Student Activity: New York Botanical Gardens
The front entrance
Every week I’m grateful for the varied learning opportunities offered to students at Longwood and this week was no different! We had the opportunity to go on an all-day student trip to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, NYC!Â
From the NYBG website: “The New York Botanical Garden is an iconic living museum, a major educational institution, and a renowned plant research and conservation organization. Founded in 1891 and now a National Historic Landmark, it is one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world and the largest in any city in the United States.”
After napping on the bus, bumping along in city traffic, and enjoying wonderful shortbread cookies from our fellow intern, Nathan, we arrived at the garden gate. I was surprised to discover that, although we were in the middle of NYC, you would’ve never known while standing in this expansive green space. Even in Central Park, you can see buildings in the distance, but that was not my experience at the NYBG.
We were warmly greeted by staff members and were presented with two tour options. Though I’m not a horticulture student, I chose to accompany the group that toured the NYBG’s native plant garden and learned about their efforts to keep that area as close to natural beauty as possible, while also maintaining a well-groomed, picturesque environment. Like Longwood, they maintain a lovely meadow garden and forested area, so it was neat to compare the similarities and differences between how both Longwood and NYBG staff care for these spaces. After the tour, we went our separate ways in smaller groups and explored all the NYBG has to offer!
The Mertz Library, with its rather impressive exterior.            Â
The only conservatory I’ve visited is Longwood’s so, to be honest, I did not know what to expect of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Let me just say, I was floored. While touring, I fell in love with the high, domed ceilings and detailed, arching glass and limestone. It truly is the Victorian-style crown jewel of the garden. I think my favorite design aspect of the conservatory’s permanent collection was the raised levels in the tropical room, which allow guests to view the space from both the ground and the “canopy.” I also enjoyed the intimacy and organization of the collection – its intentionality was impressive, as it was set-up like a museum for plants.
The soaring, domed ceiling of the Palm House took my breath away!
My favorite of the Chihuly pieces was Macchia Forest, a series of lotus leaf-like fountain bowls underneath cascading arbors.
We were lucky enough to visit while the CHIHULY exhibition was on display throughout the garden and, I have to say, that was my favorite part of the experience! This exhibition showcases more than 20 installations and includes context about the artistic process and career of Dale Chihuly. The interplay between the botanically-inspired glass sculptures, the flora, and the water features was striking and imaginative. The NYBG website frames it best, calling the gardens a “living canvas” for the Chihuly installations.Â
The bright Sol del Citron installation stands out against the limestone of the Conservatory.
The Sapphire Star bursts into view on a sweeping lawn.
These detailed forms in the Glasshouse Fiori installation mimic surrounding flora so well I didn’t realize, upon first glance, that they were glass!
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of Chiluly pieces on display in the outdoor gardens, conservatory, and library and tried my best to see them all. Also on display during our visit were nature-inspired poems by elementary and middle school writing contest winners. As a former English student and lover of poetry, I felt this was a wonderful, emotional, compliment to the sights of the garden and Chihuly’s bright, organically arranged installations.
We became so engrossed in exploring the garden that, before we knew it, it was time to depart. I could have stayed for hours more, if only to take a breath and enjoy the atmosphere of this, clearly, well-loved garden.
The Everett Children's Adventure Garden was filled with whimsical pumpkin and scarecrow displays. Who said children’s gardens are only for kids?
The iconic view of the domed Palm House from the waterlily pools. This is the scene I will likely remember the most from this trip.
Article and photos by Kaitlyn Coleman, Guest Engagement Intern.
