Inside The New York Botanical Garden

This Weekend: Wild Medicine in the Tropics and our 2015 Photo Contest!

Posted in Programs and Events on January 23 2015, by Lansing Moore

Wild Medicine in the TropicsStarting tomorrow, visitors will enter the lush rain forest under glass at NYBG’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for Wild Medicine in the Tropics, an exhibition that explores the many medicinal plants in the Garden’s permanent collection. Enjoy the full experience with a guided tour, or at your own pace with NYBG’s award-winning app, Wild Medicine.

Saturday also marks the beginning of our Wild Medicine Photo Contest! Bring your camera to the Conservatory and take your best shot at capturing the many beautiful subjects within. The two categories are “Macro” (close-up) and “Sense of Place” (wide shot). Join our NYBG Flickr Group Pool to upload your contributions, and the weekly winners will be announced right here on Plant Talk. One winner in each category will be recognized each week—and for the Grand Prize at the end of the exhibition! The Grand Prize winners announced on Tuesday, February 24, will each be awarded a seat in the NYBG Adult Education photography class of their choice. Join fellow photography enthusiasts every weekend for Photography Tips & Tricks in the Tropics, led by one of NYBG’s photo experts. Check out the contest rules for complete details.

Experience NYBG through your own lens and share your vision with us! Read on for the full schedule of special tours and programs this weekend.

Saturday, January 24

Hibiscus rosa sinensis 'Red Dragon'

Wild Medicine in the Tropics 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 the interesting plants of our permanent collection in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

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.

All Aboard! with Thomas & Friends™ – 11 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, & 5:30 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a fun-filled, sing-along, mini-performance adventure by helping them decorate the station in time for the big Sodor surprise party before the guest of honor arrives! Bring your camera to capture the moment during a photo-op with Thomas or purchase a souvenir photo from our professional photographers.

Winter Wonderland Tree Tour – 12:30  p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Even in cold weather there’s plenty of interest in our gardens and collections. Meet at the Reflecting Pool and embark on an invigorating 45-minute walk to view the Garden’s stately conifer collection and old growth Forest amid the beauty of winter.

Photography Tips & Tricks in the Tropics – 1–3 p.m., with tour at 1:30 p.m.
Meet at the Conservatory Palms of the World Gallery
Join our expert on hand in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory who will dispense garden photography tips, encouragement, and critique for budding photographers. Advice on perspective, lighting, and composition will be provided. Participation in the online photo contest is encouraged!
Please note: All-Garden Pass admission is required. No monopods or tripods are allowed in the Conservatory.

Conservatory Tour – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, an acre of plants under glass, with one of the Garden’s Guides. Take an ecotour around the world through 11 distinct habitats, including two types of rain forest, deserts of the Americas and of Africa, and aquatic and carnivorous plant displays.

Sunday, January 25

Enid A. haupt Conservatory

Wild Medicine in the Tropics 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 the interesting plants of our permanent collection in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

All Aboard! with Thomas & Friends™ – 11 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, & 5:30 p.m.
In Ross Hall
Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a fun-filled, sing-along, mini-performance adventure by helping them decorate the station in time for the big Sodor surprise party before the guest of honor arrives! Bring your camera to capture the moment during a photo-op with Thomas or purchase a souvenir photo from our professional photographers.

Conservatory Tour – 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, an acre of plants under glass, with one of the Garden’s Guides. Take an ecotour around the world through 11 distinct habitats, including two types of rain forest, deserts of the Americas and of Africa, and aquatic and carnivorous plant displays.

Photography Tips & Tricks in the Tropics – 1–3 p.m., with tour at 1:30 p.m.
Meet at the Conservatory Palms of the World Gallery
Join our expert on hand in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory who will dispense garden photography tips, encouragement, and critique for budding photographers. Advice on perspective, lighting, and composition will be provided. Participation in the online photo contest is encouraged!
Please note: All-Garden Pass admission is required. No monopods or tripods are allowed in the Conservatory.

Ongoing Children’s Programs

NYBG Orchids
Evergreen Express
Saturday – 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Sunday – 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Hop aboard the Evergreen Express for lively activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where each station stop offers something new to create or explore! Build your own train puppet with master puppeteer Ralph Lee, join a musical marching parade around the collection, and visit the William and Lynda Steere Discovery Center, where a hands-on workshop with cones, needles, and other winter plant parts helps you craft your own miniature balsam fir pillow.