Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Winter
Posted in Programs and Events on January 25 2013, by Matt Newman
In the last few months, thousands of children have come and gone through our Ross Hall, each doing his or her part to help Thomas and Friends™ navigate their way to Brendam Docks. And while it’s been a memorable holiday season for everyone involved, it’s finally time to bid our adieus for one more year; this weekend marks your last chance to catch Thomas before he steams his way home! With six showings between Saturday and Sunday, you’ll find at least a few more opportunities to get in a little sing-along time with your kids–so long as you make a point of registering in advance!
For those who appreciate the lively nature of the NYBG in winter, Debbie Becker returns this Saturday morning to lead her long-running Bird Walk, scoping out the Red-tailed Hawks, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and elusive owls that often call the Garden home. And while it may be a bit nippy outdoors, layering up and hitting the Forest trails is well worth the chilly toes (ski socks are a lifesaver)–winter is hands-down the best time to catch some of our most magnificent avian species on the wing.
Of course, our would-be snowbirds are just as welcome to fly in for a visit, come sun, snow, or any frosty combination of the two. Tropical Paradise is the cure for all things frigid! Inside the Conservatory you’ll find the gems of our permanent collection on special display, highlighting the botanical beauties and curiosities of sunnier climes. For those with a knack for camera work, or anyone who just wants to learn, really, our garden photography experts will be on hand once each weekend, holding workshops for shutterbugs of all skill levels. It’s the ideal warm-up for our Tropical Paradise photography contest, running throughout the exhibition and open to anyone with a Flickr account!
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Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 25 2013, by Matt Newman
Beauty is a fleck of ice or scoop of melting snow, just far enough away to be enjoyed from the relief of a heated space. Stay bundled, New York, and happy Friday!
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 24 2013, by Matt Newman
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Exhibitions on January 23 2013, by Matt Newman
Think of surviving winter as a pie chart: a good chunk–maybe 50%–is made up of boots and scarves; another 30% boils down to keeping a cheerful attitude while you go to town on your iced over windshield; and that last 20% is all about escapism. For some, that means hitching a jet to South Beach and waiting out the bitter months by a rooftop pool, sipping chilled mimosas. For us, it’s a 20-minute transit ride up to the Bronx for a steamy stop in New York City’s largest living rain forest.
Yeah, I know, not exactly the first place you’d plan for a jungle excursion–but the NYBG is your best bet! Our yearly Tropical Paradise event is put together to offer New Yorkers sanctuary from the humdrum icebox of the city, so you can leave your hand warmers at the door and pretend, if only for a moment, that it’s not snowing sideways in the five boroughs. This year’s focus falls on the permanent collection inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, where exotic tropical plants such as vanilla orchids, zombie palms, and the jade vine–a perennial favorite deserving of a little idolization–step front and center.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 23 2013, by Matt Newman
You know, “witch-hazel” as a common name really belies the true nature of Hamamelis–that being party streamers and good cheer. Seek out these lovelies in the Ross Conifer Arboretum.
Hamamelis vernalis — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 22 2013, by Matt Newman
Photos by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 21 2013, by Matt Newman
Prunus ‘Dream Catcher’ — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 20 2013, by Matt Newman
Tropical Paradise is up and running in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory! And the blueberries–neotropical blueberries, sure, but still relatives!–are cast in stunning colors. Keep an eye out for them, but as always, please look–don’t touch. (As it turns out, not everything that sounds like food really is.)
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on January 19 2013, by Matt Newman
They’re back! Maybe a little early, but we can never find a reason to complain about snowdrops. Look for them in the Perennial Garden and elsewhere on your walks around the NYBG–they’ll be the cutest blooms around, if you ask Ann.
Galanthus elwesii — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden on January 18 2013, by Matt Newman
It’s the first long weekend of the new year, and we’re not about to kick off 2013 on a lazy note. Just look at our schedule! Over the next three days, we’ll not only be packing in the holiday fun with the help of Thomas and Friends™, but welcoming an early summer in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory through Tropical Paradise, our homage to all things chill (in the kick-back-and-breathe sense, naturally). If you’ve got a camera handy, this is not something you’ll want to miss. So join us as we keep the season’s festivities afloat while shrugging off the winter cold!
Through January 27, Thomas and his buddies continue to spark young imaginations in the Ross Hall with an interactive, problem-solving singalong that will not only put smiles on your kids’ faces, but have them playing right along with the cast as they guide Thomas to his destination. The fun only continues after the show, with our Thomas-themed “Playstation” activities running throughout the weekend in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. There, you’ll find toys, tracks, and trains to keep the little ones occupied while you catch your breath. Just remember that tickets are extremely limited, so it’s best to register as early as possible.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to sign up for our Cancun vacation sweepstakes, courtesy of Thomas and the Hard Rock Cafe!
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