a broad field of top-notch efforts has certainly kept us on our toes. But the moment everyone’s been so anxious for is finally here. So, without further ado, I give you…

Sense of Place Winner: “#tropicalparadise” by Enrie M.

tropicalparadise by Enrie M.

Macro Winner: “Burst” by Flower Photo Fanatic

Burst by Flower Photo Fanatic

Head below to meet our runners up!

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Colors of the Conservatory

Posted in Around the Garden on March 12 2013, by Sonia Uyterhoeven

The Jade Vine
Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)

I recently spent an early morning walking around the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, soaking in the tropical colors and exotic flavor in the display houses before the crowds came in for The Orchid Show.

One of my favorite late February, early March features in the Conservatory is the electric blue-green of the blooming jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys). The jade vine is indigenous to the Philippines, where its tendrils scramble up tropical rain forest trees in an effort to seek out sunlight. The beak-like flowers dangle from a long raceme that can extend for several feet (the flower inflorescences can reach up to nine feet in the wild). The mint-green color of the flowers is almost eerie, and something that needs to be seen in person to fully experience. These flowers are pollinated by bats in their natural habitat, and produce large, melon-like fruit.

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From the Field: Bill Buck in Cape Horn 2013, Day 16

Posted in Bill Buck, From the Field, Science on March 12 2013, by William R. Buck

January 25, 2013, Prov. Antártica Chilena, Comuna Cabo de Hornos, Isla Navarino, Seno Grandi, 55°14’S, 67°46’W

DSCN0612 copyThe ship begins moving in the early morning hours and the potentially rough seas never really materialize. I think for most of us it is instead like being rocked in a cradle. When we stop we are halfway up the north side of Seno Grandi. Our collecting site is along a large river that empties into a lake. About half of us go up the east side of the river, and the rest to the west. Although not cold or raining, a steady strong wind makes the Zodiac trip ashore wet and rough. As we approach the shore we can see quite clearly that the landscape is heavily disturbed. There are remnants of abandoned dwellings and piles of crab traps. It appears that beaver have caused significant damage to the landscape as well, and that the large peatland to the west of the river is courtesy of an ancient beaver dam.

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From the Field: Bill Buck in Cape Horn 2013, Day 15

Posted in Bill Buck, From the Field, Science on March 11 2013, by William R. Buck

January 24, 2013, Prov. Antártica Chilena, Comuna Cabo de Hornos, Isla Hoste, Canal Canacus, 55°13’S, 68°21’W

plaquesWe leave Puerto Inútil about 7 a.m. and arrive at Wulaia a half-hour later. This is one of the most famous sites in the region and one I have visited several times. Charles Darwin arrived here on January 23, 1833, 180 years ago–minus one day–today. The site has changed considerably since my last visit. There is now a metal dock for unloading cruise ship passengers, and a large, old slaughterhouse has been transformed into a museum which is open when cruise ships arrive. A plaque celebrating Darwin was put up in 2009 on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of his birth. There is also a plaque commemorating Robert FitzRoy, the captain of the HMS Beagle and a pioneering scientist in his own right.

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This Weekend: Orchid Evenings Set the Tone

Posted in Programs and Events on March 8 2013, by Matt Newman

The NYBG WeekendA fashionably late nor’easter? In New York City, I suppose that’s not all that surprising. Calling today’s landscape a “winter wonderland” would fall on the steep side of an understatement, but–safe in the knowledge that Saturday will be sunny with a high of 50°–we’re treating today’s snowfall as a precursor to supreme seasonal beauty. Apropos for a winter send-off, don’t you think? And with dreamy cocktails and music promised for tomorrow night’s opening Orchid Evening event, I’m betting you won’t see a recipe for elegance quite like this anytime soon.

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday night the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory becomes a glass ballroom of seductive scents and flouncy flowers, with just enough lounge sensibility to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation (or the perfect date, depending on your intentions). The high-end mixed drinks won’t hurt the ambiance, either. This weekend’s spirit in the spotlight is St. Germain liqueur, an elderflower aperitif complimented with sparkling wine, sparkling water, and a lemon twist over ice. The drink at the door should set the tone for your intimate tour of The Orchid Show in all its florid finery, while a cash bar keeps things moving for any night owls looking to make the evening last. And if I haven’t mentioned it before, DJ Julio is on deck to punctuate the after-hours affair with electronic and world music grooves.

Tickets are dwindling for the March 9 evening openings, so be sure and register soon. Otherwise, we’re promising several more weekend opportunities in the future for you to take part in an Orchid Evening.

The Orchid Show is only getting better as it slides into its eleventh year; it will remain open throughout the weekend as we watch today’s snow melt away. But if you’d rather be out and about, enjoying winter as it is, our 250 acres are always welcoming of visitors. Head below for the full schedule, and we’ll see you there.

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