Orchids on Broadway

The NY Botanical Garden is hosting Orchids on Broadway from now through April 25. I would go there every day if I could. I took my parents last weekend and had so much fun I couldn't help but return with Dominic in tow this afternoon.

Scattered throughout the conservatory, the delicate flowers pop out of trees, shrubs and formal glass cases. Three things I didn't know before the orchid show that I'm happy to say I now am aware of:

1. They're colorful. They come in more colors and color combinations than you can imagine. -- all that is, except black.

2. Orchids are prevalent. The orchid plant is spread second most widely in the world, only beat by grasses. You may think orchids are a tropical, but it turns out they grow on every continent except Antarctica (no one wants to live there).

3. Orchids are adaptable. They grow in every habitat except under water.

We enjoyed a cabaret concert and returned home humming John Coltrane's version of My Favorite Things.

Any orchid owners out there with care tips for this rookie? I once tried to care for an orchid... it didn't go so well.

NY Style Caribbean Getaway

This is our new mid-winter escape. Thank the Lord for the New York Botanical Garden.

I'll admit, the winter is making us weary. It's cold, it's brown, and the frozen yellow snow has trash poking out of it now. Yesterday we splurged on a family membership to the garden. It was the best investment we have made in a long time.

Inside the conservatory we wandered through the exhibits ranging from a high desert to the tropical rainforest. Plants, plants everywhere! It was a feast for the eyes. The web site states: "The Enid A Haupt Conservatory is beautiful in all seasons, but in winter it feeds the color starved soul with lush green leaves and florid flowers and warms the cold and weary with it's sultry climate." Sultry climate, now that's where I belong.

Who knew fern leaves were 'born' all wrapped up like this? From chocolate beans to exotic orchids we were like kids in a candy store exploring the exhibits.

Green is good.

The conservatory has the largest glasshouse in the United States, holding 11 distinct habitats. It was fun to walk through the tropics while glancing out the window at the snow-covered gardens.

After our walk Dominic went to the cafe to study while I ran around outside. I was praising God the entire time for this open space without cars or crosswalks, trash or dogs. It was a peaceful escape and a challenging jog.

We have a lot to look forward to as members of this special place. This spring the farmer's market will return and as the seasons progress we'll look towards picnics among the azaleas and rhododendrons, strolls through the herb, rock and rose gardens and morning jogs to the historic stone quarry.

Where do you escape from winter?