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Written By: Sandra E. García
Photos by Sandra E. García and Q PHOTO NYC
A tree may grow in Brooklyn, but Solandras, Passionflowers, grapefruits and coconuts are growing in the Bronx.
Native to the Caribbean, these lush plants and exotic fruits are now growing at The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) and are on display in its "Caribbean Garden" exhibit.
Walk into the Victorian style greenhouse built in 1902 at the NYBG, and you're immediately enveloped by warm, humid air.
The change is an instant atmospheric lift from the cold gray of winter day to a tropical oasis. The greenhouse features moss-covered walls and abundant palm trees, some with coconuts.
"We want people to feel like they are in the tropics," explained Karen Daubmann, Director of Exhibitions. "Even if they aren't able to take a vacation this winter, they can come to the conservatory and get the tropical feel, and take all the plants in."
One past wintry afternoon, Amaya De Jesus, visiting from the Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, admitted she was not used to the frigid weather in which you can see your breath, but she felt at home in the conservatory.
"I really liked the exhibit," said De Jesus. "I was immediately reminded of my country as soon as I stepped into the conservatory. It was warm and very comfortable."
"We worked with horticultural staff to make sure plants native to the Caribbean region were maintained properly," said Joanna Groarke, NYBG's interpretive specialist, who ensures that the exhibits are authentic replications of the natural habitats presented.
Walking through the conservatory and the climate changes corresponding to the different divisions within the exhibit, you note that the deserts of the Americas feel a bit cooler than the deserts of Africa. Meanwhile, the tropical rainforests are steamy, distinct from the refreshing lowland tropical rain forest gallery.
"I recognized some of the plants and flowers, like the poppy flowers and the tall palm trees. They did a great job developing the Caribbean theme," said DeJesus, the impromptu expert of the day. "I see ferns all the time in the street!"
The exhibit consists of a team effort from many departments of the NYBG that takes months to prepare, and a great muster of energy to install.
"The exhibit took quite a few of us at the Garden from people in the public education office whom created the signage, scavenger hunts and the weekend programming," said Daubmann, "as well as the horticulture office, gardeners, marketing department, and many more."
The exhibit is studded with vibrant colors such as bright reds, magentas, yellows and a variety of shades of green, and serves as a colorful reminder of what will soon come in a few months as spring approaches.
"We want people to enjoy the beauty of it, a lot of things inspired this exhibit and during such a cold, rainy winter, it's wonderful to have a place like the conservatory," said Daubmann.
What NYBG has tagged as an "eco-tour of the world," appears aptly named, with plant and flower specimens ranging from Cuba to Brazil.
And there is more to complement a visit to the exhibit than.
"We have a lot of activities, like salsa and photography lessons, on the weekends," added Groarke. "There's a lot to do here."
The Caribbean Garden exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden will be open until February 26th.
Another upcoming presentation is the Orchid Show, which is on exhibit from March 2nd to April 22nd, 2012.
You can call 718.817.8700 or visit www.nybg.org for more information.
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