Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Vilina Phan
Posted in Programs and Events on December 18 2015, by Vilina Phan
As we celebrate the peak of the holiday season at the Garden, we thought it appropriate to ring in the winter solstice (it’s actually Tuesday, December 22, but who’s counting?) with a weekend performance suited to the nostalgic sights and sounds of the season. And what better group to fit the bill than an ensemble of cellos, violins, and flutes?
This Sunday, December 20, sit for a performance of selections by Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel during the last of Le Train Bleu’s 2015 Winter Harmonies concerts. With Ransom Wilson at the helm, you can be sure of a rousing take on these classic compositions. And it’s not just for adults, either—the ensemble set aside time for a kid-friendly performance at 2 p.m. that features introductions to each of the instruments being played. At 4 p.m., they’ll return with a concert geared toward adults. Learn more here, and don’t forget to grab these special tickets.
The Holiday Train Show continues throughout the month and into January, and because it’s late December, we’ll be open this coming Monday to accommodate everyone who’s out and about during this beautiful time of year. As a reminder to everyone out there who’s planning on joining us for Bar Car Nights, our events for this weekend—December 18 and 19 respectively—are both sold out as of today, so don’t sleep too long on tickets to upcoming nights!
It’s going to be a musical spectacle of a weekend, of that much I’m more than sure. See everything that’s happening below.
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Posted in Around the Garden on December 11 2015, by Vilina Phan
The Holiday Train Show is in full swing with plenty of activities to get you in the holiday spirit—and with the thermometer nearing 60 degrees, there aren’t many excuses to stay inside! Better yet, we will be open this Monday as well as the following two Mondays—perfect for when the kids start their vacation or when visiting family members come to town.
Kids and the young at heart will delight in the scaled models of classic New York landmarks, built entirely of bark, twigs, seeds, and other natural materials, while seeing G-scale trains zip between these works of art is a special treat. And this weekend features a holiday a cappella group singing your favorite carols; a live poetry reading with former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins on Saturday, featuring works including those on display at the Leon Levy Visitor Center and Perennial Garden Way; and the first installment of the Winter Harmonies Concert Series on Sunday, featuring Le Train Bleu and acclaimed flutist and music director Ransom Wilson.
Come see why a winter visit to the Garden has become one of New York’s favorite holiday traditions. Grab your tickets today!
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Posted in Programs and Events on December 4 2015, by Vilina Phan
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like the Garden during this magical time of year. New York’s favorite tradition, the Holiday Train Show, is in full swing—and while you’re here to see the exhibition, enjoy the many festive activities throughout Garden grounds such as holiday a cappella singing your favorite carols and holiday film screenings in Ross Hall.
Take the kids to the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden for Evergreen Express, where lively stations are set up offering something new to create and explore at every stop!
And for the adults, come to Bar Car Nights (special ticket required) and enjoy the Holiday Train Show after dark, where the exhibition twinkles against the night sky. Sip a complimentary drink and enjoy a beautiful evening filled with jazz, an ice sculpture demonstration, and a playful light show. Our next evenings are tonight, December 4, and this Saturday, December 5, and there’s still time to get the few remaining tickets!
Don’t wait—purchase tickets now and start your holiday season off right.
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Posted in Programs and Events on October 30 2015, by Vilina Phan
FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life concludes this weekend–if you have yet to catch the blockbuster exhibition, hurry and grab your tickets before it’s too late! And what better way to celebrate the great artist then by honoring her heritage with grand Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) festivities? Live performances from The Villalobos Brothers and Los Chinelos de Morelos can be seen on the Conservatory Lawn. The stilt-walkers of Los Zancudos de Zaachila, presented by Laura Anderson Barbata, will be roaming the grounds, surprising and delighting all. Inside the Conservatory, see a beautiful ofrenda, or altar, paying homage to Kahlo. Fun activities can be found throughout the grounds, such as face painting and a mask-making workshop!
And let’s not forget, it is Halloween weekend—come see North America’s largest pumpkin alongside other prize-winning gourds. Marvel at the intricate giant pumpkin carving of Ray Villafane and his team—based on a satirical illustration by Jose Guadalupe Posada in the 20th century.
This is the weekend to come if you haven’t seen Frida. And if you have, come again and celebrate the Dead of the Dead with us!
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Posted in Programs and Events on October 23 2015, by Vilina Phan
FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life goes out on a particularly high note in its closing weekends, with a bevy of exciting Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) activities! Live performances from Calpulli Danza Mexicana, Jarana Beat, and The Villalobos Brothers with Los Chinelos de Morelos dancers take over the Conservatory lawn and steps throughout the weekend. Giant skeletons, La Catrina puppets, and Los Zancudos de Zaachila stilt dancers will be roaming the Garden for all to enjoy. In addition see the Day of the Dead ofrenda, or altar, honoring Kahlo in the Conservatory, and Humberto Spíndola‘s The Two Fridas come alive (literally) in the Library Rotunda. You’ll also have fun with hands-on activities such as mask-making and face painting.
And because Halloween is right around the corner, we are pleased to welcome back master carver Ray Villafane, who will carve a giant pumpkin inspired by the Day of the Dead. Come watch, and enter for a chance to win a carving from the master himself.
Come to the Garden this weekend and celebrate a wonderful Mexican tradition with us!
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Posted in Programs and Events on October 2 2015, by Vilina Phan
Don’t let the weather get you down—it’s the perfect time to see the Garden, and FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life, in its final days. There are plenty of ways to stay dry while appreciating the rich art and glorious outdoors at the Garden! With beautiful dance performances, enlightening film screenings, and fascinating demonstrations, there really isn’t a reason to not come. Don’t let the weather ruin your well-deserved weekend!
In the coming weeks, look out for some family-friendly, spooktastic activities. Bring the whole family and find monarch butterflies, see artfully sculpted giant pumpkins, go batty with live bats, and more! The Garden will be bustling with fun fall activities this October, so plan ahead, and get your tickets now!
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Posted in Programs and Events on September 4 2015, by Vilina Phan
Wind down the summer this Labor Day holiday at the Garden—we’ll be open through the long weekend! Come view the blockbuster FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life exhibition and check out the associated programs that are sure to make your experience that much more exciting—from live music and dance by Mexico Beyond Mariachi to screenings of films that highlight the rich culture of Mexico, to Frida-inspired cooking demonstrations in the Family Garden, there’s something for just about anyone to enjoy.
While you’re here, take part in one of our many tours happening throughout the Garden, led by experts in the field. You can learn about the jewel-like plants on the Rock Garden Tour, or explore our historic Conservatory on the Aquatic Plant Tour, or just meander and lose yourself in the Garden, because you never know what may discover! Grab your tickets today and head on over for an amazing holiday weekend!
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Posted in Programs and Events on August 28 2015, by Vilina Phan
Come visit the Garden this weekend to see a very special presentation occurring in Ross Hall this Saturday, a part of FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life. You’ll get to meet Mixtec weavers on their first trip to New York as they demonstrate the ancient art of weaving textiles using dye produced by an endangered purple sea snail. Only a handful of artisans possess the skills to harness the dye! After the presentation, their work will be available for purchase at Shop in the Garden.
We’ll also be featuring live music and dance from acclaimed performers Jarana Beat, a band that mixes Afro-Amerindian Mexican sounds with activist messages. You can also find screenings of films that celebrate the art and culture of Mexico. So grab your friends and family and head over to the Garden this weekend, and see for yourself what everyone is talking about!
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Posted in Around the Garden on August 14 2015, by Vilina Phan
Summer may be winding down, but the festivities of the Garden are heating up. With FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life in full swing there is no time like the present to experience the blockbuster exhibition, amid the backdrop of late summer flora seen throughout the massive garden grounds.
On Saturday, tour the Ross Conifer Arboretum where you will see and learn about the majestic world of conifers, with a few rarities that can only be found in select locations around the world, and of course, here at the Garden. Or Tour the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, exploring various habitats from around the world, all housed under one ceiling.
Sunday calls for even more tours! Learn about the aquatic house at the Conservatory, where you’ll see an acre of plants under glass. Or explore the Thain Family Forest, a 50-acre uncut woodland area, with experienced guides. But if you really just want a general gist of the Garden, then go on the Garden Highlight Tour, featuring pinnacle gardens and plants of the New York Botanical Garden.
And don’t forget about Frida! See rare works of her art at the Library, then go over to the Conservatory to see her home and garden, Casa Azul, come alive. This exhibition is not to be missed! So get your tickets now, and see the Garden before the summer’s over!
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Posted in Around the Garden, Mario Batali's Edible Garden, Programs and Events on August 7 2015, by Vilina Phan
Treat you and your family to a delicious meal at the Garden this weekend, prepared by renowned chefs from the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group. Dinner features a three-course, family-styled meal using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. Kids will also have the opportunity to get their hands dirty with gardening and craft activities alongside cooking demonstration. It’s fun for the whole family, get your tickets now!
Arrive early and experience the blockbuster FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life exhibition with all the exciting programs running throughout the day (and weekend!), including live dance performances and a special screening of famed Mexican film, Café, Cantos de Humo or Coffee, Chants of Smoke.
Take advantage of the beautiful weekend and come to the Garden—with so many activities, we’re sure it’ll be one for the books!
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As we celebrate the peak of the holiday season at the Garden, we thought it appropriate to ring in the winter solstice (it’s actually Tuesday, December 22, but who’s counting?) with a weekend performance suited to the nostalgic sights and sounds of the season. And what better group to fit the bill than an ensemble of cellos, violins, and flutes?
