Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Photography on January 14 2014, by Ann Rafalko
Remember when it was cold? Like, really, really cold? Yeah, me neither. But it was, and here’s evidence.
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
On the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Posted in Exhibitions, Photography on January 13 2014, by Matt Newman
Around this time of year, right when winter digs in ahead of the spring thaw, we like to pack up the model trains and some of the holiday lights to focus on what can only be called island escapism. Of course, we’re not expecting anyone to shell out a huge sum of cash for a red-eye to the Caribbean! Instead, we’re bringing the warm weather to New York City. Though I suppose you could say we’ve always had it. Beginning Saturday, January 18, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory‘s permanent collection of tropical plants becomes an even bigger Garden highlight during Tropical Paradise, with special events and activities planned to help you ditch the galoshes and scarves for some time in the rain forest. And the photographers among you—novice and veteran alike—should take note!
The past few years have seen a number of rising stars among local photographers taking part in our annual Tropical Paradise photography contest, but there’s always room for a new face on the winner’s podium. And if you’re thinking of taking part, don’t worry—there’s more than just street cred’ up for grabs. We’re offering each of the two grand prize winners a seat in an Adult Education photography course of their choice. And, yes, I did say two winners. The only motivation you need is to find paradise in the natural beauty of the Conservatory, and share that vision with the community of fellow photographers.
Posted in Photography on January 13 2014, by Ann Rafalko
I have always wondered which attribute of this beautiful vine caused people to start calling it the “clock vine.” If anyone knows, please tell us in the comments below!
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Thunbergia mysorensis
In the Aquatic Plants Gallery of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Posted in Photography on January 12 2014, by Ann Rafalko
My mom has always told me that the name Ann means “grace,” which means that this gorgeous passion flower is doubly graceful. But you didn’t need me to tell you that, now did you?
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Passiflora ‘Grace Ann’
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Posted in Photography on January 11 2014, by Ann Rafalko
The flowers of this downy succulent also have a velveteen nap, and brilliant color!
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Echeveria leucotricha
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Posted in Holiday Train Show on January 10 2014, by Ann Rafalko
Like all good things, even the Holiday Train Show must come to an end, and this Sunday is your last chance to see this wonderful family exhibition until November comes around again. But that doesn’t mean the train fun is done! All Aboard with Thomas & Friends continues its run in the Ross Hall for several more weeks.
In addition, we have a few tours planned—including the always popular Saturday Bird Walk—to help you stretch your legs after hibernating during this week’s cold snap. And if your little ones have a serious case of cabin fever, bring them along for the last weekend of holiday family fun in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden!
So what’s next on our agenda? Starting January 18, take a trip to the tropics without leaving New York! That’s right, Tropical Paradise returns, along with the very popular Tropical Paradise Photography Contest. So grab your dusty old SLR and brush up on your techniques while you take in the last weekend of everyone’s favorite holiday event!
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 10 2014, by Matt Newman
Tropical Paradise is nearly here, and with it come new opportunities to put your camera to work. The plants in the Conservatory are beyond ready for their close-up!
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Holiday Train Show on January 9 2014, by Matt Newman
The clock is running down on this year’s Holiday Train Show, meaning there are only a handful of opportunities left for you to experience this most beloved of seasonal traditions! Our trains have made more runs than we can count, zipping about the rails that wind through dozens of iconic New York landmarks, and the season’s cocktail evenings and family events have been a delight to host. But “all good things,” and so forth. This Sunday, January 12, is your very last chance to stroll under the twinkling lights of the Conservatory before we switch gears for 2014!
That’s not to say we’re entirely done with the holidays at the Garden, though. All Aboard with Thomas & Friends is only just getting started, with fun-filled, sing-along performances scheduled through January 26. But tickets go fast! If you’re planning to join us with your kids for an adventure alongside that most famous of tank engines, make a point of registering early to ensure you get the time and date that you want.
And if you’re looking for a little time spent admiring the outdoors, winter is a better time to wander the Garden’s trails and collections than you’d think. Barren branches and the serene quiet of the Forest define winter’s charm—and it’s even better when the trees are dusted with snow. Now is also the ideal time to observe the punchy colors of winter berries painting the Garden, or the deep spectrum of greens showcased in our historic conifer collections.
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 9 2014, by Matt Newman
Winter storm Hercules left the Library Building swaddled in a frosty scarf of what looks suspiciously like soft serve ice cream.
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Exhibitions on January 8 2014, by Sonia Uyterhoeven
Sonia Uyterhoeven is the NYBG‘s Gardener for Public Education.
From January 18 through February 23 the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory will be hosting Tropical Paradise, an exhibition of our permanent collections that encourages you to take refuge from the chilly winter weather and indulge in a tropical retreat! On weekends and select holiday Mondays the Garden will also be hosting Tropical Interactive Encounters, allowing you to see, taste, and smell tropical plants such as coconut, nutmeg, and annatto. During this warming winter treat, visitors are invited to learn the historical and cultural significance of many tropical plants while enjoying the sensory experience of these unique species.
And back again for another year, photographs from the International Garden Photographer of the Year contest will be on display in the Conservatory to highlight tropical plants and landscapes from around the globe. This photography collection, entitled The Beauty of Paradise, will be complemented by our annual Tropical Paradise Photography Contest, where eager shutterbugs can enter their own images for a chance at an NYBG prize!