The Orchid Show: Chandeliers

The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden

I just got back from a wonderful week in New York where the weather was beautiful. The week was filled with great theatre, interesting art, fascinating book exhibitions and many fabulous meals. And there was walking! A lot of it. New York is such a walker's city; spring has definitely arrived which makes walking around the city delightful. The highlight of the trip was going to the New York Botanical Garden to see The Orchid Show: Chandeliers. Some of you may have had a chance to see this stunning exhibition, but if not, here is a little photo tour. I was in awe of the New York Botanical Garden -- this was my first time visiting -- and absolutely wowed by the orchid show.

The NYBG sits on 250 acres and the extensive grounds are an oasis for the weary urban dweller. I can imagine going here as a retreat from the city. There wasn't time to see everything, but on the walk to the orchid show I noted many cheerful signs of spring and several examples of garden beauty.

I loved the poetry quotes that are scattered throughout the grounds, making me think that every garden should have poetry. Gardens and poetry just go together!

The magnolia tree along the way is magnificent -- I overheard someone say "I could live in there!"
It was a bit like a small house.

 The white blossoms made it look like a wedding

Inside the conservatory, we were greeted by floating islands of orchids

The reflections added to their beauty

We began in the conservatory's aquatic collection, a magnificent room overhung with vines 

There was so much to look at

This is an elegant place

And there were orchids adorning every possible surface

On the ground next to the pool

On the higher ledges

And up in the air

Where we saw the centerpiece of the show -- a three-tiered, star-shaped chandelier that overflowed with blooms hanging from the dome in the central room of the conservatory.

There were signs telling us to look up which was a very good idea

Orchids were growing on trees

Hanging in baskets

And enveloping us in garden rooms

Wherever you looked, you were surrounded by the intoxicating sight and smell of orchids

At every level

In trees

In flowering columns

Mixed in with ferns 

And hanging in incredible baskets up above

The beauty was simply off the charts

Everyone had their cameras out

There were so many photo-worthy moments 

I read that this exhibition was especially beautiful and romantic at night. And that there have been dates and proposals amidst the orchid show. Not surprising. I spotted a bride being photographed and thought what a storybook setting this would be for a wedding. 

If you missed this exhibition, don't despair. There is an orchid show every spring. And now the hardworking staff at the NYBG is getting ready for the next blockbuster exhibition: Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life. This one also sounds wonderful. It's a good reason to plan another trip to New York!