Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Horticulture on December 17 2019, by Matt Newman
Keeping our trees healthy—many of which are more than a hundred years old—means careful inspection and, when necessary, removal of dead or damaged limbs. This important work ensures our trees’ longevity and keeps everyone safe. See how our high-climbing arborists do it, and how the wood that results nurtures other plants in the Garden’s living collections.
Posted in What's Beautiful Now on December 12 2018, by Matt Newman
As the leaves disappear and we cozy up for the chills of winter, the trees take on an entirely different beauty defined by arching branches and unique bark patterns. See what’s beautiful now at the Garden among our own trees, then take a stroll around your block and see which street trees you can identify.
[Not a valid template]Posted in What's Beautiful Now on November 7 2018, by Matt Newman
Step into the Garden and look up, and you’ll see some of the most stunning fall foliage in the northeast—right here in the Bronx.
[Not a valid template]Posted in Photography on January 31 2015, by Lansing Moore
In the Thain Family Forest – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on January 20 2015, by Matt Newman
Look for hints of amber in the Native Plant Garden, where exfoliating trees create unique winter colors and textures.
In the Native Plant Garden
Posted in Gardens and Collections, Video on August 11 2014, by Lansing Moore
This month has so far been pleasantly mild, but there is no denying that it can be difficult to step away from the air-conditioning at this time of year. Fear not, for the Garden is the perfect place to enjoy summer without enduring the oppressive heat! Don’t spend the summer cooped up indoors when long, sunny days and brilliant nature are waiting for you just outside.
Without the warming effects of asphalt and concrete, and with plenty of tall, shady trees across the grounds, you will find that much of the Garden is as pleasant as can be, even in the eight of summer. Join Kristin Schleiter, Associate Vice President for Outdoor gardens and Senior Curator at The New York Botanical Garden, on a tour of NYBG’s shaded areas that are perfect for a midday stroll.
The Thain Family Forest is especially temperate during the hotter months, thanks to the natural protection of its dense canopy. Trees want that sunlight more than you do, and they will gladly provide some cover. Of course, visitors to the Garden should still take care to wear comfortable footwear, dress appropriately for the weather, and—most importantly—stay hydrated.
Posted in Photography on July 12 2014, by Lansing Moore
Tall, shady trees make for a summer full of pleasant walks.
Near the Ross Conifer Arboretum – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden on June 11 2014, by Jaime Morin
Jaime Morin is The New York Botanical Garden’s Assistant Curator in horticulture. She works with the plant records and curation teams to help keep the garden’s information on its living collections up to date. She also oversees the details of the garden’s Living Collections Phenology Project.
Ever since my journey into the world of plant obsession began, one my favorite times of the year has always been what I affectionately call “Stewartia season.” This delightful stretch always reminds me of summers spent immersed in unique plant collections, but always being drawn back to this one fascinating group of plants.
The genus Stewartia contains a handful of large shrub and tree species native to eastern Asia and two indigenous to the southeastern United States. Stewartia species all have beautiful white flowers with an obvious tuft of anthers in their center. Their floral show takes place in early to mid-summer, but many species also put on a fantastic display of orange to crimson fall foliage, extending the plants’ season of interest.
Posted in Gardening Tips on May 28 2014, by Sonia Uyterhoeven
Sonia Uyterhoeven is the NYBG’s Gardener for Public Education.
When I was a kid, I used to collect buckeyes or horse chestnuts, shine them and keep them in my pocket for good luck. The large, shiny nuts were a perfect treasure for a kid, and there is a centuries-old tradition that a buckeye in your pocket is a sign that good luck is on its way. The nickname “buckeye” comes from the Native Americans who thought the nut resembled a deer’s eye. My mother went to college in Ohio and my grandparents were from western Pennsylvania, so the common name buckeye was used in my household instead of horse chestnut.
Horse chestnuts are delightful in autumn, when the large nuts litter the ground beneath the trees after the prickly, globe-like husks split open to reveal the treasure inside. Equally intoxicating are the statuesque flowers of the horse chestnut in spring. These great spires of red, pink, or white flowers appear in late spring and liven up the landscape.
Posted in Around the Garden on April 1 2014, by Matt Newman
The tulip trees are getting edgy as we wait for spring to settle into the thermometer.
Tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) along Tulip Tree Allée – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen