First Come Flowers

Japanese Chrysanthemum Exhibit at New York Botanical Gardens

Kiku: The Art of The Japanese Garden, is now on exhibit at The New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG).  From now through October 27, 2013, you can see  hundreds of Kiku at the Enid A Haupt Conservatory.  

NYBG

 

Kiku, which means chrysanthemum, is the most highly celebrated Japanese fall flower. Experts work on the chrysanthemum plants for nearly a year to train and shape the kiku on display.

 

NYBG

 

You can see a video, called "Kiku: The Art of The Japanese Garden" here.

NYBG

Enjoy haiku in the perennial garden and walk through the grounds of the NYBG for a tour of Japanese trees. 

NYBG

 

Special events include a look at the art of bonsai, drumming and the place of flowers in the Japanese culture. Purchase your tickets here. 

Hope you get a chance to visit this exhibit, If so, please let me know what you think in the comments below.

 

Mimi

 

 

 

 

 

Have You Seen The Incredible Orchids at the NYBG Orchid Show Yet?

My friend, Linda's post, over at Calling It Home, just reminded me about The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden being held now through April 22, 2013. You can read her post here.

 

NYBG

 

See more amazing images from the NYBG Orchid Show at a blog called, Kristen Troost Hall Photography.

Please let me know what you think of this incredible orchid show in the comments below.

Mimi

Green-Haired Man Creates Vertical Gardens At New York Botanical Gardens

The 10th Annual Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Garden is featuring an incredible installation by Patrick Blanc.

Bill Cary

Patrick Blanc, a Paris botanist  and artist has built a reputation creating lavish vertical gardens all over the world.  His work at The New York Botanical Garden features some orchids, but mostly he focuses on what he calls "vegetative architecture and the color of leaves."

DNA info

 Patrick Blanc invented the modern concept of "the green wall."  He is considered a "rock star" in the field of creative botany.

Video - See a BBC interview with Orchid Show designer, Patrick Blank here.

Photos - You can view 11 photos from the 10th Annual Orchid Show here at the post "Spring Colors in Bloom at Orchid Show" from the website, DNA info.com. 

The Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Garden runs now through April 22, 2012. You can get tickets here.

What do you think of vertical gardens?

Mimi

How To Experience Spanish Paradise Gardens in New York

 

The New York Botanical Gardens is hosting an exhibition called Spanish Paradise Gardens of the Alhambra now through August 21, 2011.

  

 The Spanish Gardens of the Alhambra explores the collaboration between nature and dramatic design.

You will immediately be struck by the fragrance of these gardens. The heavenly scent of lavender, sour orange and lemon trees, jasmine, myrtle, safflower, and rosemary fill the air.

Here's a link to an article in the New York Times called, Temptations Found in Gardens of Islamic Delight, that describes the gardens in more detail.

  

You can take a video tour of the exhibit here.

I haven't seen Spanish Paradise Gardens of the Alhambra yet, but it sounds amazing.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Mimi

What is a Moon Garden?

 
 
 
Part 1: What is a Moon Garden?  This is the first of a 4 part  series on moon gardens.

What is a moon garden?

A moon garden is a type of garden design meant to be enjoyed  in the moonlight.

Moon gardens contain white flowers and silvery foliage that seem to sparkle and reflect light. 

A place to relax, see and smell the sweet fragrance of night-blooming flowers.

Moon gardens are great for evening meditation and relaxation after a long day.

Please read the rest of this upcoming series:

Part II    Designing a Moon Garden

Part III   Types of Plants in a Moon Garden

Part IV    Balcony Moon Gardening

 

Beside flowers and foliage, what would you put in your moon garden? A chandelier? Fish pond?

Mimi

Image:   ewainthegarden

Types of Plants In A Moon Garden

 

This is Part 3 in a 4 part series on Moon Gardens. Read Part 1 and

Part 2 here.

Moon gardens are often referred to as evening gardens. Because they are best enjoyed at night.

 

The idea of a moon garden is to fill it with flowers that will almost glow at night.  But what kind of plants should you use? Check out the links below for lists of flowers  and foliage that are spectacular in the light of the moon.

 

Types of Plants in a Moon Garden:

• The Evening Garden
• Silver Herbs
• Hollywoods and Vines
• Night Blooming Plants
• Night Garden Plants
• Flowers for a Moon Garden

Which flower would be the centerpiece of your moon garden?

Mimi

 

Images:   Planting Seeds Blog     Unique Unique Design     Krisbishop

How To Design A Moon Garden

 

This is Part 2 of  a 4 Part series on Moon Gardens.

 

Read Part 1: What is a Moon Garden? here.

 

How To Design A Moon Garden

A moon garden is a special garden design that has only white flowers and silvery-leafed plants that reflect moon or artificial light.  Fragrant flowers are a major part of the design creating a relaxing atmosphere for meditation and quiet contemplation.

But how do you go about creating a moon garden? 

 

Here are some informative links where you can get ideas about how to design a moon garden:

• Make a Delightful Moon Garden Haven: Tips & Ideas .
• A Guide to Gardens That Look Best After Dark
• Design for a Moon Garden
• Under the Spell of  the Moon Garden

 

Which of the moon garden design links did you find most helpful? 

 

Image:  realsimple.com   domino   feefern