This Weekend: Join the Palooza!
Posted in Around the Garden on October 12 2012, by Matt Newman
So how many of you are indulging in the pre-weekend chill like we are? If you’re eying that rack of scarves in your closet with hopeful impatience, I’d say you’re right there with us. And fortunately (for those of us with wool and fleece ensembles on the brain), these brisk October afternoons look to continue through Saturday and Sunday as we dig into The Haunted Pumpkin Garden and everything that rolls along with it. Hint, hint! You’ll want to yank your fall coat off the hanger and walk, drive, or train your way up to the NYBG, with a few easy-going activities to take in on the side, of course.
For the grown-ups, we’re still keeping perfect time with our Saturday Bird Walks, and Debbie Becker is as keen-eyed as she’s ever been. The Red-tailed Hawks have been making a show of things from time to time, but not without showy competition from a certain heron who’s been munching his way through the Rock Garden pond. Whether local or migrant, the bird populations are in full preparation for the winter switch. We’ll also be joining Sonia Uyterhoeven for another weekend gardening demonstration, this time turning our eye on pollinator plants. If livening up your home garden with Snow White-worthy levels of birds, bees, and butterflies is your game, Sonia’s got the know-how to make it happen.
That’s not to say your kids won’t have a full plate to keep them content. Alongside our ongoing Haunted Pumpkin Garden activities, this marks the weekend of Little People® Palooza, a chance to work out all their energy with live song, dance, and more than a sprinkling of unbridled fun. Head below for the full weekend schedule!
Saturday, October 13
Little People® Palooza – 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
It’s THE concert event of the fall! Little People® stars Eddie™, Sonya, and Michael are ready to rock their way through a brand-new live show filled with the kind of music that just won’t let you sit still! Join them as they sing, dance, play, rock, roll, jump and jam!
This event is included free with any All-Garden Pass ticket for the Haunted Pumpkin Garden. Seating is available first come, first served.
Bird Walk – 11 a.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
The diverse habitats of the Botanical Garden offer visitors a chance to see dozens of species of birds throughout the year. Bring your binoculars and walk the Garden grounds with an expert.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Gardening for the Birds, Bees, and Butterflies – 2 p.m.
In the Home Gardening Center
Join Gardener for Public Education Sonia Uyterhoeven as she demonstrates how you can create colorful garden habitats that will attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Learn which plants will help you entice these welcome visitors into your garden.
Sunday, October 14
Little People® Palooza — 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
It’s THE concert event of the fall! Little People® stars Eddie™, Sonya, and Michael are ready to rock their way through a brand-new live show filled with the kind of music that just won’t let you sit still! Join them as they sing, dance, play, rock, roll, jump and jam!
This event is included free with any All-Garden Pass ticket for the Haunted Pumpkin Garden. Seating is available first come, first served.
Monet’s Garden Docent Q&A – 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Meet in the Conservatory Courtyard, Hardy Pool
Ask one of the Garden’s Docents about this stunning recreation of Monet’s iconic garden at Giverny. See the artistry of the great Impressionist in the galleries of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and in the Conservatory Courtyard pool, where a display of water lilies dazzles.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Gardening for the Birds, Bees, and Butterflies – 2 p.m.
In the Home Gardening Center
Join Gardener for Public Education Sonia Uyterhoeven as she demonstrates how you can create colorful garden habitats that will attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Learn which plants will help you entice these welcome visitors into your garden.
Ongoing Children’s Programs
The Haunted Pumpkin Garden
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, through October 31
Daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Experience the thrills and chills of the season with a garden full of intricately carved pumpkin sculptures, bugs, bats, parties, and parades. On October 20–21, watch master carver Ray Villafane of Food Network fame transform humongous pumpkins into zombies and other unearthly creatures. It’s so much fun, it’s scary!
Children’s Outdoor Nature Explorations – Part of The Haunted Pumpkin Garden
Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, through October 31
Daily, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
A haunted world of pumpkin sculptures will captivate your youngster’s imagination in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. There’s plenty of hands-on fun–play inside the Pumpkin House, put on a scary show at the Pumpkin Puppet Theater, go on a parade, and have a “hoot” learning about owls.
The Edible Garden
Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, through October 31
Daily, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Edible Garden returns to the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden this year, bringing plenty of events for both adults and kids alike with daily, family-friendly activities, cooking demonstrations in the Whole Foods Market Family Garden Kitchen, and hands-on gardening fun.
A Garden friend and chef extraordinaire, Mario Batali takes a featured role in this year’s Edible Garden. Visit the beds of herbs and vegetables in “Mario Batali’s Kitchen Gardens,” where you can pick up some of his favorite recipes. Your culinary delight begins in the garden! Visit summer through fall for the best of the harvest.
