The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show

NY Botanical Garden Orchid Show

In the beautiful Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden, the 13th annual Orchid Show is a spectacle not to be missed.

NYBG Orchid Show at the Enid A. Haupt ConservatoryWith this year’s theme of chandeliers, an expanded venue within the Rain Forest Galleries and beyond shows off the bountiful beauty and endless variety of these exquisite flowers. From hanging baskets

NYBG Orchid Show

Orchids at the NYBG show

to flowering columns

Orchid Show at the NY Botanical GardenOrchids at the NYBG showto floating islands

Floating flower at the NYBG Orchid Show Orchid Showit is truly a tropical paradise. It is impossible to translate the experience of walking through the lush and fragrant exhibit.

NY Botanical Garden Orchid Show

Walking through the Orchid Show

You must look up, down and in each niche, for the profusion of orchids is everywhere, impossible to take in with a single glance. Like in a tropical rain forest, they cling to branches, grow on the ground and fill every inch of this magnificent installation.

Orchid Show NYBG

NYBG Orchid Show NYBG Orchid Show NYBG Orchid Show

Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden Orchids at the NYBG show

The pièce de résistance is an enormous star-shaped chandelier overflowing with hundreds of plants in the rear domed space.

Orchid Show chandelier

NYBG

It is a testament to the skill and artistry of designer Francisca P. Coelho, Vivian and Edward Merrin Vice President for Glasshouses and Exhibitions at the Garden, and her staff who were able to execute such an elaborate and intricate display including such a wide variety of orchids.

Stone Mill dinner at the New York Botanical GardenAfter a private visit to the exhibit, I was delighted to be included at a dinner organized by Botanical Garden Board Member Mish Tworkowski at the Stone Mill, a charming New York City and National Historic Landmark from 1840 on the property, available for private events. In addition to celebrating the show, we learning of the worthy Garden Patrons Program which provides the NYBG with crucial support for its many exhibitions and programs as well as granting exclusive benefits and privileges.

NYBG edible academyphoto courtesy of the NYBG

One of my favorite programs I learned about was The Edible Academy, an educational platform including “hands-on activities, and interactive programs that help children, their families, and their teachers learn about growing and preparing vegetables, fruits, and herbs while helping them gain enthusiasm for and lifelong interest in gardening and healthful living.” It’s a great initiative and a new three acre complex is coming soon to accommodate the expanding popularity of the program.

Orchids at the NYBGI was lucky enough to sit next to Marc Hachadourian, Director of the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections and curator of orchids at the NYBG. Despite my embarrassing lack of gardening skills, I broached the subject of my inability to keep orchids longer than a few weeks. Marc explained that the ice cube method is a myth and the key to maintaining orchids is a bit of a laissez faire attitude. Water infrequently but when you do, make sure it is a thorough drench. Other than that, he said don’t feel badly about going out to buy a new plant – it’s what keeps him business!

Orchids at the NYBGI encourage all of you in the NYC area to make an effort to see the Orchid Show before it closes on April 19. It is a truly a spectacle that you won’t want to miss.

unless otherwise indicated, all photos by Quintessence

9 thoughts on “The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show

  1. Spectacular! We in California take some things for granted! I am so lucky to have been collecting cymbidium orchids all my life! (I have a few 60 years old!!!) In any case; orchids are beautiful and keep on giving!!! They need minimum care (water and a bit of fertilizer) and shade.

    then……here they go the next year! Beautiful blooms for months~!!!

    Bravo! Thank you all my cymbidiums! pictures coming!!

    I am so grateful!

  2. This is truly amazing…it boggles the mind. If there was “anyway” to see this in person…I would try it. For now, I’ve looked at these photos over and over. Thanks for all your time in putting this together. franki

  3. Just beautiful – I’ve wanted to see them in person, but am thankful that I have your photos to tide me over until I can get there one day. Just gorgeous – makes me want to paint orchids all day today. Thanks for the inspiration! XO

  4. Thank you so much Stacey for sharing these amazing experiences that so many of us cannot make it out east to attend. Glorious, simply glorious specimens everywhere. I can only imagine the beauty in person, and I do adore orchids!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

  5. Maravillosa exposición!, estaré en Nueva York el 10 de mayo espero poder visitarla ya que las flores de las orquídeas duran meses.

    • I’m afraid the Orchid Show ends April 19 but you should still put the Botanical Garden on your must-see list.

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