Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Photography on December 11 2014, by Matt Newman
Rich with deeper meaning, Frost taught us that “nothing gold can stay,” but I do wish—in the most literal sense—that this eulalia grass would stick it out.
Eulalia grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’) in the Perennial Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Programs and Events on December 10 2014, by Matt Newman
The poetry of Billy Collins has long bridged the gap between the generations with its evocation of all things New York. For those who live here, his verse is a painted representation of daily life in the city, winter trips along the Hudson, and workaday commuter rituals unchanged for decades. At large, he’s a classic American poet, something recognized by virtue of the fact that he’s a former U.S. Poet Laureate. But as timeless as his words are, the effect is all the more potent when you hear them read aloud by Collins himself.
This Saturday, December 13, Billy Collins returns to The New York Botanical Garden for an intimate reading of his works in our Ross Hall. For those of you who’ve enjoyed strolling the Poetry Walk that winds its way through the Perennial Garden—just outside the Holiday Train Show taking place in the Conservatory—this is a chance to hear these poems as they were intended by the writer. Of course, if you haven’t had the opportunity to stroll through Poetry for Every Season, you’ll have the best of both worlds. And it’s not a bad time to check out the Train Show, either.
Posted in Photography on December 10 2014, by Lansing Moore
Viburnum × burkwoodii in front of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Horticulture on December 9 2014, by Sonia Uyterhoeven
Sonia Uyterhoeven is NYBG‘s Gardener for Public Education.
As the holiday season descends on us, it’s time for gardeners to spruce up their home in preparation for the seasonal festivities. I love the smell of pine in my home and I always try to create an evergreen holiday centerpiece for my table. The addition of a Balsam fir adds a lovely fragrance to my living room.
As a New Yorker, I am bombarded by Christmas tree vendors when I walk down the streets around this time of year. Having moved several times in my 10-year tenure in the city, I’ve discovered that Christmas trees are like Rainer cherries. Their price changes as you walk from east to west, and they drop the further north you walk. I have vivid memories of living on the east side and walking from 2nd Avenue to Madison during cherry season, watching the price rise from $4.99 a pound to $13.99—all within a four-block radius.
Now a Westsider, I buy my trees anywhere from West 106th to West 118th. Last year, I bought an eight-footer for a wonderful price. The tree took a ride on the M10 thanks to a generous driver who understood that my eyes were bigger than my arms. This year I am torn between the good prices I see at my local Whole Foods and the deals that I see on West 106th. It all depends on how far I want to lug the tree.
Posted in Photography on December 9 2014, by Lansing Moore
Who needs glass baubles with berries like this?
Idesia polycarpa in the Ross Conifer Arboretum – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Horticulture on December 8 2014, by Christian Primeau
Christian Primeau is the NYBG‘s Manager of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Winter is suddenly upon us and, as the temperatures plummet and the city braces for the inevitable snow and ice, many will find their way to the garden’s iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to decompress, take a leisurely stroll among the lush, tropical foliage, and escape the bitter cold. Some, perhaps inspired by the lowland rain forest houses or the desert displays, will jet off to warmer climes. While I freely admit that I already work in paradise, it’s nice to get out and see some of my plants in habitat now and again.
I recently took an exploratory trip through the Sonoran desert of Mexico and into Arizona. By design I made no specific plans and, like a slightly less profane version of Anthony Bourdain, I had “No Reservations.” From the dusty desert proper through the dense Chaparral shrubland and semi-arid grasslands of Arizona, much of the area ranges in temperature from broiling hot to bone-chilling, depending on month and time of day. Here it was late October and still scorching with nary a cloud in the sky to provide respite.
The landscape is truly as beautiful as it is unforgiving, and the same may be said of the plant life. My arms and legs looked as if they’d been shredded by a tidal wave of furious cats; such were the hazards of botanizing in a region so thick with spiny inhabitants. I would later discover the name for a cowboy’s protective “chaps” was actually derived from the word “Chaparral”—an arid and prickly biome on the Sonoran desert’s northern border. One quickly discovers the Chaparral functions quite efficiently as human sandpaper.
Posted in Photography on December 8 2014, by Lansing Moore
Highbush blueberry adds a warm splash of red to a winter’s day.
Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Elliott’ in the Native Plant Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Programs and Events on December 5 2014, by Lansing Moore
This Sunday afternoon is the first of our all-new Winter Harmonies Concert Series! “American Journey” is the title of this unique performance that draws from classical and folk music, so enhance your visit to the Garden this weekend with a special live performance of music selected especially for the Holiday Train Show®.
Music is just one of many ways to appreciate NYBG in wintertime this weekend. Holiday Guides in the Haupt Conservatory illuminate the meticulous work that go into re-creating over 150 landmarks for Holiday Train Show®. Meanwhile, on grounds, this weekend’s tour schedule includes an insightful look into the historic landmarks that make up NYBG. Of course, some of the oldest and most unique fixtures here are the trees, and the Winter Wonderland Tree tour brings visitors along for a closer look at the gorgeous winter landscape.
Finally, Bar Car Nights are back tonight and tomorrow, with tickets still available for tonight, but Saturday night is sold out. Read on for details regarding tonight’s entertainment, Sunday’s live music ensemble, and seasonal activities for kids.
Posted in Photography on December 5 2014, by Lansing Moore
Hervey’s aster is one of many plants this winter whose structures bring character to the newly-redesigned Seasonal Walk.
Eurybia × herveyi in Seasonal Walk – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Exhibitions, Video on December 3 2014, by Lansing Moore
With Bar Car Nights, adults enjoy access to the Holiday Train Show® alongside delicious cocktails, seasonal treats, and live entertainment, all beneath the glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory‘s colorful evening lights. Our latest Garden News video with Kevin Character takes viewers into the Haupt Conservatory after dark during one of these intimate events.
See what’s in store for our eight remaining Bar Car Nights and hear from visitors on what they love most about the Holiday Train Show® in the clip below. This year features more Bar Car Nights than ever, so reserve your tickets today! MasterCard cardholders also enjoy free access to a champagne pre-party in Shop in the Garden on select nights, but spots won’t stick around forever. Reserve now!