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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

A Century of Stardom

Posted in Horticulture on August 1 2014, by Marc Hachadourian

Marc Hachadourian is the Director of The New York Botanical Garden’s Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections.

nymphaea James Brydon water lily
Nymphaea ‘James Brydon’

In the dog days of summer, when many plants are looking tired from the heat and humidity, there is one group of plants that is at its absolute peak of perfection with a non-stop display of color and fragrance in the courtyards of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The Water Lily Pools are dotted with outrageous blooms of intense color and fragrance. From the prehistoric-looking, platter-like leaves of the Victoria cruziana to the vibrant hues of the tropical water lilies, they never fail to put on a spectacular performance.

Sometimes overshadowed by their tropical cousins, the hardy water lilies have a more subtle beauty. Perhaps one of my all-time favorite hardy water lily hybrids is Nymphaea ‘James Brydon’. It has exquisite six-inch, cup-shaped blooms in deep rose that rest just on the surface of the water amongst the dark green foliage.

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This Weekend: The Home Stretch

Posted in Programs and Events on August 1 2014, by Lansing Moore

0714-pink-hibiscus-250x280It’s already August, and summer is flying by. Groundbreakers has just over a month left in its residency, so come explore the great estates of the Gilded Age and the pioneering professional women who designed them before the exhibit closes on September 7.

Click through for the full program schedule for this weekend—including a special tour of the Aquatic House in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory—as well as ongoing children’s programs. If you’re looking for some hands-on family fun, tickets are still available for the next in our special series of Family Dinners with Mario Batali’s Chefs on August 10, featuring Chefs Alex Pilas and Fitz Tallon of Eataly. Get your tickets before they sell out!

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Morning Eye Candy: Smitten

Posted in Photography on August 1 2014, by Matt Newman

‘Mystic Illusion’ makes its grand appearance in the Perennial Garden. It’s part of a series of simple and stunning dahlia cultivars that include ‘Mystic Dreamer’, ‘Mystic Spirit’, ‘Mystic Memories’, etc. I’m still smitten with this one in particular, though—likely always will be.

Dahlia 'Mystic Illusion'

Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’ in the Perennial Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Horticulture is Thriving: 2nd Hortie Hoopla draws 125 NYC-area Interns

Posted in Adult Education on July 31 2014, by Matt Newman

Hortie Hoopla speakers
Left to right: Charles Yurgalevitch, School of Professional Horticulture; Uli Lorimer, Brooklyn Botanic Garden; Joseph Tychonievich, author and plant breeder; Lynden B. Miller, public garden designer; Ken Druse, garden writer and radio host; Nick Storrs, Randall’s Island Park Alliance; Brenden Armstrong, SoPH graduate

New as it is, Hortie Hoopla is already a key event for young horticultural professionals looking to find their footing in this fast-paced and challenging field, one that’s always on the look-out for fresh ideas and new faces. The New York Botanical Garden invites green industry interns from all over the New York metropolitan area and beyond to spend the day in the Garden, linking up with their fellow horticulturists, accomplished career plantsmen, and scientists, all while enjoying a day of tours, games, networking, and BBQ. But first: the inspiration.

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Aloe, Soothing Body and Soul

Posted in Horticulture on July 30 2014, by Christian Primeau

Christian Primeau is the NYBG‘s Manager of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

aloe rauhiiWalt Whitman once wrote, “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.” For a poet who glimpsed a universe of wonders in a mere sidewalk weed, his beard might have dropped off in amazement had he fixed his gaze upon little Aloe rauhii but it seems the best beard oil is serving him well, his beard did not fall off! Before turf-lovers get upset, it is not my intention to besmirch your lawns, good sirs and madams. Like Whitman, though far less eloquently, I simply hope to call your attention to the marvel of smaller things. Things that, perhaps, you might just miss. In a glasshouse like the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory—exploding with bold textures, extravagant colors and flowers that often flirt with the ostentatious—occasionally missing small things is a forgivable offense.

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This Week at the Greenmarket: Blue Skies and Blueberries

Posted in Programs and Events on July 30 2014, by Lansing Moore

NYBG Greenmarket blueberriesThis sunny and pleasant day is the perfect opportunity to get some shopping done al fresco. Discover culinary inspiration today at the NYBG Greenmarket from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. just inside Mosholu Gate—when admission to the Garden grounds is free. The Children’s Aid Society will be presenting Go!Healthy, an educational program focused on food justice and nutrition, with fun activities.

One staple of the Greenmarket these days is reliable blueberry. Tart, compact, and full of health benefits, these little guys can be rinsed and enjoyed raw as a summertime snack. For those of you with a sweet tooth—and a sense of adventure—click through for an appetizing yet simple recipe for Blueberry Galette with Cornmeal Thyme Crust.

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