New York Botanical Garden

The African American hand in rice is foundational to American food, from its introduction as a colonial crop to its presence in every cross-cultural cuisine. On June 18, join food historian Michael Twitty and chef JJ Johnson online to uncover its rich history. Our Food Dialogues discussion series continues this month with this far-reaching virtual discussion that reveals the importance of rice on the plate both past and present, as well as the food traditions of Juneteenth, with moderation by "High on the Hog" writer and star Dr. Jessica B. Harris. Register for this free event here: https://fal.cn/3fPUk

A sweetshrub flower enjoys the comfortable late spring weather in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden this week. What's blooming in your area right now that catches your eye? Calycanthus 'Venus'

The Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, containing a great number of species endemic to its geographic areayet deforestation has reduced it to less than 5% of its original size. This Friday, hear from Wayt Thomas, Ph.D., as he provides a fascinating perspective on long-term taxonomic and floristic research in the forest, and collaborations with Brazilian scientists and community members to advance the understanding and preservation ...of this region's unique diversity. For 37 years, Dr. Thomas, NYBG Curator Emeritus, has led research to discover and preserve the plants of the highly threatened Atlantic Coastal Forest. An expert on the Sedge family (Cyperaceae), Dr. Thomas has also led investigations into the complex evolutionary history of beak-sedges (Rhynchospora) worldwide. Head through to sign up for this online discussion, kicking off at 11 a.m. on January 29.

Just announcedKUSAMA: Cosmic Nature opens April 10, exclusively at NYBG! Kusama will reveal her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family's seed nursery. Spectacular installations across our 250-acre landscape will feature the artist's multifaceted art, with new monumental sculptures "Dancing Pumpkin" (2020) and "I Want to Fly to the Universe" (2020) making their debut. Our Patrons pre-sale beg...ins March 9, the Members pre-sale starts on March 11, and tickets go on sale to the public beginning March 16. Due to New York State and City guidelines for social distancing and visitor safety, tickets are limited, so be sure to sign up for ticket alerts so you don't miss out. Head through to learn more. Kusama with Pumpkin, 2010 YAYOI KUSAMA. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo / Singapore / Shanghai; Victoria Miro, London; David Zwirner, New York

Look closely to discover the shapes and textures of winter in the Native Plant Garden. Dried grasses, seed heads, and leaves bring form to the season as you stroll along the paths of the meadow, and up close they're full of unique details to discover during your walks through this expansive landscape. What have you found in this collection recently that piqued your interest?

The Plant Doctor is in! We're taking your home gardening and houseplant challenges and getting our NYBG experts' input. Leave your question here in the comments by Thursday morning. On Friday we'll follow up with answers, helping you keep your plantslike this silver dollar fernthriving both indoors and out.

Some of the biggest pumpkins in the world are now on display at NYBG. Top off the Halloween season by checking out these botanical behemoths, each weighing in at more than 2,000 pounds. These humongous pumpkins are meticulously cared for every year by elite growers and brought to NYBG in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealthbut don't wait, as they'll only be here through November 1. Come and visit them this weekend, along with the thousands of other pumpkins, gourds, and squash that make up our Great Pumpkin Path.

It may look like a pile of peanuts at first glance, but what you're looking at is actually a pumpkin. It's called Cucurbita maxima 'Galeux d'Eysine', and while it may not taste anything like its looks suggest, it's great for sweet pumpkin pies! Its peanut-shaped warts are caused by an excess of sugar in the pumpkin that bubbles to the surface and hardens. See more of the fascinating pumpkins, gourds, and squash you can find at NYBG through November 1, along with carving tips, fall recipes, and more: https://fal.cn/3b65Y

At over 2,000 pounds each, 2020's giant pumpkins live up to their name! Our friends at the Great Pumpkin CommonWealth have once again brought some of the world's largest to NYBG this week, and moving them into place is no simple feat. Stay tuned for our reveal of these massive cucurbits in the Garden, and make time to visit them in person for Giant Pumpkin weekend, kicking off this Saturday, October 24.

Together with the JOTB Collective, Judith Insell performs free jazz on the picturesque veranda of the Stone Mill. Our latest Garden Set brings Insella champion for musical diversity and music education advocacyto the edge of the Thain Forest and the Bronx River for an improvisational performance with her avant-garde jazz ensemble, featuring Virg Dzurinko on piano, Eli Asher on trumpet, and Leonid Galaganov on percussion. Hear how they took inspiration from the sounds of nature for this set, and learn more here: https://fal.cn/3b2M2

Edmond Albius was a 12-year-old enslaved Black boy on a plantation in Réunion, an island in the Indian Ocean, when he discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla orchids in 1841. As the only orchid of significant economic importance as an edible crop, Albius's 19th-century breakthrough created an entire agricultural industry and introduced much of the world to a sought-after flavor. Almost overshadowed by a French botanist, Edmond’s discovery was nearly erased, along with his na...me and legacy. You can explore his story from home via the Steere Herbarium's Hand Lens. Hear from Rashad Bell and Nuala Caomhánach, curators of our online exhibit, "Black Botany: The Nature of Black Experience," and learn more about Albius's work: https://fal.cn/3b0Jp Illustration of Vanilla planifolia. Andrews, Henry Charles, (active 17991828). The botanist's repository, for new, and rare plants London: Henry Charles Andrews, 1816

Check out this week's episode of Bloom & Grow Radio with Maria Failla to hear from special guest Dr. Elle Barnes, an NYBG Adult Ed instructor in botany and landscape design, on VOCsor Volatile Organic Compoundsand how plants use them to communicate, as well as their misconceptions in the houseplant world. https://fal.cn/3aZh7