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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Hydrangeas of Every Hue

Posted in Horticulture on August 12 2014, by Sonia Uyterhoeven

Sonia Uyterhoeven is the NYBG’s Gardener for Public Education.

Hydrangea Merritt's Supreme
Hydrangea ‘Merritt’s Supreme’

As we read in my post last week, it has been a difficult year for bigleaf hydrangeas (the mophead and lacecap hydrangeas) due to the late frosts in the spring which killed off many of the flowering buds. While weather is often the culprit for the demise of good flowering in hydrangeas, sometimes other factors come into play.

The lessons from this past year are clear: hydrangeas that flower on second-year wood (i.e., where the flower buds form in the previous season) are best sited in protected areas that are not exposed to harsh winter elements, such as strong winds and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Other factors can contribute to a lack of flowers. Too much shade will also hamper flower production, as will fertilizing too often with high nitrogen fertilizers—this will simply produce leafy growth with few flowers. Over- and under-watering your hydrangeas can also weaken the plant and prevent maximum flowering.

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Where to Beat the Heat at NYBG

Posted in Gardens and Collections, Video on August 11 2014, by Lansing Moore

This month has so far been pleasantly mild, but there is no denying that it can be difficult to step away from the air-conditioning at this time of year. Fear not, for the Garden is the perfect place to enjoy summer without enduring the oppressive heat! Don’t spend the summer cooped up indoors when long, sunny days and brilliant nature are waiting for you just outside.

Without the warming effects of asphalt and concrete, and with plenty of tall, shady trees across the grounds, you will find that much of the Garden is as pleasant as can be, even in the eight of summer. Join Kristin Schleiter, Associate Vice President for Outdoor gardens and Senior Curator at The New York Botanical Garden, on a tour of NYBG’s shaded areas that are perfect for a midday stroll.

The Thain Family Forest is especially temperate during the hotter months, thanks to the natural protection of its dense canopy. Trees want that sunlight more than you do, and they will gladly provide some cover. Of course, visitors to the Garden should still take care to wear comfortable footwear, dress appropriately for the weather, and—most importantly—stay hydrated.

Ethnobotany Explorers Bring STEM to GreenSchool

Posted in Children's Education, Learning Experiences on August 8 2014, by Tai Montanarella

Tai Montanarella is the Manager of School and Family Programs for The New York Botanical Garden.

Ethnobotany ExplorersWhat is an ethnobotanist, anyway? This was the question on the minds of six New York City public school students who were accepted to participate in Ethnobotany Explorers, a new summer academic enrichment program offered to middle through high school students.

Funded in partnership with New York City Department of Education STEM Matters, these lucky teens got to spend four weeks in July learning the answer while building on a tradition of enthnobotanical scientific study at The New York Botanical Garden that goes back over a century.

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This Weekend: Dig Into Summer

Posted in Programs and Events on August 8 2014, by Lansing Moore

NYBG Children's ProgramsWe have another gorgeous weekend in store, and the Garden promises to be especially lovely. The Native Plant Garden, with its thriving meadow especially beautiful these days, will host tours on Saturday and Sunday. Children will enjoy such popular programs as Dig! Plant! Grow! and Mario Batali’s Kitchen Gardens.

For those families who want to take advantage of the weather and spend a very special evening together, Sunday is the next of our Family Dinners with Mario Batali’s Chefs. Come spend Sunday evening enjoying a cooking demonstration by two chefs from Eataly as they use fresh produce from the Family Garden to prepare a three-course menu. Kids will learn about nutrition and enjoy hands-on activities. A few tickets are still available!

Read on for the full list of NYBG programs this weekend.

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