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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Remembering Dr. Oliver Sacks

Posted in People on September 3 2015, by Debbie Becker

Debbie Becker has been The New York Botanical Garden’s resident bird expert for over 25 years, and continues to lead her popular Bird Walks on Saturday mornings throughout much of the year. She maintains Birding Around NYC, where readers can find photo galleries of recent NYBG bird walks and up-to-date lists of species seen during each outing.

thain family forest native forest NYBG Dr. Oliver Sacks loved The New York Botanical Garden. I know this because I walked the Garden’s paths with him.

In the early to mid 1980s, Dr. Sacks would enter the garden early in the morning, before the public would arrive, to take in the sights. I would also arrive at NYBG early—to bird watch before my first class at Fordham University—and we would be the only two people walking about.

It was inevitable that one day we would bump into each other. I had no idea who he was, at first, but he was very gracious when he asked me what I was doing, peering up into the trees with my binoculars. His curiosity piqued when I explained that I was bird watching and the Garden was a perfect oasis for finding birds. He launched into a speech on the behavior of birds and their pollination habits along with the symbiotic relationship they shared with specific trees and shrubs. I was an environmental science major and was truly fascinated with all the knowledge he had to share.

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Morning Eye Candy: Hints

Posted in Photography on September 2 2015, by Matt Newman

Is this a hint of fall’s approach? Regardless, we’re hanging onto late summer’s vivid greens for as long as we can!

Fallen leaves

Along Tulip Tree Allée – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Morning Eye Candy: Fondness

Posted in Photography on August 31 2015, by Matt Newman

Our yellow magnolias aren’t in bloom right now—this was taken in spring—but Dr. Oliver Sacks seemed fond of them. I can think of no better reason to look back.

Here’s to a dear friend of the Garden, whose amity and wit brightened these grounds in all seasons.

Magnolia 'Butterflies'

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ in the magnolia collection – Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

This Weekend: See Rare Oaxacan Weaving Techniques and More

Posted in Programs and Events on August 28 2015, by Vilina Phan

IVO_6379Come 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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Concrete Jungle Flourishes through Green-Up

Posted in Learning Experiences, People on August 28 2015, by Plant Talk

Ken Iwuoha worked with Bronx Green-Up this summer, and will be attending York College this fall. Bronx Green-Up, the community garden program of The New York Botanical Garden, provides horticultural assistance, community organizing and training to Bronx gardens and urban farms. For more information, click here.

Ken readies a harvest of serrano peppers harvested from Bronx community gardens. The peppers will be made into Bronx hot sauce (http://bronxhotsauce.com), a product available at the Shop at NYBG and local Greenmarkets.
Ken readies a harvest of serrano peppers harvested from Bronx community gardens. The peppers will be made into Bronx hot sauce, a product available at the Shop at NYBG and local Greenmarkets.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ken Iwuoha. I am a SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program) worker for the summer of 2015. I have worked for The New York Botanical Garden for over six weeks, with the Bronx Green-Up Program.

As an individual born and raised in the Bronx, I have adapted to buildings, construction, and pollution—the “City Life.” I used to think that planting a tree in front of your house was the best way of being green. After working for Bronx Green-Up, however, my point of view has changed completely. Donating plants and providing services to local community gardens and schools has opened my eyes to the beauty of the Bronx.

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