Only two more weeks until Elizabeth Gilbert and Amy Stewart come to the Garden for what promises to be one of the most engaging and inspiring evenings of the summer—and we can hardly wait! On May 29, attendees will enjoy a private viewing of the Garden’s triennial exhibit of botanical art, Weird, Wild, & Wonderful in the Ross Gallery. 46 works in a variety of media from a talented selection of contemporary botanical artists display nature’s most unusual plants as you’ve never seen them before.
Specialty cocktails will be available for purchase during the viewing, crafted by none other than Amy Stewart herself, the celebrated author of The Drunken Botanist, a bestselling guide to the plants at the root—as it were—of our favorite drinks. Truly an indispensable gardening tool. The recipes for this evening include the “Kind-hearted Monster,” inspired by Asuka Hishiki’s outstanding illustration of Solanum lycopersicum—or heirloom tomato—featured in the exhibit.
In case you were wondering what the essence of a rainbow brought to earth looks like. We’re expecting about two more weeks of this technicolor dreamscape at its peak, so make use of this flawless weather, won’t you?
I always think of herbs in terms of their flavor blast—they transform even the most mundane dinners into gourmet meals. Last summer while our Wild Medicine exhibition was taking place, I took a step further and began exploring their curative properties. I spent that summer investigating eclectic herbal shops in NYC, perusing collections of neatly alphabetized glass jars filled with every dried herb and spice imaginable. My primary tools of investigation were my nose and taste buds, and most of the herbs became teas once I got them home.
I learned that thyme settles the stomach and is a good remedy for coughs; marjoram can aid against sinking moods and benefit a good night’s sleep; peppermint will aid digestion and fight headaches and stuffy noses; sage helps against sore throats and gums; and tarragon is good for toothaches. Some say the ever-popular basil can even bring relief to arthritis sufferers.
This year I delved a little deeper into herbal health benefits. I began my investigation with thyme, since I was familiar with its active ingredient—thymol—not in a medicinal context, but as an effective ingredient in most pest repellants (deer and rabbits).
This Saturday is the opening of our summer exhibit, Groundbreakers: Great American Gardens and the Women Who Designed Them, examining the remarkable generation of early-20th century women committed to the beautification of the country. The exhibit will explore the Groundbreakers’ legacy through installations and programs throughout NYBG!
Mom deserves this sort of beauty year-round, but if you’re looking for a proper commemoration of all that she’s done for you—this year and in years past—our Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party runs through 5 p.m. today. We’ll see you outside.
In the Cherry Tree Collection – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
This Sunday is the day we honor moms across the country, so come enjoy a spring afternoon with your family at the Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party! All over the grounds are activities, arts and crafts, and ways to explore the grounds and appreciate the beauty of spring. Our Mother’s Day Brunch is now sold out, but there are plenty of other opportunities for food throughout the weekend. Read on for the full list of delicious food trucks and vendors, as well as the band who will treat guests to live jazz on Daffodil Hill all weekend!
Only two more weeks until Elizabeth Gilbert and Amy Stewart come to the Garden for what promises to be one of the most engaging and inspiring evenings of the summer—and we can hardly wait! On May 29, attendees will enjoy a private viewing of the Garden’s triennial exhibit of botanical art, Weird, Wild, & Wonderful in the Ross Gallery. 46 works in a variety of media from a talented selection of contemporary botanical artists display nature’s most unusual plants as you’ve never seen them before.
