If you’re in the New York City area now through April 26, please stop by The New York Botanical Garden for their 23rd annual Orchid Show - it's truly a feast for the eyes.
Known as the nation’s largest exhibit of its kind, this year’s show is entitled The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle. You’ll be amazed at the garden’s transformation of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory showcasing thousands of beautiful orchids in a striking variety of colors, shapes, and sizes - all in tribute to New York City. This week, I attended NYBG’s annual Orchid Dinner in the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel. The dinner included stunning large-scale table centerpieces created by a group of leading artists from across the country. The displays were full of color, creativity and inspired by the exhibit's theme and NYC's iconic landmarks. The event also allowed guests to shop a selection of rare and unique orchid specimens for their own personal garden collections, with proceeds supporting the NYBG’s research, education, and outreach missions.
Enjoy these photos.
Held every year to celebrate the annual Orchid Show, this year’s event welcomed hundreds of guests to New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The NYBG)
One way the NYBG raises money is to have an orchid sale prior to the dinner. All the orchids for sale were displayed near the entrance to the ballroom. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
Marc Hachadourian, NYBG’s Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids, hand picks the orchids for the sale that he knows will appeal to the collectors and aficionados who attend the dinner. I brought home one Vanda orchid. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
Around the ballroom, tables are decorated in beautiful orchid colors. This one was done by Flower Girl NYC.
This colorful table centerpiece of flowers was completed by Anna Dementieva, Luxury Flowers Miami.
Do you know what this centerpiece shows? It’s a copy of one of New York City’s iconic water towers. These towers were first built on top of buildings in the 19th century to meet the rising demand for water in vertical spaces. This orchid arrangement was presented by Cynthia Humphrey, Via Amendola Botanical Designs.
This glorious pink orchid arrangement was created by Pennylyn Woosley, Blossom and Bee Floral and Event Design.
John Goodman of JL Goodman used the Statue of Liberty as part of his centerpiece.
This table creation is by Tara Khattar of Maison Tara New York.
Red and white are the primary colors of this arrangement by Robin Cheasty, House of Westbrook.
Janine Carendi MacMurray, AREA Interior Design and Studio Jones donated this display.
This centerpiece uses a striking combination of flowers and foliage by Canaan Marshall, Canaan Marshall Design LLC.
This whimsical New York City themed display centerpiece was donated by designer Hilzy Pereira.
This centerpiece shows a base of iconic Tiffany & Co. blue bags. This was done by Nadia Watts Interior Design.
Here’s a beautiful floral arrangement done by Kelsie Hayes Fine, POPUPFLORIST & HOUSE OF THREE.
And here is one by Ace Berry, Ace in Full Bloom.
An orchid climbing up, perhaps, one of New York City’s many street light poles by Kenia Pittman and Patrick Nowak, NYBG.
And here is a simple, yet elegant display of orchids climbing up New York City’s Empire State Building by Jacqueline Elfe, Stellar Style Events, Floral & Event Design.
This centerpiece is by Verdant Garden Designs.
This centerpiece with butterfly lights was donated by Crystal Kotei, Crystal K Events. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The NYBG)
And this one, with its lovely color palette of pink and white surrounding the Chrysler Building is by Starbright Floral Design.
Gatherings Floral Design from right here in New York City donated this centerpiece.
Every table’s display was interesting and different. This one is by Sarah Ruberto, Pomona Floral.
Autumn Pochiro, Autumn Dawn Design provided this floral display.
And this one was created by Beyond Merritt Design based in Kirkland, Washington.
Hanging orchids are used for this presentation by Shannon Toal Designs.
And extra tall taper candles are used for this arrangement by Justin Reis, Justin Reis Designs.
And Carlos Muiña, Petal Productions uses graffiti, or street art, on his New York City inspired centerpiece.
Here is NYBG Chairman of the Board, J. Barclay Collins II addressing the guests during dinner. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
Jennifer Bernstein is the Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President of The New York Botanical Garden. She also stepped up to the podium to greet guests. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The NYBG)
The event was well attended with proceeds going to NYBG’s longtime educational and research missions. The NYBG Orchid Show runs through April 26th – go if you can. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The NYBG)
It’s no secret, French Bulldogs are among my favorite breeds. Many of you may remember my beloved late Frenchies Francesca, Sharkey, and Bête Noire. At home now are Crème Brûlée, Luna Moona - and if you’ve been following my Instagram page @marthastewart48 - the adorable 12-week old Half Moon, Luna Moona's daughter.
The French Bulldog is an affectionate and playful breed known for its wrinkly, smushy face and bat-like ears. They require a bit of patience during training, but are incredibly intelligent and eager to please. I am sure you will love Half Moon as much as I do - she is fitting in perfectly and is already great friends with my Chow Chows, Empress Qin and Emperor Han.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
Half Moon is here and ready for anything. This 12-week old puppy is full of energy and spunk and adored by everyone at the farm.
The French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is the result of a 19th century cross between English bulldog ancestors and ratters from France. The breed is now categorized in the American Kennel Club’s Non-Sporting Group.
French Bulldogs are affectionate, playful, curious, and very social dogs, making them excellent companions.
Half Moon is called a brindle French Bulldog. Brindling mixes black hairs with brown or fawn. Brindle-colored dogs look a bit like canine tigers.
Here are mother and daughter just home after a walk around the farm. Half Moon loves going out for walks and can keep up pretty well with her mom.
The French Bulldog is a small, active, and muscular dog with heavy bone and smooth coat.
Half Moon loves to play with Luna Moona…
… And Luna Moona is a great mom – she plays with her and teaches her how to be a good dog.
… And, of course, how to pose for all the photos.
Half Moon, aka “Mooney,” loves everyone who visits, and is always looking for a rub.
For short breaks, I let the dogs out in my Winter House courtyard. Here’s Half Moon hoping others will join her – perhaps the Chow Chows?
Right now, Half Moon is under 10-pounds, but full grown, she will weigh between 16 and 25 pounds. She will also stand about 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Here’s Luna Moona watching her daughter from under a bench nearby.
French Bulldogs are very perceptive and excel in emotional intelligence, sensing sadness and happiness in their human family members and responding appropriately.
Just in from outside, mother and daughter get some rest.
As with all puppies – they play hard and then rest hard. It’s a short nap…
… a very short nap.
The little puppy is ready to play and chew again.
Luna Moona was hoping for a bit more calm and quiet.
As the old saying goes… let sleeping dogs lie. Looks like Half Moon will rest for a few more minutes. These two, mother and daughter, make a wonderful duo. My dog count is now five – three Frenchies and two Chow Chows. And I love every one.
It's a mild winter day here at my farm - a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the 40s, which means my peafowl and geese will be out and about in their enclosures.
Geese and peafowl are pretty tolerant of cooler weather. Geese have excellent insulation systems - dense outer feathers, thick down feathers, and natural fat reserves that not only keep them warm but also provide energy. The peafowl have protective feathering and can regulate their body temperatures to adjust to the cold. To make sure they are all comfortable, I provide heated shelters, where they can take cover during unpleasant conditions. And they're also checked several times a day to ensure they have all the food and water they need.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
Peacocks are stunning birds. And remember, technically only the males are peacocks with their long and colorful tails. The females are peahens. This is one of my handsome peacocks.
Breeding season is just starting. This is when the males display their plumage to attract mates. The season usually runs from March to October or sooner if temperatures are warmer.
Some of the peahens are curious and have gathered to watch the show.
The peacock turns in circles showing off his tail. This display is known as “train-rattling” – a way to show the females that they are healthy and fit for reproduction.
The stiff rear feathers underlie the front feathers and provide support when the whole tail is raised.
This male repeats the dance over and over, turning to face the peahens as he rattles.
And he certainly doesn’t mind the camera up close. And look at his feet. A peafowl’s legs are very strong. They have three toes on each foot facing forward, and one facing backwards. They also have sharp, powerful metatarsal spurs that are used for defense.
This young male still has some growing to do, but here he is fanning his feathers also.
One can see him trying hard to attract these peahens. He won’t have his full tail until at least three years of age. Peahens usually choose males that have bigger, healthier plumage with an abundance of eyespots.
My mature males with the biggest, longest tails are on their perch – keeping a lookout for predators. The peacock is a large sized bird with an average length from bill to tail of 39 to 45 inches.
These are females. Both male and female peafowl have a fan-shaped crest on their head called a corona. It may take up to one year for a corona to reach full size.
A peahen has more subdued plumage – this one with soft brown feathers and a metallic green neck.Their colors are more dull to allow them to blend into their surroundings.
Some of the birds are in their coop. Inside, they also have several perches on which they can roost.
During the day, they are all free to walk in and out as they please.
These two decided to venture outdoors walking along the footpaths shoveled for them after the recent blizzard.
Next door, my geese are also enjoying their shoveled “course.” I hope you saw the Instagram videos on @marthastewart48 – they walk single file from one side to the other, honking as they waddle.
During warmer days, they can also be found resting along the snow covered path and enjoying the activities around them.
Here is my pair of Chinese geese. These geese most likely descended from the swan goose in Asia, though over time developed different physical characteristics, such as longer necks and more compact bodies. The Chinese goose is refined and curvaceous. Its bill is relatively long and slender, with a large, rounded, erect knob that attaches to its forehead. The Chinese goose holds its head high and has a long, slim, well-arched neck which meets the body at about a 45 degree angle. Mature ganders average 12 pounds, while mature geese average 10 pounds.
My Pomeranian guard geese are happy in the snow – going indoors only when they’re hungry.
And here is one of my Sebastopol geese. Sebastopols are medium-sized birds with pure white feathers that contrast with their bright blue eyes and orange bills and feet. And what is most striking is the plumage. The head and upper two-thirds of the neck is smooth, while that of the breast and underbody is elongated and well-curled. Both my peafowl and waterfowl are looking great and seem to be enjoying the winter season. Are you?
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