New York Botanical Garden Tour

At the end of the semester, the Hortus Forum executive board had the opportunity to take an unofficial trip to New York City, where we visited the New York Botanical Garden for an incredible behind-the-scenes learning experience. Throughout the day, we explored the garden's stunning landscapes and seasonal displays, discovering new and unusual plants while gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and planning that goes into creating world-class botanical exhibits.

One of the highlights of our visit was touring the Nolen Greenhouses, home to the garden's production and living collections. We met with curators responsible for managing the botanical collections as well as gardeners who produce thousands of plants for seasonal displays across the garden. They shared the challenges of operating a large-scale greenhouse, from coordinating seasonal production schedules to maintaining the health of diverse plant species grown in bulk for exhibitions.

We also had the rare opportunity to explore the garden's behind-the-scenes research and conservation collections. These greenhouses house an extraordinary diversity of plants that are maintained for scientific study and conservation, helping researchers better understand and protect rare and threatened species. During the tour, we encountered plants we had never seen before and learned about the environmental pressures many of them face in the wild, including habitat loss and climate change. The visit provided valuable insight into the critical role botanical gardens play in plant conservation, research, education, and horticultural excellence.