Never choosing to be out done by Philadelphia, the New York Botanical Garden has scheduled its spectacular Orchid Show for March 2- April 22. And spectacular this show really is! Of course, I may be biased because I love orchids thus, botanistix. I think these shows are an entertaining and beautiful form of 'carrot dangling' all Northerners need to get them through to the warmth of the Spring months. I say, whatever works! If you are anywhere even close, I highly recommend this unique extravaganza of colors and textures all encompassed in orchids.
SHOW DETAILS
Each year, this eagerly anticipated exhibition displays thousands of orchids in the country’s largest curated show featuring orchids. In 2013, The Orchid Show dramatically transforms The New York Botanical Garden’s landmark Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a lush rainforest.
In a local nod to how many orchids grow in the wild, Hurricane Sandy storm-damaged trees from the Garden's grounds will be incorporated into the show as a design element. Nearly 300 of the Garden’s specimen trees were either uprooted or otherwise destroyed.
Upon entering the show, you will first encounter a stand of giant bamboos immersed in a sea of mist that camouflages the entrance to this exotic world. Tall canopy palms, ferns, and tropical trees support woody vines that crisscross from trunk to trunk, arching downward with their precious burden of fascinating flora. Orchids, aroids, ferns, bromeliads, and epiphytic cacti are among the species that hang overhead. Costus, Calathea (prayer plants), Cymbidium (Asian corsage orchids), Philodendron, and bananas grapple across the forest floor competing for every available inch of space.
In the main feature of the display, rocky outcroppings dominate, large palms protrude, and orchids thrive alongside ferns and aroids. A large pool in the center is fed by waterfalls. Two large canopy trees barren of leaves, dripping with Spanish moss and full of epiphytes, hang over the pool. Natural arbors saturated with vandas (rainbow orchids) and dendrobiums (cane orchids) nestled between Davallia and Asplenium ferns line the far path.
About Designer Francisca Coelho
Francisca Coelho graduated from the Garden’s School of Professional Horticulture and began her career at the Garden 30 years ago, rising through the ranks to her current position of Vivian and Edward Merrin Vice President for Glasshouses and Exhibitions. Tropical plants and aquatics are her areas of horticultural expertise.
Coelho was deeply involved in the restoration of the Conservatory from 1993 to 1997 and continues to take the lead in the restoration and preservation of this landmark structure and the development and display of its Living Collections. She leads Conservatory exhibition-related planning and implementation for the Garden and is known for her plantsmanship and design skills in developing, planting, and maintaining the permanent plant galleries and the high-profile seasonal shows.
Orchids at the Garden
There are more than 7,000 orchids representing 3,075 taxa (different types) in the Garden’s permanent collection. The New York Botanical Garden has orchids from all over the world, including Australia, Africa, South America, and Madagascar. Because the Garden is committed to orchid research and conservation, our scientists study the botany and ecology of orchids; what they discover is useful to conservation work that will ensure the future of these extraordinary plants in nature.
The Garden’s resident orchid expert is Marc Hachadourian, Manager of the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections. With more than 15 years of commercial and specialized horticultural experience, he supervises the care of the botanical collections, including the extensive orchid collection and exhibition plants in the Nolen Greenhouses.
Events and Programs
Orchid Care Demonstrations
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1, 22), 2 & 3 p.m.
This series of hands-on demonstrations shows you how to grow and care for orchids at home. Topics vary each weekend and cover the most frequently asked questions on subjects such as Potting and Dividing Orchids, Basic Orchid Care, and Fragrant Orchids.
Music from the World of Orchids
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1, 22), 1 & 3 p.m. See a list of the performers.
Orchids fascinate and touch the lives of people in every country and culture. Enjoy a wide variety of music from around the world--different artists play popular tunes from a featured country each weekend—to complement your visit. Cuba, India, Brazil, and Portugal are among the countries included.
Roaming Orchid Experts
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1 & 22), 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Roaming Garden guides highlight parts of the permanent collection and special exhibition to add insight to your experience of The Orchid Show.
Orchid Care Q&A
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1 & 22), 2-5 p.m. In Shop in the Garden
Gardening and orchid experts share their best secrets and explain the simple steps to healthy plants as they help you choose the right plant for your home.
Tuesday Talks
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Meet in the Palms of the World Gallery in the Conservatory
Before entering The Orchid Show, get an introduction to the biology of orchids in a brief, informal presentation by a Garden guide.
Guided Tours
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Meet in the Palms of the World Gallery in the Conservatory
Tour The Orchid Show with an expert guide who will provide an in-depth look at rare and extraordinary orchid specimens.
For Children: Little Landscapes
Tuesdays - Fridays, 1:30-5:30 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden
Look closely at a wide array of artistic and scientific terrariums, and create your own rocky, mossy, or floral world in a jar to take home.
Special Lecture: Adders' Mouths and Ladies' Tresses: The Colorful World of Native Orchids
NEW DATE! Sunday, March 3, 4 p.m. In the Ross Hall
The Torrey Botanical Society presents David Taft, Chair of Conservation Committee of the Greater New York Orchid Society, and Supervisor of National Park Service Gateway National Recreation Area as speaker at its first talk of the year. Find out what makes an orchid an orchid, what the "orchid mystique" is all about, and why we should care about the preservation of plants and wild spaces in and near our cities. Orchids are stand-outs even in the best habitats, and it still surprises some that they are neither exclusively tropical nor tender hothouse darlings. In fact, many can be found growing throughout our temperate, heavily developed northeast. It is easy to dismiss the increasingly fragmented, troubled, pockets of woodlands, wetlands, and other natural habitats which persist even in our most urbanized areas, but orchids and other botanical riches can still be found in many. Mr. Taft's interest in native orchids has lured him into beautiful, outlandish, terribly disturbed, and sometimes simply ridiculous "wild spaces" throughout the northeast--some of which actually do occasionally harbor orchids. Join him in this refreshing survey of our native orchid species.
Events and Programs
Orchid Care Demonstrations
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1, 22), 2 & 3 p.m.
This series of hands-on demonstrations shows you how to grow and care for orchids at home. Topics vary each weekend and cover the most frequently asked questions on subjects such as Potting and Dividing Orchids, Basic Orchid Care, and Fragrant Orchids.
Music from the World of Orchids
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1, 22), 1 & 3 p.m. See a list of the performers.
Orchids fascinate and touch the lives of people in every country and culture. Enjoy a wide variety of music from around the world--different artists play popular tunes from a featured country each weekend—to complement your visit. Cuba, India, Brazil, and Portugal are among the countries included.
Roaming Orchid Experts
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1 & 22), 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Roaming Garden guides highlight parts of the permanent collection and special exhibition to add insight to your experience of The Orchid Show.
Orchid Care Q&A
Saturdays and Sundays (and Mondays, April 1 & 22), 2-5 p.m. In Shop in the Garden
Gardening and orchid experts share their best secrets and explain the simple steps to healthy plants as they help you choose the right plant for your home.
Tuesday Talks
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Meet in the Palms of the World Gallery in the Conservatory
Before entering The Orchid Show, get an introduction to the biology of orchids in a brief, informal presentation by a Garden guide.
Guided Tours
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Meet in the Palms of the World Gallery in the Conservatory
Tour The Orchid Show with an expert guide who will provide an in-depth look at rare and extraordinary orchid specimens.
For Children: Little Landscapes
Tuesdays - Fridays, 1:30-5:30 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden
Look closely at a wide array of artistic and scientific terrariums, and create your own rocky, mossy, or floral world in a jar to take home.
Special Lecture: Adders' Mouths and Ladies' Tresses: The Colorful World of Native Orchids
NEW DATE! Sunday, March 3, 4 p.m. In the Ross Hall
The Torrey Botanical Society presents David Taft, Chair of Conservation Committee of the Greater New York Orchid Society, and Supervisor of National Park Service Gateway National Recreation Area as speaker at its first talk of the year. Find out what makes an orchid an orchid, what the "orchid mystique" is all about, and why we should care about the preservation of plants and wild spaces in and near our cities. Orchids are stand-outs even in the best habitats, and it still surprises some that they are neither exclusively tropical nor tender hothouse darlings. In fact, many can be found growing throughout our temperate, heavily developed northeast. It is easy to dismiss the increasingly fragmented, troubled, pockets of woodlands, wetlands, and other natural habitats which persist even in our most urbanized areas, but orchids and other botanical riches can still be found in many. Mr. Taft's interest in native orchids has lured him into beautiful, outlandish, terribly disturbed, and sometimes simply ridiculous "wild spaces" throughout the northeast--some of which actually do occasionally harbor orchids. Join him in this refreshing survey of our native orchid species.
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