This Weekend: Orchid Evenings Set the Tone
Posted in Programs and Events on March 8 2013, by Matt Newman
A fashionably late nor’easter? In New York City, I suppose that’s not all that surprising. Calling today’s landscape a “winter wonderland” would fall on the steep side of an understatement, but–safe in the knowledge that Saturday will be sunny with a high of 50°–we’re treating today’s snowfall as a precursor to supreme seasonal beauty. Apropos for a winter send-off, don’t you think? And with dreamy cocktails and music promised for tomorrow night’s opening Orchid Evening event, I’m betting you won’t see a recipe for elegance quite like this anytime soon.
From 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday night the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory becomes a glass ballroom of seductive scents and flouncy flowers, with just enough lounge sensibility to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation (or the perfect date, depending on your intentions). The high-end mixed drinks won’t hurt the ambiance, either. This weekend’s spirit in the spotlight is St. Germain liqueur, an elderflower aperitif complimented with sparkling wine, sparkling water, and a lemon twist over ice. The drink at the door should set the tone for your intimate tour of The Orchid Show in all its florid finery, while a cash bar keeps things moving for any night owls looking to make the evening last. And if I haven’t mentioned it before, DJ Julio is on deck to punctuate the after-hours affair with electronic and world music grooves.
Tickets are dwindling for the March 9 evening openings, so be sure and register soon. Otherwise, we’re promising several more weekend opportunities in the future for you to take part in an Orchid Evening.
The Orchid Show is only getting better as it slides into its eleventh year; it will remain open throughout the weekend as we watch today’s snow melt away. But if you’d rather be out and about, enjoying winter as it is, our 250 acres are always welcoming of visitors. Head below for the full schedule, and we’ll see you there.
Saturday, March 9
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: Portugal – 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.
Orchid Care Demonstrations – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the GreenSchool
This series of hands on demonstrations takes shows you how to grow and care for orchids at home. Topics vary each weekend and will cover popular inquiries like Potting and Dividing Orchids, Basic Orchid Care, and Fragrant Orchids.
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.
Orchid Evenings – 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Enjoy a cocktail while viewing The Orchid Show and its thousands of spectacular flowers. The unforgettable beauty of these spectacular flowers makes for one of New York City’s most romantic date destinations. Your ticket includes a complimentary cocktail and special dinner offers at some outstanding restaurants on Little Italy’s Arthur Avenue. Non-Member $30/Member $20 (Adults 21 and over) Advance tickets recommended; includes complimentary cocktail.
Sunday, March 10
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: Portugal – 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.
Orchid Care Demonstrations – 2 & 3 p.m.
In the GreenSchool
This series of hands on demonstrations takes shows you how to grow and care for orchids at home. Topics vary each weekend and will cover popular inquiries like Potting and Dividing Orchids, Basic Orchid Care, and Fragrant Orchids.
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.
