This Weekend: One Word: Pumpkins!

Posted in Around the Garden on October 18 2013, by Ann Rafalko

Actually, let’s make that four words: Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend! Have you heard the news? NYBG is playing host to the new world’s heaviest pumpkin, a 2,032-pound giant grown by Tim and Susan Mathison of Napa, California. Heavier than a 2013 Smart FourTwo (by a lot) the Mathison’s phenomenal pumpkin is joined by a retinue of other enormous gourds, a record breaking long gourd, and the new world’s heaviest watermelon.

You might think this all sounds like a recipe for a record-breaking pot of squash soup, followed by the world’s largest fruit salad, but you would be wrong (these fruit are barely edible because of the intense breeding for weight—well, kind of. They will be turned into “food,” food for zombie Venus flytraps!

Master carver Ray Villafane and his crew of pumpkin carving pranksters from Villafane Studios will be transforming the largest pumpkins of the year (as determined by our partners at the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth) into a spooky tableau of carnivorous plants, made entirely from the giant pumpkins. If you witnessed the work of Ray’s team last year, you’ll know that this is one of the must-see events on the New York City Halloween activity calendar. Throw in the artfully sculpted terrors of the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers further spooking up our pumpkin tableau, and there’s no excuse to miss out.

And if you’d like to be super spooked, come see the sculptures at night during this weekend‘s Spooky Nighttime Adventures in the Haunted Pumpkin Garden. Children of all ages will be thrilled by searching for the Garden’s creepy crawlies in the dark. Use all your senses to explore what happens when the sun sets on the Garden. Listen for critters in the leaf litter, thrill to the entertainers greeting you in the Visitor’s Center, decorate your own Halloween gourd to take home, and so much more! And to make sure we have all the bases covered, this weekend’s after dark activities are available on two nights—both Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19—so get your tickets soon.

But it’s not entirely about Halloween at the Garden this weekend. There are pretty things, too, like birds, and flowers, and foliage all weekend long. So come spend part of your weekend with us! It will be a great time, guaranteed.

Saturday, October 19

Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
At the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions
Giant pumpkins from around the world once again arrive at the Garden, arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. Watch Master Carvers Ray Villafane and Andy Bergholtz transform these pumpkins into unearthly creatures. Enjoy daily Q&A sessions with the carvers and snack on seasonal treats provided by Whole Foods Market.

Q&A with the Master Carvers & Growers – 12, 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m.
Master Carvers & Growers stop for a moment to share how they came up with their creative ideas to transform the giant pumpkins into works of art before your eyes. Have the chance to ask these talented artists your burning questions. Additional Roaming Guides will be on hand for questions throughout the day.

Kiku Roaming Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Get an in-depth look into Kiku from guides stationed throughout the exhibition.

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 to learn about bird-friendly habitats, migrating species, and birds that make a permanent home at the Garden.

Pumpkin Carver’s Studio – 11 a.m. – 5 p .m.
In the Discovery Center’s Bendheim Global Greenhouse
Watch how pumpkin creations are carved as an expert carver translates ideas into art. Learn some tips to try at home on your own pumpkins and gourds.

Ugh! Bugs & Creepy Creatures of Halloween – 12 & 2 p.m.
At Daffodil Hill
Some of the animals that make us scream are actually the coolest animals around. Come slither, slide, creep, and scurry along with us and learn why these “creepy” animals aren’t so scary after all. Participants will meet critters from around the world for some hands-on animal presentations and discover the unique adaptations which help them survive in their habitats.

Kiku Tour with ASL Interpreter – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Learn about these special chrysanthemums and see why they are the most celebrated Japanese fall-flowering plants.

Taiko Drumming – 1 & 3 p.m.
On the Conservatory Lawn
Thunderous and thrilling, the taiko (Japanese drum) has been called “the voice and spirit of the Japanese people.” From its roots in agriculture and use in the ancient music in shrines and temples, traditional taiko folk music is believed to have entertained the gods, attracted good fortune, driven away evil forces and insects, lent strength and courage to warriors, and celebrated life.

Home Gardening Demonstration: Oh Deer What Happened to the Garden? – 2 p.m.
In the Home Gardening Center
Sometimes Bambi’s bonanza can leave your garden looking bare. Join us to explore ways to fend off deer. The discussion will include deer tactics and introduce you to a host of plants that should survive the season.

Native Plant Garden Tour – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Join a tour guide for an insider’s view of the newly designed Native Plant Garden. Enjoy a mosaic of nearly 100,000 native trees, wildflowers, ferns and grasses designed to flourish in every season.

Spooky Nighttime Adventures – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Grab a Con Edison flashlight and explore the exhibit as you travel along the Whole Foods Market® Trick-or-Treat Trail after dark. Listen for critters of the night, dig around for decomposers, and decorate gourds too. For those who dare, see the giant pumpkin displays illuminated in the darkness and journey along the meandering Mitsubishi Wild Wetland Trail.

Adults and kids of all ages:
Non-Member $20/Member $15
Advance tickets recommended; admission times at 6:30 & 7 p.m.
Check out nybg.org/priceless for access to extra special tricks and treats.

Sunday, October 20

Kiku Roaming Guides – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Get an in-depth look into Kiku from guides stationed throughout the exhibition.

Native Plant Garden Tour – 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Join a tour guide for an insider’s view of the newly designed Native Plant Garden. Enjoy a mosaic of nearly 100,000 native trees, wildflowers, ferns and grasses designed to flourish in every season.

Ongoing Children’s Programs

The Haunted Pumpkin Garden
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
September 21 – October 31; Tuesdays – Fridays 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.;
Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday, October 14, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Experience the thrills and chills of the season with a garden full of intricately carved pumpkin sculptures, bugs, and bats. On October 19 & 20, watch Master Carvers Ray Villafane and Andy Bergholtz of Food Network fame transform humongous pumpkins into unearthly creatures. It’s so much fun, it’s scary!

Parades Daily! – Weekdays, 1:30 p.m., Weekends and Holidays, 1 & 3 p.m.
Story Readings – Weekends and Holidays only, 2 & 3:30 p.m.

Goodnight, Garden
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
October 15 – 27, 2013, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Join us as we prepare the garden for the change in seasons and learn how to save seeds from your favorite plants and vegetables.

This Weekend: One Word: Pumpkins!

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