What’s the best way to layer green on green, with a sprinkle of green to top it off? For most of you, the answer’s a short trip north! Pay a visit to The New York Botanical Garden this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, stop off to see the lush tropical displays of The Orchid Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and revel in a bit of early spring growth. That’s more living color than you’ve probably seen all winter. And it’s as full a holiday weekend as you’re likely to find before you’re pints deep in Sunday night’s grass-colored beer.
From the Perennial Garden to the Grand Allée lawns, signs of spring’s arrival sneak into view, bucking this end-of-the-week cold spell with bright crocus blossoms and a smattering of technicolor irises. Look for those along the Seasonal Walk if you’re so inclined. Meanwhile, the Orchid Show is well into its element with a thousands-strong collection of exotic blooms draping the Conservatory walkways. Actually, Tumblr‘s official Storyboard crew filmed a recent feature on the show–more importantly, the enthusiastic people and behind-the-scenes efforts that make it possible. I’m biased, sure, but it’s so worth three minutes of your time.
So before you set out to test your constitution with more stout, whiskey, and corned beef than you’ll otherwise eat all year, set aside an afternoon for reflection in the city’s finest natural escape.
I recently spent an early morning walking around the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, soaking in the tropical colors and exotic flavor in the display houses before the crowds came in for The Orchid Show.
One of my favorite late February, early March features in the Conservatory is the electric blue-green of the blooming jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys). The jade vine is indigenous to the Philippines, where its tendrils scramble up tropical rain forest trees in an effort to seek out sunlight. The beak-like flowers dangle from a long raceme that can extend for several feet (the flower inflorescences can reach up to nine feet in the wild). The mint-green color of the flowers is almost eerie, and something that needs to be seen in person to fully experience. These flowers are pollinated by bats in their natural habitat, and produce large, melon-like fruit.
A fashionably late nor’easter? In New York City, I suppose that’s not all that surprising. Calling today’s landscape a “winter wonderland” would fall on the steep side of an understatement, but–safe in the knowledge that Saturday will be sunny with a high of 50°–we’re treating today’s snowfall as a precursor to supreme seasonal beauty. Apropos for a winter send-off, don’t you think? And with dreamy cocktails and music promised for tomorrow night’s opening Orchid Evening event, I’m betting you won’t see a recipe for elegance quite like this anytime soon.
From 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday night the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory becomes a glass ballroom of seductive scents and flouncy flowers, with just enough lounge sensibility to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation (or the perfect date, depending on your intentions). The high-end mixed drinks won’t hurt the ambiance, either. This weekend’s spirit in the spotlight is St. Germain liqueur, an elderflower aperitif complimented with sparkling wine, sparkling water, and a lemon twist over ice. The drink at the door should set the tone for your intimate tour of The Orchid Show in all its florid finery, while a cash bar keeps things moving for any night owls looking to make the evening last. And if I haven’t mentioned it before, DJ Julio is on deck to punctuate the after-hours affair with electronic and world music grooves.
Tickets are dwindling for the March 9 evening openings, so be sure and register soon. Otherwise, we’re promising several more weekend opportunities in the future for you to take part in an Orchid Evening.
The Orchid Show is only getting better as it slides into its eleventh year; it will remain open throughout the weekend as we watch today’s snow melt away. But if you’d rather be out and about, enjoying winter as it is, our 250 acres are always welcoming of visitors. Head below for the full schedule, and we’ll see you there.
Darwin’s star orchid is a rare treat for visitors to this year’s Orchid Show. Like the vanilla orchid, it’s seldom we get to flaunt this beauty in full bloom.
Angraecum sesquipedale — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Terrariums are so much more than a Tumblr fad. They’re self-contained worlds that are not only educational, but relaxing and enjoying to put together. So bring your kids for The Orchid Show and make a point of stopping off in our Adventure Garden through April 22, where they’ll have a chance to play architect with a miniature world of their own.
It’s just about time to ring the opening bell on the 11th annual Orchid Show, and as our horticulturists dab on the last soft touches of living color, there’s only one question to ask: do you have your tickets yet? It all begins this weekend, and we’ll be sure to see you there!
It’s the last weekend of our Tropical Paradise exhibition, and while the sun’s made a fair showing throughout the week, there’s still enough frost in the air to warrant a little escapism. Of course, that’s what this event is all about–having a chance to at least pretend that you’re not in New York City in the dead of winter. And through Sunday, the doors to our steamy Conservatory will still be open to visitors hoping to explore the real stars of our permanent collection–and leaving their scarves on the rack, too.
Sunday also marks the final day of open photography workshops in the Conservatory, as well as your last opportunity to pitch your name into the hat for our yearly tropical photography contest. Thus far it’s been a heated challenge between a number of talented shutterbugs, but there’s always the opportunity to get in the game with photos of your own, even if you’re late to the party!
For the would-be polar bears among you, this weekend’s schedule offers more than just daydreams under the palm trees; we’re also hosting an involved Winter Tree Tour on Sunday, something to complement Saturday’s traditional outdoor Bird Walk with Debbie Becker. It’s your chance to see winter’s aesthetic from a slightly different angle–one that appreciates the angles and arches of the trees.
But you don’t have to fret. Closing the doors on Tropical Paradise is one of those situations where we open a window elsewhere–in this case, one that looks out on thousands upon thousands of orchids! So stay tuned for next week, folks.
What’s the best way to layer green on green, with a sprinkle of green to top it off? For most of you, the answer’s a short trip north! Pay a visit to The New York Botanical Garden this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, stop off to see the lush tropical displays of The Orchid Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and revel in a bit of early spring growth. That’s more living color than you’ve probably seen all winter. And it’s as full a holiday weekend as you’re likely to find before you’re pints deep in Sunday night’s grass-colored beer.
