Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Morning Eye Candy: A Very Animated Weed

Posted in Around the Garden on October 4 2011, by Ann Rafalko

This funny little blue weed looks like something straight out of a children’s cartoon. And like many cartoons it is an import into the U.S., but unfortunately not a very funny one. Commelina communis is originally from Asia and is commonly seen in waste places, especially places with water and shade. Commonly known as the Asiatic Dayflower, this cherry but aggressive weed spreads through prolific seed production, crowding-out more desirable native plants. Fortunately, it is easy to identify, and even easier to pull out of the ground.

Funny Blue Flower

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

How Do They Do That?: Shino-Tsukuri or ‘Driving Rain’

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Exhibitions on October 3 2011, by Ann Rafalko

Shino-tskurui display of kiku in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Courtyard, 2008
Shino-tsukuri display of kiku in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Courtyard, 2008

There are only three more days before the beautiful kiku join the serene Fall Flowers of Japan in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. On Wednesday, October 5, these specially trained Japanese chrysanthemums, or kiku will go on display. In anticipation, we’re taking an in-depth look at these fascinating flowers.

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Kiku Classification: Anemone, Spoon, and Quill

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Exhibitions on October 2 2011, by Ann Rafalko

Class 9 Chrysanthemum 'Trendy Time'
A Class 9 chrysanthemum 'Trendy Time,' 2009

On Wednesday, October 5, dozens of Japanese chrysanthemums, or kiku, trained into a variety of styles and displays will join Fall Flowers of Japan in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory! Don’t miss this mesmerizing floral display. In anticipation, we’re taking an in-depth look at these fascinating flowers.

Learn all about spoons, quills, and anemones (chrysanthemums, of course) below.

How Do They Do That?: Kengai or ‘Cascade’

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Exhibitions on October 1 2011, by Ann Rafalko

Kengai display
Kengai display in the Leon Levy Visitor Center, 2010

On October 5, kiku will join Fall Flowers of Japan in the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory! Don’t miss these magnificent Japanese chrysanthemums trained to grow in a mesmerizing variety of shapes and styles. In anticipation, we’re taking an in-depth look at these fascinating flowers.

What grows up, must come down, at least when you're growing kengai. Learn why below.

Science Open House Redux: November 12 – 13

Posted in Programs and Events, Science on September 30 2011, by Ann Rafalko

Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13, 2011

Pfizer Lab
Our last attempt at hosting this “inside look” at The New York Botanical Garden‘s Science campus was rained out by a certain tropical storm (we’re looking at you Irene), so we’re trying again. And this time we’re making it even bigger and better than before!

The Science Open House weekend will be held in conjunction with the second Thain Family Forest Dedication festival weekend, which means there will be a ton of fun activities for the whole family! Start inside with a look at the beautiful Pfizer Plant Research Laboratory, then explore the fascinating William and Lynda Steere Herbarium, and finally, listen to Garden scientists talk about their forest-based research. Then head outside and enjoy the beauties of fall in the Garden’s historic, 50-acre Thain Family Forest: take an expert-led nature walk, canoe down the Bronx River and learn about its wildlife, climb a tree with an arborist, and so much more. The Garden is never the same two days in a row, so come spend a day in one of the world’s greatest urban gardens, The New York Botanical Garden!

Head below the jump to see the schedule for this exciting weekend of science events!

Kiku Classification: Decorative, Intermediate Incurve, Pompom, and Single and Semi-Doubles

Posted in Behind the Scenes, Exhibitions on September 30 2011, by Ann Rafalko

Chrysanthemum Class 7
A Class 7 chrysanthemum in the Nolen Greenhouses, 2010

A display of kiku, the mesmerizing art of trained Japanese chrysanthemums, will join Fall Flowers of Japan in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory on October 5! In anticipation, we’re taking an in-depth look at these fascinating flowers.

Head below the jump to learn about pompom mums, and more.