Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Photography on February 9 2016, by Matt Newman
Is that you, spring? No? Oh, well, the snowdrops were only wondering. We’ll let them know that it’s still a month and change ’til the switch, though I think they’re committed at this point.
Snowdrops (Galanthus) along Tulip Tree Allée – Photo by Amy Weiss
Posted in Photography on February 8 2016, by Lansing Moore
The Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’ pops against the crisp blankets of fresh snow adorning the Garden.
In the Home Gardening Center – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on February 8 2016, by Matt Newman
Witch-hazel is such a wonderful signifier in winter. It tells us that this season is not colorless, and in the same breath, that spring is not so far off the horizon as we think.
Ozark witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) in the Ross Conifer Arboretum – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Programs and Events on February 5 2016, by Matt Newman
With a fresh blanket of snow dusting our outdoor collections and a sunny weekend on the forecast, the next two days are a welcome opportunity to experience a classic winter outing—with all the warm days we’ve been having, it certainly took its time.
On the docket is our long-running Bird Walk with Debbie Becker, where you can join up with veteran birders and newbies alike to tour our 250 acres with binoculars in hand. With the leaves gone from the trees, and the blanket of white casting the wildlife of the Garden in high contrast, now is one of the best times of year to go out and find our feathered friends.
Now is also the perfect time to take part in one of our weekend tours. Whether you’re looking to explore the wintry trees of the outdoor collections or stay warm in the steamy rain forests of our Haupt Conservatory, NYBG’s expert guides have got you covered.
Check below for the full schedule!
Posted in From the Library on February 4 2016, by Esther Jackson
Esther Jackson is the Public Services Librarian at NYBG’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library where she manages Reference and Circulation services and oversees the Plant Information Office. She spends much of her time assisting researchers, providing instruction related to library resources, and collaborating with NYBG staff on various projects related to Garden initiatives and events.
The Manual of Interior Plantscaping: A Guide to Design, Installation, and Maintenance is the newest book from Kathy Fediw and her first with Timber Press. Fediw has over 30 years of experience in the world of interior plantscaping, working as a consultant, author, and speaker. She is quite prolific, and has carved out a niche as a purveyor of information for those in the interior plantscaping business and those who are considering moving into the field.
In the preface for Manual, Fediw writes, “It is my hope that this book will be a bridge between the design community and the horticulture community, so we can all work together to make plants a part of our every day lives.” To this end, Manual promises to show readers how to design different types of interior plantscapes including atriums, indoor gardens, green walls, potted office plants, color bowls, dish gardens, and terrariums—in 296 pages, no less.
Posted in Photography on February 4 2016, by Matt Newman
The season is far from colorless—just look to the yellow, star-like blooms of the winter jasmine to carry you through the snowflake months.
Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) along the Ladies’ Border – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Photography on February 3 2016, by Lansing Moore
Or rather, Duck Lake—but beautiful all the same!
In the Native Plant Garden – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Programs and Events on February 2 2016, by Elizabeth Figueroa
During the week of December 14, we had 12 Bronx elementary schools participate in our annual Children’s Holiday Tree Garden. Students created their own ornaments, and each tree featured a plaque identifying the school. After each group completed its tree decoration, the children were treated to hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes, and a walk through the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
At the end of the program, three schools were selected for the best decorations based on creativity of design and materials used for the ornaments. They were rewarded with a return visit to the Garden to view our annual Holiday Train Show.
Posted in Photography on February 2 2016, by Matt Newman
One of the break-out stars of Plant Talk from years past, this mandevilla blooms like a floodlight in the Haupt Conservatory. Check out our post on how to overwinter your own!
Mandevilla Sun Parasol® Giant White in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Around the Garden on February 1 2016, by Toni Ann Simone
Toni Ann Simone is a GreenSchool Science Education Intern at The New York Botanical Garden.
Waves of students pool together inside the queues of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory as they eagerly wait to explore its many biomes and exhibitions. A cluster at the front of the line indicates the children are balancing precariously on tip-toes to glance at the imposing structure placed near the entrance of the building. While some eyes light with recognition of the word “Macy’s” labeled on the brown, box-like creation, others are entranced by the toy train which circles it in an infinite loop. This grand replica of Manhattan’s famous department store, festively decorated with sprouting horns of white branches and red yuletide ornaments, stands as the captivating introduction to The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Train Show.
As GreenSchool’s intern for the 2015–2016 academic year, I am able to interact with these students and discuss what they observed as they participate in the GreenSchool’s plant science workshop, “Building with Botany.” Just like the Holiday Train Show which was restructured and expanded this year, so was its complementary workshop. “Building with Botany” is now a fully involved STEAM program; like its acronym, it seamlessly integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.