From the Brooklyn Botanic Garden:

“Calendar of Events: Through May 2009

“I. PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS
II. CHILDREN’S GARDEN
III. DISCOVERY GARDEN

I.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS

Gallery Exhibit: Visions of Nature 2009: BBG Student/Teacher Art Exhibition
Saturday, February 7 – Sunday, March 1
This annual art exhibition in the Steinhardt Conservatory Gallery showcases the finest work of adult artists studying and teaching at BBG. Works display the range of media used in classes at the Garden, including watercolor, pen and ink, photography, printmaking, and more. Free with Garden admission. Read more of this entry »

From  Wave Hill  in Riverdale:

“March 2009

“Willow Day
Sat, March 14

This day-long 2009 Year of the Trees event pays homage to one of the most graceful and useful of trees. The willow claims a special place at Wave Hill, where it provides a bed worth admiring year-round as you walk from the Perkins Visitor Center to Wave Hill House.
Workshop: English Hoop Pot Trellis
Weave a traditional English hoop trellis using flexible willow branches, built into an eight-inch pot. Led by basketmaker Bonnie Gale.
Walk: The Willows of Wave Hill
Explore Wave Hill’s willows, from petite, creeping specimens in our alpine troughs to the colorful, twiggy shrubs in our Willow Bed, led by Laurel Rimmer.
Lecture: Living Willow Structures
Bonnie Gale’s illustrated lecture discusses how she builds intriguing, living willow structures, ranging from domes and fences to sculptures and large-scale installations. Read more of this entry »

From White Flower Farm in Conn.:

“PRUNE TREES AND SHRUBS IN LATE WINTER

“White Flower Farm Offers Pruning Tips

“Late winter is the perfect time to get out your pruning shears. The coldest part of winter has passed and fresh wounds from pruning will not be exposed to extreme temperatures. It’s also easier to see the weak branches and structure of your trees and shrubs when leaves are not obscuring the view.

“According to Barb Pierson, Nursery Manager at White Flower Farm (www.whiteflowerfarm.com), pruning trees and shrubs contributes to healthy growth. Start out by removing weak or broken branches, and branches that rub together. Cut branches 1/4 inch above a bud that faces outward to promote growth in that direction. Pierson says that pruning at the proper time also prevents disease problems and can rejuvenate older plants. It improves the look and shape of your trees and shrubs as well. Pierson notes that young trees and shrubs are more susceptible to winter damage so it’s best to prune older trees and shrubs first.  Read more of this entry »

I’m just back from the media preview for the annual orchid show at the NY Botanical Garden, which opens tomorrow and runs through April 12.

As many readers know, I’m not a big orchid fan. But I like this show. Here’s a link to an earlier post with more on the show.

And lots of photos I shot today.

Perennials: Gardeners are now tempted to “push the envelope” and try more tender varieties. Are we in Zone 5, or 6, or 6B? Climate changes seem to indicate a higher zone. Many perennials were still blooming at the New York Botanical Garden in December. Why not take a chance and plant tender perennials in protected spots?

Flowers: Seeds to plant indoors now: ageratum, alyssum, asters, nicotiana, petunias, phlox, stock and scabiosa. Read more of this entry »

I had a canceled appointment and a suddenly free morning on Tuesday, so I stopped by the Finkelstein Library in Spring Valley for a floral arranging class with Barbara Cohen, owner of the Petals and Stems shop in Monsey.

She was terrific — practical, simple and a real pro. I’m doing a story for the paper and lohud.com on how to make three simple arrangements with flowers you can find anywhere: tulips, roses and carnations. We’re shooting stills and video at her shop next week.

Barbara says she hosts regular workshops/classes at her store. Here’s email from her about one coming up in March:

“I announce a class in foam flower arranging on Sunday March 15. We will make an oval table arrangement. The class will run approx 1 ½ hrs. The fee for the class is $25 which includes all materials.

“This will be a fun and relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning. This is a hands on class. The end result is you will have an arrangement to enjoy for the week. You will also have the skill to be able to make table arrangements for your future celebrations.

“The cost for this class is very reasonable as an arrangement would cost this alone….so the lesson is and the fun is complementary!

“You may reserve your place over the phone by credit card. You may also pay in person in advance at the store.

Florally yours,

Barbara Cohen

Petals and Stems Floral Decorators, Inc.
77 Route 59 (In front of the former Rickles in the Pathmark Shopping Center)
Monsey, NY 10952
845-206-4333

Ask the Master Gardeners

Q: I received a beautiful poinsettia over the holidays. What should I do to keep this plant happy and healthy?

A: Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are one of the most popular holiday plants which, with proper care, continually give pleasure over the winter months. Plants are usually sold with the pot wrapped in colored foil. As this prevents proper drainage, it’s best to remove it or punch several holes in the bottom of the wrapper.

Poinsettias should be watered only when the soil is slightly dry to the touch. If they are kept in bright but not direct sunlight and a draft-free environment, they will last all winter.

To keep the poinsettia alive all year for another holiday display in December, follow these simple monthly steps. Read more of this entry »

Program on Saturday at the Cary Institute in Millbrook:

People in the nursery trade have high hopes for a new miniature butterfly bush that Proven Winners is introducing this spring.

“I think it will be a major landscape item this spring,” says Tina Anton, manager of annuals and perennials at Down to Earth nursery in Pomona. “It’s one of the plants I’m featuring.”

Unlike regular butterfly bushes, which reach a height of 6 to 10 feet by the end of the summer, this new one called ‘Blue Chip’ tops out at 2 to 3 feet. It’s perfect for small gardens and containers. Read more of this entry »

Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd’s new book got a very good review by Dominique Browning in the Sunday NYT Book Review. Here’s a link.

They’ll be speaking at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden next Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Here’s a link to an earlier blog post with full details. Or go to bbg.org.