Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Archive: August 2015

Morning Eye Candy: Fondness

Posted in Photography on August 31 2015, by Matt Newman

Our yellow magnolias aren’t in bloom right now—this was taken in spring—but Dr. Oliver Sacks seemed fond of them. I can think of no better reason to look back.

Here’s to a dear friend of the Garden, whose amity and wit brightened these grounds in all seasons.

Magnolia 'Butterflies'

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ in the magnolia collection – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

This Weekend: See Rare Oaxacan Weaving Techniques and More

Posted in Programs and Events on August 28 2015, by Vilina Phan

IVO_6379Come visit the Garden this weekend to see a very special presentation occurring in Ross Hall this Saturday, a part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life. You’ll get to meet Mixtec weavers on their first trip to New York as they demonstrate the ancient art of weaving textiles using dye produced by an endangered purple sea snail. Only a handful of artisans possess the skills to harness the dye! After the presentation, their work will be available for purchase at Shop in the Garden.

We’ll also be featuring live music and dance from acclaimed performers Jarana Beat, a band that mixes Afro-Amerindian Mexican sounds with activist messages. You can also find screenings of films that celebrate the art and culture of Mexico. So grab your friends and family and head over to the Garden this weekend, and see for yourself what everyone is talking about!

Read More

Concrete Jungle Flourishes through Green-Up

Posted in Learning Experiences, People on August 28 2015, by Plant Talk

Ken Iwuoha worked with Bronx Green-Up this summer, and will be attending York College this fall. Bronx Green-Up, the community garden program of The New York Botanical Garden, provides horticultural assistance, community organizing and training to Bronx gardens and urban farms. For more information, click here.


Ken readies a harvest of serrano peppers harvested from Bronx community gardens. The peppers will be made into Bronx hot sauce (http://bronxhotsauce.com), a product available at the Shop at NYBG and local Greenmarkets.
Ken readies a harvest of serrano peppers harvested from Bronx community gardens. The peppers will be made into Bronx hot sauce, a product available at the Shop at NYBG and local Greenmarkets.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ken Iwuoha. I am a SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program) worker for the summer of 2015. I have worked for The New York Botanical Garden for over six weeks, with the Bronx Green-Up Program.

As an individual born and raised in the Bronx, I have adapted to buildings, construction, and pollution—the “City Life.” I used to think that planting a tree in front of your house was the best way of being green. After working for Bronx Green-Up, however, my point of view has changed completely. Donating plants and providing services to local community gardens and schools has opened my eyes to the beauty of the Bronx.

Read More

Preserving the Legacy of Lord & Burnham

Posted in History on August 25 2015, by Stephen Sinon

Stephen Sinon is Head of Information Services and Archives in the New York Botanical Garden’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library.


Sample of plans from the Lord & Burnham Co. collection
Sample of plans from the Lord & Burnham Co. collection

The Lord and Burnham Co. was the premier builder of glasshouses in 19th- and 20th-century America. The firm was a natural choice for the founders of The New York Botanical Garden to turn to as they commissioned the design and construction of the largest and finest conservatory in America, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which remains the centerpiece of the Garden today. Lord and Burnham constructed glasshouses for many well-known private clients, schools, parks, and botanical gardens across the country, but they never built anything larger than the Haupt Conservatory, which features a 90-foot central dome and one acre under glass.

The original plans and drawings for the Haupt Conservatory can be found in the Garden Archives along with architectural plans for 140,000 other clients which form part of the surviving business records of the Lord and Burnham Co.

Read More

Morning Eye Candy: Kiku in Training

Posted in Photography on August 25 2015, by Matt Newman

This year’s kiku display is on the move—primarily upwards. These rapidly growing plants are anxious for fall, when they’ll be flowering fully in the Bourke-Sullivan Display House starting October 31.

Kiku

Young kiku (chrysanthemums) in the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

This Weekend: Catch Summer’s Final Days at the Garden

Posted in Programs and Events on August 21 2015, by Lansing Moore

Benenson Ornamental Conifer collectionThe week is over, and the humidity is gone with it. Take advantage of the pleasant outdoors this weekend at NYBG with a full schedule of tours, programs, and activities for all ages—including our ongoing exhibition FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden Life.

We’re already looking towards a gorgeous autumn here at the Garden, with a whole new season of wonderful programs. The annual Edible Academy Family Picnic takes place on September 27, and this year’s exclusive benefit for the future of NYBG’s children’s organic vegetable gardening program will feature more activities and special guests than ever.

Click through for the full schedule for this weekend at the Garden.

Read More