This Weekend: First Flowers
Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on April 12 2013, by Matt Newman
The magnolia flowers peppering the trees outside the Library Building tell the story a bit better than this wintry rain: spring has arrived, and it’s not going anywhere! Rhododendrons perk in the Azalea Garden, the Home Gardening Center looks a little more like its old self, and keen eyes can spot the nascent greens of young leaves on the tree branches. A more telling signal for the seasonal transition is the sound of the Fountain of Life’s familiar burble.
We’re going into this weekend carrying sunny thoughts piled with excitement, not least because we’re once again on board for two more Orchid Evenings. And while this Saturday’s gathering (as well as that of April 20!) is completely sold out, there are still tickets available for an impromptu cocktail during tonight’s added event! (That would be Friday, April 12.) So have a look at our ticket page and reserve yours while there’s still room, as they’re going fast.
For daytime visitors, of course, the spring scenery is an event in its own right. Just the other day I was out enjoying the thrill of the hunt, so to speak–walking the paths in search of season’s first flowers. The daffodils, I might add, are blowing up throughout our 250 acres. But it’s even more fun sussing out the less populous arrivals, like the first tulips cropping up in the Perennial Garden. For those who’d rather have a primer of what’s happening where, our What’s Beautiful Now post puts up a pretty thorough rundown.
Judging by the difference between last week’s offerings and what’s come up in the last few days, I can assure you that spring is wasting no time. But it’s easier to see for yourself! And as an added “task” for those joining this weekend, head over toward the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and take a peek opposite the entrance–we’ve pulled back the proverbial curtain on our new Native Plant Garden, and even though it doesn’t open to visitors until May 3, the sight alone is worth passing it by.
Saturday, April 13
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.
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: India—The Charanams
Enjoy a blend of two great styles of music, the South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and jazz. The Charanams present original compositions based on Indian ragas in addition to classical carnatic compositions blended with jazz style and contemporary rhythms. Charanams.com
Orchid Care Demonstrations: Troubleshooting with Orchids – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Is your orchid distressed? Join us for a lesson on basic orchid care and a list of dos and don’ts that will keep your plants thriving. Some of the most common mistakes and maladies will be covered, including tips on how to rescue ailing orchids.
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.
Sunday, April 14
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: India—The Charanams
Enjoy a blend of two great styles of music, the South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and jazz. The Charanams present original compositions based on Indian ragas in addition to classical carnatic compositions blended with jazz style and contemporary rhythms. Charanams.com
Orchid Care Demonstrations: Troubleshooting with Orchids – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Is your orchid distressed? Join us for a lesson on basic orchid care and a list of dos and don’ts that will keep your plants thriving. Some of the most common mistakes and maladies will be covered, including tips on how to rescue ailing orchids.
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.
A Season in Poetry – 4 p.m.
In the Perennial Garden
Celebrate the season with renowned poets Sarah Arvio, Peter Covino, and Adam Kirsch reading classic favorites as well as their own work. Co-presented with the Poetry Society of America
A Season in Poetry is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Little Landscapes
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden through April 22
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.
Wake Up, Garden!
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
April 6 to 19, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Rise and shine Family Garden! Help get the garden off to a good start by sowing seeds, planting seedlings, spreading compost, and digging. Observe the rapid changes and new growth on the trees, shrubs, and bulbs in our meadow, and explore germination of seeds up close with microscopes and magnifiers. 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.
