Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Matt Newman
Posted in Programs and Events on January 10 2013, by Matt Newman
There are a few caveats to that whole “winter’s majesty” thing. First, and this is one I learned not long ago, don’t wander out into a howling snow storm in leather-soled captoes unless ice-skating to the subway sounds fun. Second, that majesty only lasts for as long as it takes you to start shivering. And while living in the northeast means skiing, sledding, and all the joy of pristine white mornings, so often it seems easier to coop yourself up inside and listen to the snowflakes dusting your bedroom window. But! And I emphasize this: there’s a way to stay warm and enjoy what mother nature has to offer in New York City. If I told you that the NYBG offered a slice of summer during the frostiest time of year, would you believe me?
Soon, it won’t be that hard to wrap your head around! As the snow comes falling and you’re waging war on the ice coating your windshield, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory‘s yearly Tropical Paradise will become New York City’s go-to escape for a little warmth, music, and relaxation in the rain forest. And, yes, I do mean rain forest. Our Victorian glasshouse remains an iconic landmark, representing not only New York’s architectural history, but over a century of botanical expertise. Inside, you’ll join our expert docents for tours of the Conservatory’s permanent collection, including soaring palm trees, alluring tropical flowers, and the many joys and oddities that thrive in our misty rain forests.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 10 2013, by Matt Newman
It’s seldom we get to show off the other raptor residents of the NYBG, but with the Great Horned Owls and the Red-tailed Hawks so ready to snap up the spotlight, it’s not too surprising. Thankfully, Pat Gonzalez has her eye out when everyone else is preoccupied; this Cooper’s Hawk seems all too willing to strike a regal pose for her lens.
Photo by Patricia Gonzalez
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 9 2013, by Matt Newman
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 8 2013, by Matt Newman
No worries! The Holiday Train Show is still chugging merrily along in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and it will continue to do so through this coming Sunday–January 13. But after that, we’re moving on to other things. Make time while you still can!
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Programs and Events on January 7 2013, by Matt Newman
If you’ve got a Christmas tree looking all the worse for wear as the days drag out past the holiday, you’re not the only procrastinator in the city. And that’s good! Because by the time you’re fed up with watching your cat spelunk in the branches, raining dry pine needles across the whole of your living room, New York’s annual MulchFest will be ready to accommodate you. So don’t drag that saggy conifer to the curb just yet!
Taking place throughout the boroughs at the turn of each year, MulchFest is the most environmentally friendly means of disposing of your Christmas tree in NYC. Not only will it save room at the local dump (to say nothing of easing your garbage man’s frustrations), but delivering your tree to one of the many MulchFest locations will serve to nourish living plantings throughout the metropolitan area. At last year’s event, over 24,000 trees were recycled into mulch, smashing the previous record by a wide margin. And if you like, some of that mulch can be bagged and hauled home for use in your own garden–completely free of charge.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 7 2013, by Matt Newman
2013 is a clean slate for everyone. But don’t be fooled–this pristine petal is doubtless surrounded by a kaleidoscope of the old and the new in the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections.
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 5 2013, by Matt Newman
Gustavia augusta — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 4 2013, by Matt Newman
Brazilian Red Cloak (Megaskepasma erythrochalmys) — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 3 2013, by Matt Newman
When we last had a look at this powder puff tree, not all of the subtle details were readily apparent. How many of you thought you were looking at speckles of dew, or pollen dustings?
Calliandra haematocephala — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Holiday Train Show on January 2 2013, by Matt Newman
So, most of the kids are trudging back to school on Wednesday, January 2. It’s great for the frazzled parent, but it doesn’t mean the family has to call it quits on group adventures. For those with younger ones in tow, the Holiday Train Show is keeping its engine running through January 13, giving everyone a chance to pop in and see our timeless miniatures now that much of the seasonal madness has died down. But the trains found in our Conservatory aren’t the only locomotives keeping up that head of steam.
Thanks to the thoughtful cast of All Aboard with Thomas and Friends™, kids who haven’t had the opportunity to chug along with Thomas and his companion, Driver Sam, will now have almost the entire month of January to take part. That’s from now until January 27, at varying times in the NYBG‘s Ross Gallery. And to make these holiday memories last, know that this is no simple puppet show–the cast will need your kids’ help in guiding the wayward Thomas all the way to Brendam Docks, with crowd interaction, singalongs, and more.
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