As you may have noticed, our announcement of this week’s Tropical Paradise Photography Contest winners is quite late. Why? Because of the overwhelming number of entries, and the lopsided nature of such. So, I’m going to make an appeal: if you are coming to the Conservatory with an express interest in entering this contest, please, try your hand at taking some “Sense of Place” shots! Not only will you help us in our judging, but you will exponentially enhance your chances of winning one of our prizes! How so? This week there were 120 photographs entered into the “Macro” category, and just 17 “Sense of Place.” How do you like them chances?
I know that “Sense of Place” shots can be difficult, but with a little creativity they can be really great. Some thoughts: Get down low. Get up high (there are some cool staircases throughout the Conservatory galleries). Think about lighting. Look up! Look down! Explore. The Aquatic Plants gallery is really popular for this category, but all of the houses make really great subjects. Experiment! Try new things! That’s part of the fun of this contest. And if you need some help, check out the great videos we did with professional photographer Rich Pomerantz at the bottom of this page.
And don’t forget, it’s easy to enter. Simply upload your pictures to Flickr (please limit them to photographs taken inside the Conservatory during Tropical Paradise), add them to our Group Pool, tag them with #tropicalparadise, and then sit back and hope we pick your pix! And don’t think that just because you’re snapping with an iPhone, you can’t take part–all skill and equipment levels are welcome to participate.
You wouldn’t think bare metal could adapt, but visually this proves true with the art of Manolo Valdés: Monumental Sculpture. Each piece was designed and carefully sited to not only complement its surroundings, but to contrast with them–regardless of season. Now, in winter, each sculpture presents differently.
Stop in to the NYBG any time between now and May 26, and you’ll have the opportunity to see each work in its element, whether that’s winter, spring, or summer.
Hats off to our Valdés sculptures! (Photo by Sarah Paulson)
A blizzard’s aftermath is often far from charming, especially when you’re out on a Saturday, shoveling your way to the curb in soaked pant cuffs. Slushy sidewalks and snowed-in parking spots are no better. But when you’re not obligated to clean up the mess, those first moments after the snowfall can be magical. That was certainly the case here at the NYBG over the weekend (though our dedicated groundskeepers might beg to differ).
The snow that Nemo brought to the northeast covered the Garden in a fluffy white blanket, framing the dark trunks of the trees and making for picturebook scenery. And while we were quick to clear the roads and walkways, we left the great lawns and the Forest relatively untouched; only this morning, walking into work, I found the snowy lawn surrounding the Grand Allee laid out under a sheet of mist brought on by the falling rain.
But while my Saturday was spent unearthing my Hyundai from its makeshift Everest in Long Island, our photographer, Ivo, was on the scene immediately after the storm, snapping pictures of the fresh snowfall. He was kind enough to supply a few of them for us to toss up here, as well as our Facebook page, so have a look!
The jade vine is in bloom, at long last. You probably see us referring to this seafoam green siren at least a few times a year, and with good reason–it sports unmatched color and form. Few plants boast the kind of spontaneous annual following that this one’s earned. Look for it in the Conservatory!
Strongylodon macrobotrys — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
The weekend forecast promises prodigious snow for much of the northeast, so get outside and enjoy the fluff-free skies while you can! The squirrels, meanwhile, can only be looking forward to the wintry playground to come.
Tiny tropical treats flourish in the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections, primped and preened as they wait for their moment to take over the Conservatory.
Pleurothallis cardiothallis — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
As you may have noticed, our announcement of this week’s Tropical Paradise Photography Contest winners is quite late. Why? Because of the overwhelming number of entries, and the lopsided nature of such. So, I’m going to make an appeal: if you are coming to the Conservatory with an express interest in entering this contest, please, try your hand at taking some “Sense of Place” shots! Not only will you help us in our judging, but you will exponentially enhance your chances of winning one of our prizes! How so? This week there were 120 photographs entered into the “Macro” category, and just 17 “Sense of Place.” How do you like them chances?
