Ross Conifer Arboretum, New York Botanical Garden
Photo by Muriel Weinerman
Last weekend’s monster rain storm, which caused road closures, left hundreds of thousands in New Jersey without power for days, and dropped serious inches of water on the Tri-State Area, unsurprisingly took a toll on the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, downing 50 trees and damaging three times that number.
Inside the Garden’s Orchid Show, on display in the conservatory from the end of February through April 11, it’s easy to forget about the heartbreaking uprooted trees. Visitors mentally journey to tropical climes (the Garden hopes you’ll think of Cuba, but many warm destinations come to mind), in half a dozen rooms of dazzling orange, magenta, yellow, and white orchids.
But outside, the air is still chilly, with remnants of the injurious storm all around. A sign in front of a huge, now-tilted tree close to the Garden’s entrance describes the high winds that thrashed and nearly defeated this gentle giant. Another sign acts as a placeholder, a pseudo-headstone where another tree once stood.
I don’t mean to sound overly dramatic about trees. But some of the Garden’s, like the pines, spruce, and mountain firs in the conifer arboretum, have been there since the early 1900s. The 50-acre native forest in the Garden’s center holds some trees two centuries old. (Interestingly, the founders of the New York Botanical Garden established it where they did specifically to protect that forest.)
So much has changed in 200 years. The trees tell a story about our landscape and climate. (Here’s a post from senior editor Alisa Opar about a 212-year-old elm tree succumbing to Dutch Elm disease.)
The Garden’s horticulture staff are working hard to clear the debris and re-beautify the landscape by early spring. For information about how you can help, click here. Or simply visit the 119-year-old Garden, because though it’s hard to see and think about the damaged trees, it’s still amazing to walk through such a wealth of nature in the heart of New York City.
In case you're curious, here's information about the orchid show:
Where: New York Botanical Garden (click here for directions)
When:10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday
When:10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday
Admission: Free for members, $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, $8 for children, free for children under 2. Note: The ticket includes the Orchid Show, admission to all areas of the Garden, and other perks.
More information: Orchid Show web site
More information: Orchid Show web site