This Weekend: Green on Green
Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on March 15 2013, by Matt Newman
What’s the best way to layer green on green, with a sprinkle of green to top it off? For most of you, the answer’s a short trip north! Pay a visit to The New York Botanical Garden this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, stop off to see the lush tropical displays of The Orchid Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and revel in a bit of early spring growth. That’s more living color than you’ve probably seen all winter. And it’s as full a holiday weekend as you’re likely to find before you’re pints deep in Sunday night’s grass-colored beer.
From the Perennial Garden to the Grand Allée lawns, signs of spring’s arrival sneak into view, bucking this end-of-the-week cold spell with bright crocus blossoms and a smattering of technicolor irises. Look for those along the Seasonal Walk if you’re so inclined. Meanwhile, the Orchid Show is well into its element with a thousands-strong collection of exotic blooms draping the Conservatory walkways. Actually, Tumblr‘s official Storyboard crew filmed a recent feature on the show–more importantly, the enthusiastic people and behind-the-scenes efforts that make it possible. I’m biased, sure, but it’s so worth three minutes of your time.
So before you set out to test your constitution with more stout, whiskey, and corned beef than you’ll otherwise eat all year, set aside an afternoon for reflection in the city’s finest natural escape.
Saturday, March 16
Orchids: Divide, Repot, Rejuvenate! with Marc Hachadourian — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nervous about repotting and transplanting your orchids? Sooner or later, you need to do it. Discover how to tell when your orchids need repotting and how to divide and do so without trauma (to you or the plants!). Learn about different types of containers and potting media, making your own bark mix, or maybe even bark-mounting a prized specimen.
Class lead by Marc Hachadourian, Manager of the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections. Non-Members: $57 / Members: $51. Register here.
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.
Roaming Orchid Experts – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Garden experts highlight parts of the permanent collection and special exhibition to add insight to your experience of The Orchid Show.
Music from the World of Orchids – 1 & 3 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Orchids fascinate and touch the lives of people in every country and culture. Enjoy a selection of music from around the world–different artists play popular tunes from a featured continent each weekend—to compliment your visit.
This weekend: Cameroon
Orchid Care Demonstration: Fantastically Fragrant Orchids – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Interested in orchids that will tickle your nose and stimulate your senses? Join us for a discussion of some of the best orchids to grow at home for both color and fragrance. Learn basic orchid care and experience the fragrance of many orchid varieties.
Orchid Care Q&A – 2 to 5 p.m.
In Shop in the Garden
Gardening and orchid experts share their best secrets and explain the simple steps to healthy plants as they help you choose the right plant for your home.
Sunday, March 17
Roaming Orchid Experts – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Garden experts highlight parts of the permanent collection and special exhibition to add insight to your experience of The Orchid Show.
Music from the World of Orchids – 1 & 3 p.m.
In the Ross Hall
Orchids fascinate and touch the lives of people in every country and culture. Enjoy a selection of music from around the world–different artists play popular tunes from a featured continent each weekend—to compliment your visit.
This weekend: Cameroon
Orchid Care Demonstration: Fantastically Fragrant Orchids – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Interested in orchids that will tickle your nose and stimulate your senses? Join us for a discussion of some of the best orchids to grow at home for both color and fragrance. Learn basic orchid care and experience the fragrance of many orchid varieties.
Orchid Care Q&A – 2 to 5 p.m.
In Shop in the Garden
Gardening and orchid experts share their best secrets and explain the simple steps to healthy plants as they help you choose the right plant for your home.
Ongoing Children’s Programs, March 2 – April 22
Little Landscapes
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Weekdays, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. / Weekends, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The plant world comes alive in a big way at the Discovery Center this spring. Kids step inside the world of plants and create their own terrarium to bring home. They’ll be inspired to create a rocky and mossy world in a jar by looking closely at a wide array of artistic and scientific terrariums, and while they’re at it, they can use a microscope to take a closer look at some classic terrarium characters like moss, lichens, and rocks. The Discovery Center will feature an exhibition of detailed and whimsical terrariums made by Brooklyn-based artists from Twig Terrariums.
