Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Wild Medicine
Posted in Behind the Scenes, Exhibitions on May 9 2013, by Ann Rafalko
Do you know what plant is in your aspirin? In your mouthwash? How about your lotion? Plants are all around us, even in the concrete jungle. They’re in your medicine cabinet, vitamins and supplements, makeup bag, and at your local hospital. And beginning May 18—with a special introductory lecture featuring world-renowned expert Andrew Weil, M.D.—Wild Medicine: Healing Plants Around the World, Featuring The Italian Renaissance Garden will introduce a world of medicinal plants on display throughout the 11 galleries of the one-acre Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
On Saturday, May 18, hear Andrew Weil, M.D., a world-renowned leader in the field of integrative medicine, share fascinating experiences and offer unique perspectives on the power of plants to maximize well-being and quality of life. The recipient of the Garden’s first H.H. Rusby Award, Dr. Weil, a Harvard-trained physician, botanist, and Founder and Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, is being recognized for his distinguished contributions to the fields of ethnobotany and integrative medicine, and for advancing our understanding of the importance of plants in clinical care. After his remarks, meet Dr. Weil, who will sign copies of his recent books, True Food: Seasonal, Sustainable, Simple, Pure and Spontaneous Happiness: A New Path to Emotional Well-Being.
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Posted in Exhibitions on May 9 2013, by Matt Newman
If our current exhibition isn’t evidence enough, we’re a little sculpture crazy. From inspirational maquettes to full-sized foundry monoliths, exploring and expounding on the efforts of great artists are just two of the things we can’t help but indulge in. And now, with Wild Medicine: Healing Plants Around the World rounding the bend for its May 18 opening, I think the time is about right to introduce the work of our latest visiting sculptor: Philip Haas.
From the beginning of the style in 16th-century Italy to Haas’ modern-day interpretations, the edible motif of Four Seasons has certainly established its historic foundations. But in three dimensions, these 15-foot-tall statues break from the tradition of Giuseppe Arcimboldo‘s original paintings to provide an entirely novel experience.
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Posted in Photography on May 9 2013, by Ann Rafalko
The Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections are chockablock with plants and flowers for our next exhibition, Wild Medicine: Healing Plants Around the World, Featuring the Italian Renaissance Garden.
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 21 2013, by Matt Newman
Philip Haas has a knack. One that brings forests and gardens to life in ways you probably weren’t expecting. And, this coming May, he’s bringing his deft touch to The New York Botanical Garden. Keep an eye out for the inspiration of Arcimboldo in the Conservatory Courtyard, or, if you’d like a preview, hoof it up to the Library Rotunda. Trust me: you’ll never look at a fruit bowl the same way.

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen