Look up to experience the soaring beauty of orchids!
The elegance of the orchid in all its myriad forms returns to the New York Botanical Garden this year with an aerial display unlike any other. Starting February 28, you can explore an expanded showcase of hanging designs inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory before stepping outside to enjoy a complementary schedule of events and activities. Inspired dance performances, poetry, hands-on orchid care demonstrations, and shopping fill the daylight hours, while the return of the popular Orchid Evenings ensures many memorable celebrations after the sun has set.
A spectacle of orchid species beckons the eye upward during this year’s Orchid Show, a breathtaking presentation spotlighting the aerial beauty of this iconic flower through hanging baskets, colorful living columns, and the centerpiece: a huge star-shaped chandelier overflowing with hundreds of plants. Stroll beneath dozens of suspended designs in the tropical ambience of the Haupt Conservatory, with an expanded display for its 13th year that fills the Rain Forest Galleries and beyond with flamboyant color and intoxicating fragrance.
Featured programs of The Orchid Show include:
Poetry Walk: Deborah Landau, Director of the Creative Writing Department at New York University, curates a collection of verses in the gardens surrounding the Conservatory that celebrates nature and the beauty of the orchid through the work of selected poets. February 28–April 19 .
Poetry Reading: Deborah Landau reads poems inspired by the beauty of spring and works from her book Orchidelirium, which won the Anhinga Prize for Poetry. Advance tickets recommended. Sunday, March 7; 2 p.m.
Orchid Care Demonstrations: Join Sonia Uyterhoeven, Gardener for Public Education, as she discusses the basics of orchid care and how to choose and successfully grow these exotic plants. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 & 3 p.m.
Film Screening — Vanilla: The Sacred Orchid. Learn the intriguing life process—from flower to pantry—of the world’s favorite flavor. This scenic film examines the full year-cycle of this spice from Veracruz, Mexico. The orchid is still cultivated by the same indigenous people who have been growing it for centuries. (Run time: 26 minutes) Saturday, March 21; 3, 3:30, & 4 p.m. In the Ross Hall.
Divide, Repot, Rejuvenate!: Marc Hachadourian shows you when and how to divide and repot your orchids without trauma to your plants. Saturday, March 21 or Saturday, April 18; 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Non-Member $59/Member $49.
Flash Photography — The Orchid Show: Learn flash photography techniques to capture the beauty of this year’s Orchid Show. Wednesday, March 25; 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Non-Member $119/Member $105.
Troubleshooting for Orchids: This class demystifies orchid care and puts your orchids on the road to blooming again and again. Saturday, March 28; 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Non-Member $59/Member $49.
The Incredible World of Mini and Micro-miniature Orchids: Pick up tips and learn to care for these mini marvels. Saturday, April 11; 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Non-Member $59/Member $49.
Orchid Evenings: Enjoy a cocktail while viewing The Orchid Show and its thousands of spectacular flowers. The unforgettable beauty makes for one of New York City’s most romantic date destinations. While taking in the elegance of the show, stop for quick lipstick touch-ups by one of Guerlain’s famed make-up artists, and indulge in a specialty cocktail inspired by Guerlain’s Orchidée Impériale line. Dine at the Pine Tree Cafe and lounge to the sounds of a live band. Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18; and Friday, April 17 6:30–9 p.m. (entry times at 6:30, 7, & 7:30 p.m.)