Discover the City’s Botanical Gardens

Many may not consider New York City as a hub for the study and conservation of plants. But the City is home to five magnificent centers of research, education, and celebration of flora. These botanical gardens are not only a fantastic resource for botanists but also for all New Yorkers.

In the Hudson Hill section of the Bronx, Wave Hill overlooks the Hudson River. This 28-acre estate is home to several public gardens and a cultural center. Once, the estate was home to celebrities and diplomats, but in 1960, the Perkins-Freeman family deeded the land to the City of New York. Known as Perkins Garden, it was renamed Wave Hill in 1987. Today, about 65,000 people visit the Garden each year. Many of those visitors have taken advantage of the Public Garden Highlights Walks.

In 1897, the New York legislation set aside 39 acres for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Today, it occupies 52 acres as part of Prospect Park. In this space, the Garden is home to over 14,000 taxa of plants and has over 800,000 visitors annually. Within BBG are several smaller gardens. Of particular note are the Children's Garden and the Discovery Garden, where children explore, learn, and enjoy time in nature.

Staten Island's Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is a short ferry ride away. It consists of 28 buildings, fourteen distinctive botanical gardens, a two-acre urban farm, wetlands, and park land on a unique, free, open campus. Moreover, Snug Harbor is proud to be a distinguished Smithsonian affiliate. For more information, check out our previous blog dedicated to Snug Harbor or consider visiting. As one visitor noted, "It's a nice place to go on a warm sunny day to soak the beauty of nature."

Located at the northeast corner of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Flushing, Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) evolved from the five-acre "Gardens on Parade" exhibit showcased at the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. Today, QBG is a 39-acre urban oasis. People, plants, and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens. But it is also home to innovative educational programs and real-world applications of environmental stewardship. You can learn more about this beautiful place in our previous blog on the QBG.

Finally, we bring you the largest of them all, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Since 1891, NYBG has called 250 acres in the Bronx home. The dedicated experts at NYBG work across the city, the nation, and the globe to document the plants and fungi of our world—and find actionable, nature-based solutions to our planet's dual climate and biodiversity crises.

The NYBG also houses the LuEsther T. Mertz Library collection of plant and fungal specimens in the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium, the largest such collection in the Western Hemisphere. Moreover, it hosts events with some of the most influential figures in plant and fungal science, horticulture, and the humanities. The most recent event of particular note was the annual Orchid Show.

Broadway Stages prizes the flora of our city. We have more than 100,000 square feet of green rooftop infrastructure on top of our facilities. Also, we proudly partner with the Newtown Creek Alliance at our Kingsland Wildflowers site and for the general revitalization of Newtown Creek.

We strongly encourage you to take advantage of New York City's wonderful botanical gardens to support them in their missions and to improve the quality of your life! This is a great time to explore the parks in bloom. Check out this guide to find the best places to do just that. It is an excellent time to stop and smell the roses (and lilies, geraniums, and mayapples…).

Brooklyn Museum Artists Ball 2024 | Titus Kaphar

On Tuesday, April 9, the Brooklyn Museum hosted the 13th Annual Brooklyn Artists Ball, honoring museum trustee Titus Kaphar.

“We are thrilled to be honoring Titus Kaphar, an artist of great humanity, community builder, and trustee who has made a profound impact on both our museum and contemporary culture as a whole,” said Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak.

The evening included a private viewing of Kaphar’s work, showcased at the museum’s “Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” exhibition.

Kaphar’s work has been included in numerous exhibitions at the museum, including “The Legacy of Lynching: Confronting Racial Terror in America” in 2017. His seminal work, “Shifting the Gaze” (2017), is housed in the museum’s permanent collection.

Kaphar’s work—paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations—engages and reconsiders the historical record, from slavery and Jim Crow to the Black Power Movement and contemporary racial justice protests.

In addition, Kahar established his film production company, Revolution Ready, in 2021. He did so with the vision of extending his studio practice and adapting existing bodies of painting and sculpture into film.

Kaphar is also a cofounder of NXTHVN, along with Jason Price and Jonathan Brand. Its core aim is to build an alternative model of art mentorship through a specially designed curriculum and to develop opportunities for emerging local entrepreneurs.

Of the evening’s honor, Kaphar said, “This is an extraordinary moment. To be here right now and be the center of this feels a little weird, honestly, but it also feels like a culminating moment in my career.”

“To say I am honored by this recognition is an understatement. The Brooklyn Museum is an extraordinary champion to my most beloved artists and influences. I am grateful to be on the board of this powerful institution that so fearlessly advocates for creativity when it is so very much needed in the world.”

Party-goers also enjoyed a surprise performance by British rapper Little Simz and later a DJ set by Swizz Beatz at the after-party. Notable attendees included Rosamund Pike, Naomi Watts, Thomas Doherty, Antonia Gentry, Kristine Froseth, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Spector, Aria Mia Loberti, Isabelle Fuhrman, Mickalene Thomas, and more.

The annual occasion also highlights the Brooklyn Museum’s ongoing commitment to champion visionary artists and unite diverse communities to celebrate creativity and philanthropy. Moreover, the Artists Ball is the museum’s largest fundraising event of the year, raising $2.8 million this year.

Brazilian Artist Romero Britto said, “Art is too important not to share.” Broadway Stages agrees completely and values the Brooklyn Museum’s sharing and raising the place of art in our city. The Brooklyn Museum is a valued resource for Brooklyn and the whole City.

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Brooklyn Museum’s  roots extend back to 1823 and the founding of the Brooklyn Apprentices’ Library to educate young tradesmen (Walt Whitman would later become one of its librarians). To learn more about the rich history and mission of the Brooklyn Museum click here.

Spotlight | Vodega Deli & Grocery

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to support these establishments and advance local economic growth. For Earth Month, we are shining the spotlight on a few of the environmentally oriented people, businesses, and organizations in the neighborhoods where we work. This week, Staten Island takes center stage with its vegan bodega, the Vodega!

For those craving vegan cuisine in New York City, Staten Island is not usually a go-to destination. But Vodega is changing that. One Islander said, “I am so blessed to have this place open up down the street from where I live. I have been vegan for 7 years, and the vegan options on Staten Island are slim. Owner is cool, staff is friendly, and the food is fantastic! Definitely recommend for vegans and non-vegans!”

Located in the West Brighton neighborhood of Staten Island, Vodega is a classic NYC-style bodega that is all vegan. It has been in operation since 2020. The store sells snacks, drinks, and vegan pantry essentials. But the star of the show is the menu. The kitchen makes a variety of sub sandwiches, coffee and beverages, and sweet treats like cookies and soft-serve ice cream.

You might not expect cheese to be the star of the show in a vegan shop, but at Vodega, it is. One customer noted, “We always get the chopped cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. The mac and cheese is also so flavorful. I love me some Vodega!” Another said, “Had the chopped cheese. It was on point!”

Not to be outdone, the breakfast sandwiches are also crowd favorites. A customer from California raved, “VEGAN BREAKFAST ALL DAY! (Sorry, I am very excited about the selections offered here). My bacon, egg, and cheese was out of this world.” Meanwhile, a Brooklyn transplant added, “The bacon, egg, and cheese is the best I’ve ever had.”

Customers with a sweet tooth recommend the soft serve for dessert or just as a treat! One exclaimed, “The soft serve is delicious with rainbow sprinkles,” while another commented, “Soft serve ice cream is to die for!” You can peruse the menu to find your own favorite.

Customers have also praised the service almost as much as the unique, high-quality fare. As one patron said, “The service was excellent, and the energetic ambiance created a welcoming atmosphere.” A new customer testified, “Very friendly staff that takes the time to explain things to you and offer suggestions based on your preferences…Special thanks to the owner for making a late custom modification to my order!”

Are you hungry yet? Your hunger will only grow after checking out their Instagram page for news and appetizing photos! After you have done that, you can order online for pickup or delivery. Vodega is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One last resounding endorsement, “I can honestly say that Vodega is one of the best plant-based deli and grocery combo that I have been to in my 15+ years of being vegan. Vegan or not, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Vodega! They have a huge selection of delicious food at a very reasonable price!”

With a 69-acre waterfront campus that includes the former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, Broadway Stages is proud to call Staten Island home. It is wonderful to know that so many great, diverse people and businesses make it their home as well. We encourage you to support your neighbors like Vodega and help keep Staten Island strong! And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Art in the Parks 2024

One of the greatest resources New Yorkers have is the city itself. Did you know 14% of New York City (more than 30,000 acres of land) is park space? Those green spaces and recreational facilities give everyone a chance to enjoy nature’s majesty. But the parks are also home to the arts.

Since 1967, the city has used the parks as outdoor museums for the “Art in the Parks” program. The parks have been home to hundreds of artists, from those launching their careers to well-established artists. The work displayed includes various styles, forms, materials, and conceptions. The art is exhibited in prominent flagship parks, neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and even traffic islands throughout the five boroughs.

As a supporter of both green space and the arts, Broadway Stages loves to see examples of these two areas coming together across our beloved city and wants to make sure our readers take advantage of visiting these local gems. With so many works, here are four temporary creations to sample.

BRONX

“Tennis Courts,” presented by Lacoste, can be seen in St. Mary’s Park through September 6, 2024. It features a pair of murals on the public tennis courts to advocate for public park courts and free youth tennis programs.

STATEN ISLAND

Lisa Montoya’s “We Are Beautiful” is on display at the Stapleton Esplanade until August 10, 2024. This colorful work consists of 4,950 multicolored butterflies attached to the metallic railing by the water. Montoya's efforts represent diversity and celebrate multiculturalism in New York City, especially on Staten Island.

QUEENS

At Traver’s Park, you can view “Diversity Is Our Strength” by Cesar Figueroa through October 17, 2024. Apropos of Earth Month, this mural increased our sensibility to nature's interconnectedness and our role in caring for that balance within ourselves.

BROOKLYN

“Beacon” by Michael Alfano depicts the face of a child as the flame of a candle. The flame/face drives out the darkness and serves as a guiding beacon through life’s troubles. On display in Columbus Park until August 1, the work is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

As we all venture out after a long winter, Broadway Stages encourages you to check out the NYC Public Art Map and Guide and plan a day outside in the art. Or, if you are artistically inclined, consider submitting your work for us all to appreciate!

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Upcoming Events at Newtown Creek Alliance

Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) is one of Broadway Stages’ green partners and the steward of educational programming at Kingsland Wildflowers.

NCA has been working to restore, reveal, and revitalize Newtown Creek for two decades. They actively work to restore community health, water quality, habitat, access, and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek.

We are happy to announce a series of spring biking and walking tours around Newtown Creek, aptly named “Seeing the Creek.” All these events are free, but you must register to reserve space.

For more information and to register, click on the event link.

●     Sunday, 4/21, 11 - 2 p.m. Bike Tour 1: Creek Crossings

Clocking in at about 9 miles, this event will take you on a journey across every bike-crossable bridge over Newtown Creek.

●     Sunday, 4/28, 11 - 2 p.m. Bike Tour 2: Creek Curiosities

At about 8 miles, this bike tour explores hidden histories and artifacts along Newtown Creek.

●     Friday 5/3, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Walking Tour 1: Jane’s Walk NYC

Jane’s Walk is an annual global festival organized by the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) on the first weekend in May. While the event includes many walks, this 1.25-mile walk, guided by the NCA, focuses on the restoration and Public Access of Newtown Creek, a Superfund Waterway.

●     Friday, 5/17, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Walking Tour 2: Fenced off in Queens

Stretch your legs with this 2.25-mile guided walking tour around the Dutch Kills tributary of Newtown Creek from the Queens side of the waterway.

In addition to the “Seeing the Creek” biking and walking tour series, don’t miss these other events:

●     Every Friday 5 to 8 p.m., April 19 to June 30, 2024, weather-permitting. Open Hours at Kingsland Wildflower Gardens

Open hours are free and open to the public (registration required). Learn about the green roofs, the native plants present, and Newtown Creek while enjoying the uninterrupted panorama of Manhattan across the East River, Queens, and North Brooklyn. NCA staff will be on hand to answer questions about the space and the ecological benefits of green roofs and discuss their current activities around Newtown Creek!

Saturday, 5/4, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 13th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep

Join the NCA at Plank Road on Saturday, May 4, for the annual Riverkeeper Sweep! Together, you will be improving the landscape at this notable waterfront access site.

Broadway Stages is grateful to our partners for all they are doing and have done to make our ecosystem flourish. We encourage you to take advantage of these occasions to enhance and appreciate the space where we live and work.

Spring II Schedule | Greenpoint YMCA

Whether you are looking for a gym featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment and an indoor pool or seeking family programs, education classes, and comprehensive childcare, there is something for everyone at the Greenpoint YMCA!

Their Spring II schedule is almost ready to begin. Running April 29 through June 23, 2024, the Greenpoint Y offers Adult Group Exercise and sports, including pickleball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball, and classes for fitness and conditioning of body and mind, such as yoga, cardio, strength training, and more.

They also offer an extensive schedule of youth classes for toddlers through teens. The Greenpoint Y ”Just for Kids” programs include preschool/toddler enrichment classes and dance, sports, and swimming classes for toddlers to teens.

If a formal class isn’t what you are interested in, you can peruse the pool and gym schedules for open times.

To stay updated on all that is happening, download the YMCA of Greater New York mobile app and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

If you haven’t already, consider becoming a member of the Greenpoint Y. See their website for a complete list of membership options and rates.

Upcoming Events at Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages

Since 2016, Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages (KWBS) has provided Greenpoint with living and growing infrastructure to support native New York City wildlife and educational programming focused on sustainable conservation practices and wildlife protection. The 520 Kingsland Avenue facility is owned by Broadway Stages and is operated in partnership with Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA). Read on to learn about events that you can join to learn more about and support the local environment:

Friday Evening Open Hours

This summer, you can take part by joining NCA during the Friday Evening Open Hours every Friday (from 5 to 8 p.m.) from April 19 to June 30, 2024, weather permitting. For the 2024 Open Hours season, we are also excited to be opening our Newtown Native Nursery, allowing visitors to explore (and purchase) native plants that we grow on-site!

Learn about the green roofs, the native plants present, and Newtown Creek while enjoying the uninterrupted panorama of Manhattan across the East River, Queens, and North Brooklyn. NCA staff will be on hand to answer questions about the space and the ecological benefits of green roofs and discuss their current activities around Newtown Creek! 

This is a family-friendly event, but we prefer that furry friends stay home. We will have drinks and light refreshments on hand for guests to enjoy. The Open Hours are free, but you do need to register. You can do so by visiting the Events page here.

Greenhouse Gang

Also, this summer, we welcome volunteers and horticulture enthusiasts to join our “Greenhouse Gang.” Every third Tuesday of the month, throughout the growing season, join us in expanding our native nursery, propagated from locally collected wild seed.

Horticulturist Brenda Suchilt will be on site to help guide activities such as up-potting and plant maintenance and answer any questions. Plants grown in our greenhouse supplement restoration projects around the Creek, maintain the rooftop meadows at Kingsland Wildflowers, and integrate into our Newtown Native Nursery.

Before the event, registrants need to complete a liability waiver and photo consent form. You can click the dates you want to attend (5/21, 6/18, 7/16, 8/20, and 9/17).

Stay tuned for more events!

In addition to these opportunities, the summer season at KWBS includes the NOoSPHERE Arts series WE ARE NATURE and the annual Kingsland Wildflower Festival. Stay tuned here and follow KWBS on Facebook and Instagram for more information about these events and more. We look forward to seeing and working with you this summer!

Spotlight | GreenPot

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to support these establishments and advance local economic growth. For Earth Month, we are shining the spotlight on a few of the environmentally oriented people, businesses, and organizations in the neighborhoods where we work. This week, we share a local favorite vegan coffee shop, eatery, and grocery — GreenPot!

Since September 2021, Ania Park and Magda Doroszkiewicz have run GreenPot, a full-service vegan coffee shop, eatery, and grocery in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. These twin sisters from Poland have taken a former barbershop and made it into a cute little shop that is a five-star Yelp sensation!

The sisters have lived in the neighborhood since 2005, so they knew this was where they wanted their business to call home. “We’d always loved the neighborhood because we have parks and good transportation options here. There are buildings with a lot of history and beautiful brownstones,” says Ania, adding, “It feels great in Greenpoint.”

After working in cafes as baristas for several years, the duo was ready to start their coffee shop and promote their values and favorite products.

This shop offers only plant-based products, and several are gluten-free. Moreover, most of its stock is made with whole foods, not chemical vegan substitutes. 

Homemade vegan prepared foods, like egg-free egg salad, are in the fridge case, and a freezer stocks some of the sisters’ favorite ready-to-eat frozen imitation meats and meals. They offer standard vegan cheeses, kinds of milk, and some unique items like candy bars and cookies remade to be vegan.

In addition, GreenPot offers a variety of sandwiches such as Hummus Toast, Tofu Scramble, and Chipotle Chili. They also offer locally made favorites from Sensible Edibles and Choc o’ Pain Bakery (Cocoa Bean Muffins, Chocolate Croissants, and Carrot Walnut Muffins).

To top it off, the sisters offer an array of coffee drinks made with beans from Brooklyn Roasting Company. They predominantly make their beverages with oat milk but also serve soy, almond, and coconut. One customer said the store makes a perfect oat milk latte, while another said they have the best iced almond latte in the neighborhood! If that wasn’t enough, yet another patron said, “Truly the best Mocha I’ve ever had. Nothing will beat it.”

For a more thorough look at their offerings, click here and follow them on Instagram to feast your eyes!

And while customers rave about the food and drinks, the sisters are the real rockstars in this show. One customer said, “The owners are the most kind and awesome humans I have ever met.” Another noted of the sisters, “We are so lucky to have individuals like yourselves who put their heart into their day-to-day work, making our community much more wonderful. Thank you, and we love you!”

While there is some minimal outdoor seating, the shop is small. So, the service is take-out only. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. (the sandwich and coffee bar closes at 6:45 p.m.), Friday and Saturday from 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also order online for pick-up or delivery. 

Broadway Stages loves to promote local minority and family-owned small businesses. After all, they are near and dear to our hearts. These small, customer focused businesses add value to our communities. As one customer said about GreenPot, “Support this business - you will love it!” We agree. Visit GreenPot today, and when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you.

Italian Theater Comes to NOoSPHERE Arts | May 11

On May 11, our friends at NOoSPHERE Arts will host an Italian theater evening at 520 Kingsland Ave. in Greenpoint. The evening will be an installment in the 11th anniversary season of the In Scena! Italian Theater Festival NY.  Building a bridge between the artistic scenes in Italy and the US, the festival features full productions that have already been toured in Italy, reading Italian plays in translation, lectures, and exchanges between Italian and international artists. This festival is New York City’s premiere of Italian theater in all five boroughs of NYC. 

Each year In Scena! presents a survey of the best Italian theater from Italy in New York City to promote greater awareness of Italian theater and Italian artists among New York City theatergoers. This year, NOoSPHERE ARTS will be home to two performances, Persona Metropolitana from 6 to 7 p.m. and The Second Coming of Joan of Arc from 8:30 to 9:45 p.m.

Persona Metropolitana is a piece for an actor and a dancer set on an imaginary train car. The work follows Gulia as she considers the changing urban world and her place in it, all while in transit. In cities, we feel invisible, Giulia thinks. Or free.

The latter work of the evening is The Second Coming of Joan of Arc (GIOVANNA D’ARCO—La Rivolta). As a teenager, Giovanna (Joan) fled a violent and alcoholic father and a destiny of being a wife and mother. Giovanna was a rebel, unrepentant, and unswervingly faithful to her own vision. Here, she returns to share her story with contemporary women. In doing so, she unmasks the misogyny of the male leaders of the Church, State, and Army. 

Tickets for both performances are free, but it is highly advised that you reserve your seats now. You can reserve a spot for Persona Metropolitiano here and for The Second Coming of Joan of Arc here. This is a great chance to travel the world, explore our differences, and celebrate our commonalities, all within the friendly confines of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Take advantage of this opportunity, and reserve your seat now!. When you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Spring Update | Eagle Street Rooftop Farm

On a warehouse rooftop, in the industrial area of Greenpoint, lies our first green roof, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm. In 2008, Broadway Stages funded Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, which was New York City’s first-ever fully operational organic rooftop farm.  

Annie Novak oversees this 6,000-square-foot green roof organic vegetable farm in the heart of Brooklyn. The farm commits to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. This includes composting and rainwater harvesting to reduce waste and conserve resources. The result of these efforts is a wide variety of crops, including herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and using heirloom and open-pollinated seeds to promote biodiversity and preserve genetic diversity.

Mark your calendar for April 13!

If you want to learn more about maintaining an urban farm, from seed-sowing to harvest, you can join the crew for an afternoon of volunteering! The next opportunity is Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.

As the growing season gets into full swing, volunteer days will correspond with a farmer’s market. You can shop for organic seasonal vegetables, greens, and herbs (both culinary and medicinal).

Learn about trees on June 6!

Annie Novak is leading a virtual three-part lecture series hosted by Atlas Obscura on June 6, 13 and 20. Learn what tree communication actually means, gain a better understanding of this extraordinary natural phenomenon in plant evolution, biology, and chemistry. Get your tickets here.

Learn More!

You can also read Annie’s book “The Rooftop Growing Guide” to learn how to turn your own roof into a vegetable garden. Follow the farm on Twitter and Instagram for more information.

Be sure to add a trip to the Farm to your schedule - soak up the sun, enjoy the flowers, and pick up some organically grown produce!

Spotlight | 2024 New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to support these establishments and advance local economic growth. For Earth Month, we are shining the spotlight on a few of the environmentally oriented people, businesses, and organizations in the neighborhoods where we work. This week, we present the New York Botanical Garden’s 2024 Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion.

Located on 250 acres in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) has been an advocate for the plant world since 1891. This National Historic Landmark is a museum of living plant collections arranged in gardens and landscapes. NYBG acts as stewards of globally significant research collections, from the LuEsther T. Mertz Library collection to the plant and fungal specimens in the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium (the most extensive such collection in the Western Hemisphere).

In addition to being a living museum, it also hosts immersive botanical experiences and events with some of the most influential figures in plant and fungal science, horticulture, and the humanities. One of these occasions is the annual Orchid Show. This year’s theme is Florals in Fashion. The show is going on now through April 21 at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

On display will be picture-perfect floral designs from fashionistas such as:

• Collina Strada - A platform for social issues and awareness created by Hillary Taymour

• Dauphinette - One-of-a-kind, Made-in-New-York outwear from recycled and byproduct fur and leather, vintage, and artisanal components by Olivia Cheng

• FLWR PSTL - Described as “If Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka had a flower baby….with a splash of Bob Ross” by Kristen Alpaugh

Florals are always en vogue at NYBG, but this is a great chance to combine your love for orchids and your fashion-forward connections to the natural world.

In addition to the spectacular visuals, the show is an occasion to explore and learn about one of nature’s most stunning creations, the orchid. Several programs will be available during the show.

Flowers are often prized for their aromas. Scents of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and, of course, orchid fill the air of the conservatory. But you will be able to feast all five of your senses to identify fashion-focused items at the Sensory Table (12 - 4 p.m.; weekends through April 21).

Or, learn how orchid specimens are collected, preserved, mounted, and categorized with Nicole Tarnowsky, Assistant Director of the Herbarium at NYBG. At Orchids of the Herbarium (12 - 4 p.m.; April 6 and 21), you can view specimens and swatches knitted from various plant-based yarns, enjoy a mounting demonstration, and try your hand at creating a specimen to take home with you.

For more information about orchids, you can Meet the Orchid Experts (12 - 4 p.m. April 7, 13, 14, and 20).  Renee Dillon, Christopher Elliot, Sergio Guzman, Daniela Perez, Jessica Savage, Mike Wronski, and Jeffrey Ye of the NYBG Horticulture Staff will be available to answer questions about the orchid collection and learn how these flowering plants were cultivated, cared for, planted, and designed.

Finally, visit the NYBG Shop to have all your orchid care questions answered by orchid-expert NYBG Volunteers in Orchid Basics Q&A (2 - 5 p.m.; Wednesdays and weekends through April 21). Experts will be there to give you tips for selecting the right one for your home and how to successfully grow, rescue, and care for these exotic plants.

Skip the lines and get your tickets online now. This show is not one to miss!