This Weekend: The Garden will Glow
Posted in Programs and Events on February 14 2014, by Lansing Moore
In addition to the lively tours and guided walks taking place throughout the grounds, this weekend the Garden welcomes couples, friends, and singles alike for a romantic roster of Valentine’s Day events. After all, what says “be my Valentine” better than an effusion of flowers, and what are we if not the largest bouquet in the five boroughs?
This afternoon we’re featuring a special Valentine’s Day Tea Talk, where our own site history expert, Wayne Cahilly, will lead a lecture on the history of Valentine’s Day. Guests will enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, and sweets in our Garden Terrace Room while discovering the holiday’s fascinating origins.
This evening, February 14, is also the first Valentine’s Day Date at Tropical Paradise, with tickets rapidly disappearing. But even if you can’t get your registration in for tonight, there’s an additional Valentine’s Date taking place this Saturday night, February 15. You can find more information on these exclusive annual events, secure tickets, and more on our Tropical Paradise programming page!
Saturday, February 15
Tropical Paradise Roaming Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Take a trip through paradise with a Garden guide who will highlight interesting plants of our permanent collection in Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Touch and smell samples of featured plants including vanilla, coconut, and nutmeg and get a sense of place through photographs of these plants in the wild.
Tropical Interactive Encounters – 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Lowland Rain Forest Gallery
See, smell, and taste the rejuvenating and healing powers of tropical plants like coconut, nutmeg, annatto, and banana through interactive demonstrations and samplings. This showcase will provide insight to the historical and cultural importance of various plants throughout the world.
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 to learn about bird-friendly habitats, migrating species, and birds that make a permanent home at the Garden.
Landmarks of the New York Botanical Garden: The LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet in the Orchid Rotunda of the Library Building
Learn how this historically significant structure complements our magnificent landscape and discover the ways this space is used to promote and advocate for the plant kingdom.
Valentine’s Day Dates at Tropical Paradise – 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Treat yourself and your loved one to Tropical Paradise. Indulge your senses in the love-inspiring qualities of dark chocolate, bubbly beverages, and plant-based aphrodisiacs, while learning juicy tidbits of knowledge from our guides stationed throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Stroll through this exotic, lush wonderland with complimentary champagne in hand and enjoy a local romantic retreat. Separate ticket required; for more information, visit nybg.org/priceless.
Sunday, February 16
Tropical Interactive Encounters – 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Lowland Rain Forest Gallery
See, smell, and taste the rejuvenating and healing powers of tropical plants like coconut, nutmeg, annatto, and banana through interactive demonstrations and samplings. This showcase will provide insight to the historical and cultural importance of various plants throughout the world.
Tropical Paradise Roaming Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Take a trip through paradise with a Garden guide who will highlight interesting plants of our permanent collection in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Touch and smell samples of featured plants including vanilla, coconut, and nutmeg and get a sense of place through photographs of these plants in the wild.
Winter Plant & Tree Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
With the deciduous trees now stripped of their leaves, explore the many colorful winter berries found throughout the Garden and marvel at the sculptural forms of trees and tree bark.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Tropical Discoveries and Wintertime Wonders
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Inside the cozy Discovery Center, kids of all ages can take a closer look at the differences between tropical and temperate plants. Pot up a specimen plant to take home and compare its characteristics with foliage in your neighborhood. Use a field notebook to explore the Adventure Garden and discover the vital sparks of life that lie just below the surface of this quiet season.
