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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Morning Eye Candy: Glow

Posted in Photography on December 18 2010, by Plant Talk

In the winter, the eye can rest. There are fewer colors, textures, and distractions from the bones of the light-painted landscape.

The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)

The Garden Goes to Washington

Posted in NYBG in the News on December 16 2010, by Plant Talk

Photo courtesy of the official White House Flickr StreamOn Friday, New York Botanical Garden President Gregory Long; Carrie Laney, the Garden’s Vice President for Government and Community Relations; and Karen Washington, a community activist who, in partnership with the Botanical Garden’s Bronx Green-Up program turned empty lots into beautiful gardens, will accept the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from none other than First Lady Michelle Obama!

More on the Garden's trip below the jump.

A Few of His Favorite Things: Ken Greene

Posted in Shop/Book Reviews on December 16 2010, by Plant Talk

Ken Greene (right) and Doug Muller (left)Ken Greene, co-founder of the Hudson Valley Seed Library, is one of the most honest plant people we’ve ever met.  Ken cares about plants in a way that is inspiring, moving, and intoxicating. At the Hudson Valley Seed Library he and his band of seedy friends are leading a full-blown local seed revolution. The Seed Library is a throwback to a time when seed sellers put fascinating pictures on their packages and pithy descriptions in their catalogs, to a time when every kitchen gardener saved his or her favorite seeds and passed them down from generation to generation. To that end, the Seed Library sells memberships (ed. note: we think a Seed Library membership makes a great holiday gift!) that offer discounts to those growers who return some of their seeds to the Library in an effort to expand the pool of Hudson Valley-grown varieties. Ken also commissions a group of local artists each year to illustrate beautiful Art Packs for a handful of varieties.

As you can tell, we really like Ken and the Seed Library (And we’re not alone. Check out this great profile from the New York Times). They’re helping preserve local plant diversity and educating a new generation, teaching them that gardening isn’t just a way to eat good food, it’s also a thoughtful act that resonates through generations.  We were delighted when Ken agreed to share his list of “Favorite Things” for holiday giving. As you’ll see, Ken always has seeds on his mind. Who knew seeds could act as inspiration for such beautiful gifts?

See Ken's picks below

First Snow

Posted in Photography on December 14 2010, by Plant Talk

A little afternoon “Eye Candy” for you. It snowed overnight in New York City, and we all woke up to a winter wonderland.

Library Building after the winter's first snow

There’s nothing that gets us in the holiday spirit quite like a pretty little snowfall (especially one that doesn’t stick around too long, turning into gray mush).

Confier Display

So if you come for a visit today (the Garden is open until 6 p.m. after all!) wear a nice, warm pair of boots.

The Herb Garden after the winter's first snow

And remember the Holiday Train Show and Gingerbread Adventures are both inside!