This Weekend: Happy Mother’s Day
Posted in Programs and Events on May 8 2015, by Lansing Moore
Sunday is the day that we celebrate mothers, and what better way to honor the person you really could stand to call more often than with a visit to the most beautiful spring landscape in New York City? Treat mom to an outing at our Mother’s Day Weekend Garden party—back this weekend and bigger than ever!
May 9 and 10 will be filled with family-friendly programs and activities all across the Garden, so click through to see the full rundown, and don’t forget to check out our tips for your visit to ensure a smooth and pleasant Mother’s Day experience for the whole family.
Stay tuned for more information regarding the Opening Weekend Celebration for FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden Life—including the debut of our mobile guide, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which will enable you to experience the exhibition on your smartphone and create your own Frida-style selfies!
Saturday, May 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 to learn about bird-friendly habitats, migrating species, and birds that make a permanent home at the Garden.
The Birds and the Beats – All day
At the Clay Pavilions
Ben Mirin creates music exclusively from bird songs and other sounds that occur in nature: trees are drums, swans are trumpets, warblers are cymbals, and more! Stop by his booth to enjoy original performances of this unique music style.
Azalea Garden Tour – 12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center
Join us for a guided tour of the 11-acre site that offers an encyclopedic collection of the world’s azaleas planted along a broad hillside punctuated by rock outcrops and shaded by mature native trees.
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.
Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party – 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Treat mom to the day out that she deserves! In fact, bring the whole family for live music, games, picnicking, and more—all surrounded by the most spectacular spring landscape New York has to offer.
Dance Performance: Flowers – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
At the Conservatory Lawn
Now in its 40th year as an internationally known dance company, Jennifer Muller/The Works presents dances that celebrate the human spirit. In a special performance piece for Mother’s Day at the Garden, the company presents excerpts from Flowers. Danced with virtuosic technique and vibrant energy, Flowers—constructed in five sections to reflect the Chinese calendar—captures the spirit of photographer Barbara Bordnick’s evocative work—images that become symbols of growth, delicacy, sensuality, and fleeting beauty. The dance is propelled with original music by Lawrence Nachsin.
About Jennifer Muller/The Works: With a track record of dancing in 39 countries on four continents, Jennifer Muller/The Works performs work from its vibrant, expressive repertory that stimulates the imagination and fosters the understanding and enjoyment of dance.
Floral Arranging Demonstrations: Bouquets – 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
In the Conservatory Courtyards
Partake in a demonstration on crafting a beautiful bouquet for mom, led by floral designer Trish O’Sullivan.
About the instructor: As one of New York City’s foremost names in floral design for the past 25 years, Trish O’Sullivan continues to define the landscape of imagination in floral design, living walls, and interior/exterior landscaping. As director of the prestigious NyBG Adult Education Floral Design Program, Trish instructs and mentors students and is a lecturer for NYBG’s signature events, including the world famous Orchid Show.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Sow & Grow – 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Along Crabapple Path
Join us for our annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party. With easy instructions, you will be able to select and sow your own seeds—then bring them home and watch them grow.
Face Painting – 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Along Crabapple Path
Featured 6 times in New York Family magazine, and highlighted by Time Out New York Kids as one of the top 6 best party entertainers in NYC, Face Art by Melissa is NYC’s premier face painting company! From princess and super hero parties to large scale sports events for The NY Rangers at Madison Square Garden, The Knicks, and the New York City Football Club in Yankee Stadium, Melissa and her team of amazing artists are ready to transform your guests with an experience they won’t forget!
Make a card for Mom and Watercolor Painting – All day
Along Crabapple Path
Create and decorate a card for mom on her special day or pick up a palette and let the Garden be your muse. Borrow materials and set yourself up to use the beautiful spring surroundings to create a painting.
Family Photographer – All Day
Across from Clay Pavilions
Freeze Frame photographers will be on hand to snap pictures of your family with the brilliant spring garden as your backdrop. Souvenir photographs will be available on the spot for purchase to be sure you remember your special day!
Games & Outdoor Fun – All Day
At the top and base of Daffodil Hill
Have a go at favorite garden party games like badminton and croquet. ‘Hit the links’ on our mini-golf putting greens, and enjoy our big backyard by playing some classic games like bean bag toss and croquet.
Giant Chess – All day
Near Clay Pavilions
Engage your family and friends in a giant game of strategy!
Chalk Drawing – All day
By the Children’s Adventure Garden Waterfall
Get creative and make your own chalk masterpiece to add to the designs!
Live Family Music Performances – 11:30 a.m., 2:15, & 4:30 p.m.
On Daffodil Hill Stage
The Fuzzy Lemons
Get ready to jump, wiggle, and shake with The Fuzzy Lemons, the juiciest family-friendly rock band on the scene! With laugh-out-loud lyrics and memorable melodies, every song tells a story and every show is full of fun, inspiring kids of all ages to dance and sing along with music the whole family will love! www.thefuzzylemons.com
Bubble Show & Bubbles with Silly Sally – 1:30 & 3:45 p.m.
On Daffodil Hill Stage
Silly Sally has been entertaining audiences for 20 years. We are a children’s event planning company specializing in family entertainment, birthday parties, corporate and charity functions.
Square Dancing Lessons – 12:15 & 2:45 p.m.
On Daffodil Hill Stage
Get your toes tapping with square dance caller Kristin Andreassen. No experience required!
Refreshments & Picnicking on Daffodil Hill – All Day
Picnic on Daffodil Hill while enjoying the delicious offerings for sale from various NYC food trucks. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase to help you enjoy your afternoon at the Garden. Please note that some vendors are cash only; please prepare accordingly.
Food Trucks Include:
- • Andy’s Italian Ice (Italian ices and espresso)
- • Coolhaus (ice cream)
- • DUB Pies (Australian cuisine)
- • Eat Morris (grilled cheese menu)
- • Gorilla Cheese NYC (grilled cheese menu)
- • Souvlaki GR (Greek cuisine)
- • Mausam (Indian cuisine)
- • Yankee Doodle Dandy’s (American fare)
Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party – 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Treat mom to the day out that she deserves! In fact, bring the whole family for live music, games, picnicking, and more—all surrounded by the most spectacular spring landscape New York has to offer.
Dance Performance: Flowers – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
At the Conservatory Lawn
Now in its 40th year as an internationally known dance company, Jennifer Muller/The Works presents dances that celebrate the human spirit. In a special performance piece for Mother’s Day at the Garden, the company presents excerpts from Flowers. Danced with virtuosic technique and vibrant energy, Flowers—constructed in five sections to reflect the Chinese calendar—captures the spirit of photographer Barbara Bordnick’s evocative work—images that become symbols of growth, delicacy, sensuality, and fleeting beauty. The dance is propelled with original music by Lawrence Nachsin.
About Jennifer Muller/The Works: With a track record of dancing in 39 countries on four continents, Jennifer Muller/The Works performs work from its vibrant, expressive repertory that stimulates the imagination and fosters the understanding and enjoyment of dance.
Floral Arranging Demonstrations: Bouquets – 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
In the Conservatory Courtyards
Partake in a demonstration on crafting a beautiful bouquet for mom, led by floral designer Trish O’Sullivan.
About the instructor: As one of New York City’s foremost names in floral design for the past 25 years, Trish O’Sullivan continues to define the landscape of imagination in floral design, living walls, and interior/exterior landscaping. As director of the prestigious NyBG Adult Education Floral Design Program, Trish instructs and mentors students and is a lecturer for NYBG’s signature events, including the world famous Orchid Show.
Home Gardening Demonstration: Sow & Grow – 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Along Crabapple Path
Join us for our annual Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party. With easy instructions, you will be able to select and sow your own seeds—then bring them home and watch them grow.
Face Painting – 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Along Crabapple Path
Featured 6 times in New York Family magazine, and highlighted by Time Out New York Kids as one of the top 6 best party entertainers in NYC, Face Art by Melissa is NYC’s premier face painting company! From princess and super hero parties to large scale sports events for The NY Rangers at Madison Square Garden, The Knicks, and the New York City Football Club in Yankee Stadium, Melissa and her team of amazing artists are ready to transform your guests with an experience they won’t forget!
Make a card for Mom and Watercolor Painting – All day
Along Crabapple Path
Create and decorate a card for mom on her special day or pick up a palette and let the Garden be your muse. Borrow materials and set yourself up to use the beautiful spring surroundings to create a painting.
Family Photographer – All Day
Across from Clay Pavilions
Freeze Frame photographers will be on hand to snap pictures of your family with the brilliant spring garden as your backdrop. Souvenir photographs will be available on the spot for purchase to be sure you remember your special day!
Games & Outdoor Fun – All Day
At the top and base of Daffodil Hill
Have a go at favorite garden party games like badminton and croquet. ‘Hit the links’ on our mini-golf putting greens, and enjoy our big backyard by playing some classic games like bean bag toss and croquet.
Giant Chess – All day
Near Clay Pavilions
Engage your family and friends in a giant game of strategy!
Chalk Drawing – All day
By the Children’s Adventure Garden Waterfall
Get creative and make your own chalk masterpiece to add to the designs!
Live Family Music Performances – 11:30 a.m., 2:15, & 4:30 p.m.
On Daffodil Hill Stage
The Banjo Rascals
For years, The Banjo Rascals have been delighting audiences of all ages with a variety of distinctive toe-tapping tunes. Their music range spans decades from ragtime to rock- n- roll. They return to the Garden for a day of entertaining fun! www.banjorascals.com
Bubble Show & Bubbles with Silly Sally – 1:30 & 3:45 p.m.
On Daffodil Hill Stage
Silly Sally has been entertaining audiences for 20 years. We are a children’s event planning company specializing in family entertainment, birthday parties, corporate and charity functions.
Square Dancing Lessons – 12:15 & 2:45 p.m.
On Daffodil Hill Stage
Get your toes tapping with square dance caller Kristin Andreassen. No experience required!
Refreshments & Picnicking on Daffodil Hill – All Day
Picnic on Daffodil Hill while enjoying the delicious offerings for sale from various NYC food trucks. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase to help you enjoy your afternoon at the Garden. Please note that some vendors are cash only; please prepare accordingly.
Food Trucks Include:
- • Andy’s Italian Ice (Italian ices and espresso)
- • Coolhaus (ice cream)
- • DUB Pies (Australian cuisine)
- • Eat Morris (grilled cheese menu)
- • Gorilla Cheese NYC (grilled cheese menu)
- • Souvlaki GR (Greek cuisine)
- • Mausam (Indian cuisine)
- • Yankee Doodle Dandy’s (American fare)
Ongoing Children’s Programs
Mario Batali’s Kitchen Gardens – 1:30–6 p.m.
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Garden beds are filled with plants featured in the favorite recipes of the chefs from Mario Batali’s restaurants. Kids can explore the gardens to solve Mario’s Menu Mystery game.
Spring Fun! – 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
In the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden
Watch the Garden’s plants and animals wake up from winter with buds bursting, birds nesting, and seeds sprouting. Investigate the ways that nature signals spring and help our feathered friends build their nests with special nesting bags to take back to your neighborhood.
Dig! Plant! Grow! Salad Days – 1:30–6:00 p.m.
In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden
Plants and imaginations grow at the Howell Family Garden, where kids are allowed!—no, encouraged!—to play in the dirt. Display gardens, such as the Global Gardens and the Bean Tunnel or Salad Bowl, and daily interactive gardening activities delight and inspire. Drop-in activities end at 5:30 p.m.
