This Weekend: Art and Antiques in the Garden
Posted in Around the Garden on April 26 2013, by Ann Rafalko
This weekend brings a beautiful event to the Garden, the Garden Sculpture and Antiques Fair: 1750-2013! Vendors and artists from across the country and across the Atlantic are gathered together under the Conservatory Tent with a gorgeous range of functional and artistic decoration for your garden, patio, solarium, and home. In addition, enjoy complimentary wine tasting with the Naked Grape 12-5 p.m. each day as well as special tours and demonstrations.
Wares range from incredible contemporary kinetic sculpture, to tiny colonial lanterns, giant sprouting shallots, Majolica kittens, Grecian urns, mossy otters, and everything in between. The star of the show, however, seems to be a beautiful set of chairs featuring a peacock-motif that were once owned by the woman whose name graces our stately Conservatory, Enid A. Haupt. If your mother is a gardener with impeccable taste, the Garden Sculpture and Antiques Fair: 1750-2013 might just be the perfect place to pickup an unforgettable Mother’s Day present!
As if that weren’t enough, the Garden is just glorious right now. Cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, and a very special rhododendron are stopping people in their tracks across our 250-acres. There’s a palpable sense of happiness and ease wherever you go, with incredible scents wafting on the air, and smiles everywhere. And as if that weren’t enough, the lilacs seem set to pop at any moment! Just the thought of lilacs in this springtime sunshine makes me shoulders feel less tense.
Saturday, April 27
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. But in spring, it gets really exciting! Join expert birdwatcher Debbie Becker for a chance to see migrating warblers, our resident raptors, and possibly a baby or two. Bring your binoculars for this free walk.
Nature into Sculpture: Guided Tour of the Garden Sculpture and Antiques Fair with Fair Director Catherine Sweeney Singer – 11 a.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Explore the types of garden sculpture inspired by nature on this walking tour of the Fair’s highlights and learn about ancient traditions through contemporary trends in garden ornament.
Faux Bois Demonstration with Sculptor Michael Fogg – 1 p.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Participating Artist at this year’s Fair Michael Fogg will present the history and construction of ferrocement faux bois with a demonstration of some of the methods and materials used by concrete artists to create this style of furniture replicating the look of wood.
Creating Botanical Art – 1 p.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Learn the creative and technical process behind botanical art with NYBG Adult Education instructor Rose James. From choosing a vibrant specimen to working with different media, the artist helps you look carefully to create. Following the discussion, try your own hand at art by making a leaf drawing.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Classy Container Designs – 2 p.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Successful container gardening involves an understanding of different types of containers, knowledge of some basic design principles, and good horticultural practices. Join Gardner for Public Education Sonia Uyterhoeven as she takes you through the steps in creating a classy container.
Forest Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Experience the beauty of the Garden’s 50-acre Thain Family Forest on this one-hour walking tour with an expertly trained Guide. You’ll learn facts about the trees, history, geology, and ecology of this original, uncut woodland.
Garden Highlights Tour – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Sights and scents flourish across the 250 acres of the Botanical Garden. Join a Garden Guide for a walking tour featuring highlights of the gardens and plant collections.
Sunday, April 28
Nature into Sculpture: Guided Tour of the Garden Sculpture and Antiques Fair with Fair Director Catherine Sweeney Singer – 11 a.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Explore the types of garden sculpture inspired by nature on this walking tour of the Fair’s highlights and learn about ancient traditions through contemporary trends in garden ornament.
Faux Bois Demonstration with Sculptor Michael Fogg – 1 p.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Participating Artist at this year’s Fair Michael Fogg will present the history and construction of ferrocement faux bois with a demonstration of some of the methods and materials used by concrete artists to create this style of furniture replicating the look of wood.
Creating Botanical Art – 1 p.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Learn the creative and technical process behind botanical art with NYBG Adult Education instructor Rose James. From choosing a vibrant specimen to working with different media, the artist helps you look carefully to create. Following the discussion, try your own hand at art by making a leaf drawing.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Classy Container Designs – 2 p.m.
In the Conservatory Tent
Successful container gardening involves an understanding of different types of containers, knowledge of some basic design principles, and good horticultural practices. Join Gardner for Public Education Sonia Uyterhoeven as she takes you through the steps in creating a classy container.
Manolo Valdés Monumental Sculpture Tour – 2:30 & 3:30 p.m.
For the 2:30 p.m tour meet at Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center, for the 3:30 p.m. tour meet in the Conservatory Tent
Join a guided tour of the Manolo Valdés sculptures set throughout the Garden grounds. Get involved in conversation surrounding individual works of art.
Rock Garden Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The Rock Garden is a 2 1/2-acre oasis complete with a pond and waterfall and featuring alpine plants from six continents. Join an expertly trained Garden Guide for a walking tour to see and learn more about these jewel-like plants.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Hands-On Gardening Activities for Families: Wild, Wiggly Worms
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Through May 10, 2013; 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. daily
Learn all about our slimy friends and how they are hard at work in the garden. Feed the worms in our worm farm, and then sift nutritious worm compost to take home for your garden. Plants and imaginations grow at the Howell Family Garden, where kids are allowed–no, encouraged!–to play in the dirt. Display gardens such as the Global Gardens and the Breakfast Bowl, and daily activities delight and inspire.
Mario Batali’s Kitchen Gardens
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Through October 11, 2013; 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Kids can explore with Mario’s Menu Mystery game, featuring favorite vegetables and herbs from nine of his restaurants’ kitchens, including Otto and Del Posto.
