The Critical Importance of Scientific Training to Today’s Horticulturist
Congratulations to you, the 2013 graduates of the School of Professional Horticulture! You have much to celebrate because you have achieved so much. First, you rose to the challenge of the rigors of the program. For example, in a little over two years, you took over 40 courses, and passed them all. Yes, I know first-hand from you that some of these courses caused you considerable pain, but you made it! You deserve praise, too, for completing a whopping 30 plant walks and all the quizzes that followed them. As well, you completed internships that were, all at once, innovative, demanding, and fulfilling. All through these activities and many more, you excelled at multitasking, delaying gratification, and working really hard. On top of all this, you kept your cool. Sure, each one of you shed blood, sweat, and tears, but you persevered.
It is good you persevered. For this is an exciting time to be a professional horticulturist. One of the aspects of your education in the School of Professional Horticulture that sets you above many other horticulturists is your grounding in science. Your foundation in science opens doors for you to a whole range of scientific advances, and will continue to open these doors. Today, I would like to address the promise and power of a scientifically-grounded education in horticulture, such as you now possess.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 7 2013, by Matt Newman
Darwin’s star orchid is a rare treat for visitors to this year’s Orchid Show. Like the vanilla orchid, it’s seldom we get to flaunt this beauty in full bloom.

Angraecum sesquipedale — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 6 2013, by Matt Newman
It’s not just wishful thinking anymore. With any luck, we’ll be coasting into spring proper on a spate of sunny days. And if you’re looking for snowdrops, the lawn alongside Tulip Tree Allée is a must-see. Otherwise, take a peek into the Perennial Garden!

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 5 2013, by Matt Newman
This is not to be missed if you’ve got kids tagging along! While The Orchid Show is already running strong in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, there are plenty of other activities tied into it that take place elsewhere in the NYBG. Not only lectures in Ross Hall, or orchid care demonstrations in the Shop in the Garden, but kid-friendly events in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden–that includes Little Landscapes.
Terrariums are so much more than a Tumblr fad. They’re self-contained worlds that are not only educational, but relaxing and enjoying to put together. So bring your kids for The Orchid Show and make a point of stopping off in our Adventure Garden through April 22, where they’ll have a chance to play architect with a miniature world of their own.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 4 2013, by Matt Newman

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 3 2013, by Matt Newman
The Orchid Show may be hogging the spotlight for the foreseeable future (and with good reason), but there are further aspects of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory worth exploring. The desert houses? Definitely.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 2 2013, by Matt Newman
Aficionados, botanists, greenthumbs, greenhorns, hobbyists, collectors, aesthetes, and everyone who simply can’t help but sate curiosity–all are welcome to join us today for the opening of The Orchid Show, running now through April 22 at The New York Botanical Garden. Keep an eye on Plant Talk for more information on the coming weeks’ events. And for daily eye candy and the everyday goings-on of the exhibition, check out our Instagram and Twitter feeds!

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen