This Weekend: Sowing Sun, Evening Ambiance
Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on April 5 2013, by Matt Newman
It’s a double whammy for the cocktail crowd this weekend as we launch into our Orchid Show excitement with back-to-back Orchid Evenings, running both tonight (April 5) and Saturday, April 6. That’s twice as many opportunities to see thousands upon thousands of mystifying blooms under the glass of a Conservatory dressed to the nines with ambiance. And if the flowers, mood lighting, and chill grooves don’t set the tone for the perfect night out, I have no doubt the cocktails will drive it all home.
While the April 6 Orchid Evening is completely sold out for incoming visitors, those with tickets in hand will be happy to know that Jack from Brooklyn is kitting us out with one of the most deliciously unique cocktails in the five boroughs, using their very own Sorel–a hibiscus liqueur–to stage the many flavors. But if you don’t yet have a ticket, there’s no call for tears–our first of several new additions to the Orchid Evening schedule launches tonight. Our bartender will be slinging “Vanilla Gales” for the first-of-the-weekend crowd, an orchid-inspired take on the Dark & Stormy that kicks this sparkling rum drink up into the stratosphere.
Tickets are still available for tonight–April 5–if you’d like to join us for cocktails. But register quickly, as they’re moving just as fast! Check out our ticket page for available dates, both tonight and in the future.
For the daylight crowd, there’s just as much to see or do. The Orchid Show is in full swing throughout Saturday and Sunday, while the first of spring’s growth is coming out of hibernation across our 250 acres! Keep your eye out for the snowdrops, crocuses, hellebores and daffodils first on the scene to this sleepy change of season. And if you’re anywhere near the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden while you’re exploring, our staff will be diving headlong into the sowing of spring–they might even need a little help from passersby.
Saturday, April 6
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: Peru—The Hector Morales Ensemble
Immerse yourself in the traditional music of the coastal and Andean regions of Peru. Festejos, zamacuecas, as well as huaynos merge seamlessly, painting a sonic picture of this fascinating region of the world—where nature is as diverse and exuberant as its culture.
Orchid Care Demonstrations: Orchid ABCs – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Don’t leave The Orchid Show empty-handed. If you have ever successfully grown a houseplant…you can grow orchids. Learn the ABCs of orchid care and tips for making these beauties thrive.
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.
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.
Sunday, April 7
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: Peru—The Hector Morales Ensemble
Immerse yourself in traditional music of the coastal and Andean regions of Peru. Festejos, zamacuecas, as well as huaynos merge seamlessly, painting a sonic picture of this fascinating region of the world—where nature is as diverse and exuberant as its culture.
Orchid Care Demonstrations: Orchid ABCs – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Don’t leave The Orchid Show empty-handed. If you have ever successfully grown a houseplant…you can grow orchids. Learn the ABCs of orchid care and tips for making these beauties thrive.
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.
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 – 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.
