Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Photography on April 15 2016, by Matt Newman
Capricious spring weather’s thrown us for a loop over the last few months, from warm, bloomy days to sudden cold snaps. But now that the weather seems to be evening out, we’re ready for a second spring—expect a flush of daffodils, cherry blossoms in Cherry Valley, and the welcome arrival of the crabapples over the next two weeks!
Crabapples and daffodils on Daffodil Hill – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on April 14 2016, by Matt Newman
The armillary sphere in the Perennial Garden finds itself surrounded these days by a cornucopia of spring flowers, from tulips and daffodils to Viola in a variety of hues.
The armillary sphere in the Perennial Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on April 11 2016, by Matt Newman
Viola at the renewed Mosholu Gate display – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on April 6 2016, by Matt Newman
Tulipa ‘Stresa’ in the Perennial Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on April 5 2016, by Matt Newman
In the Magnolia Collection – Photo by Marlon Co
Posted in Horticulture on April 4 2016, by Joyce Newman
Joyce H. Newman is an environmental journalist and teacher. She holds a Certificate in Horticulture from The New York Botanical Garden.
Two bulb experts, Michael Hagen, Curator of the Rock Garden and Native Plant Garden, and Marta McDowell, NYBG instructor, author, gardener, and landscape historian, recently commented on some frequently asked questions about the gorgeous spring bulbs now blossoming in the garden . Here’s what they had to say.
Q: What are some of the easiest spring/early summer bulbs to grow?
McDowell: Narcissus seem to be almost indestructible and with so many varieties, you can have them in bloom for almost two months. Other choices: Crocosmia—graceful in leaf and flower and blackberry lily (Iris domestica or Belamcanda chinensis). Great foliage, flowers, and seed pods.
Q: What are some of the most difficult bulbs to grow, aside from climate issues?
Hagen: Climate aside, the hardest to grow are the ones that our native ground squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, and gophers enjoy eating. Species tulips have been a particular challenge in the Rock Garden. If it’s a warm fall (and the chipmunks are not hibernating yet) they can be dug up and eaten right after they’ve been planted.
Posted in Photography on April 1 2016, by Matt Newman
All around the Garden, our collections are leaping into spring with a flood of color and life, painting the lawns with daffodils and waking the cherry trees, magnolias, and lilacs for a fragrant season at NYBG. View just a few of the many highlights you can expect to see during your visit!
Posted in Photography on April 1 2016, by Matt Newman
In the Magnolia Collection – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on March 31 2016, by Matt Newman
It’s been a whirlwind of cherry blossoms at the Garden this week, with our Japanese cherries, plums, and apricots going from the quiet of winter to the full bloom of spring in just a handful of days. They’re currently at 90% of the way to peak bloom, which means this weekend is likely your last chance to see them in all their seasonal splendor.
Higan cherry (Prunus pendula var. ascendens) near the Rock Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Wildlife on March 30 2016, by Patricia Gonzalez
Patricia Gonzalez is an NYBG Visitor Services Attendant and avid wildlife photographer.
Since 2010, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some of our citizen scientist volunteers. From time to time, I get to join them during their phenology walks in the Thain Family Forest. While they conduct their tree studies, I keep an eye out for owls, hawks, raccoons, and other wildlife that call the forest their home. On a recent phenology adventure, I got to photograph one of the Garden’s more elusive inhabitants: the Eastern red-backed salamander. Thanks to our intrepid Forest Manager, Jessica Schuler, I enjoyed a wonderful close-up encounter.