The Orchid Show
Howard and I went to the members preview of the orchid show at the New York Botanical Gardens. It was gorgeous, as always, though I preferred the less dramatically artistic approach of last year. I did, however, like the Brazilian theme and the guitar music that accompanied it, but some of the displays were too arty fartsy for me. My one big complaint was the state of many of the permanent plants in the conservatory. It's obvious that budget cuts have made their way to the NYBG because many plants need to be pruned and the dead leaves removed. In the orchid exhibit, one of permanent plants in the observatory was badly infested with spider mites and they had already spread to the newly installed orchids. It was sad. The grounds are still beautiful but the conservatory looks a bit neglected. Also? If you are going to sell orchids for $65, then they should not be infected with insects. Again with the damn spider mites.
When I got home I sent this letter to the NYBG. Because the "contact the NYBG" page makes you choose what department you are sending it to, I sent it to "plant questions":
My question is why are plants obviously infected with spider mites not being treated? While at the member's preview of the Orchid Show today, I noticed two plants in the conservatory with a large infestation of spider mites. These mites had already spread to the newly installed orchids. I understand budget cuts and reduction of staff are necessary during these difficult times but I have always been impressed by the excellent care of the exhibits at the Garden. It distressed me to see large quantities of brown leaves on and below many plants, as well as the aforementioned mites. I hope these problems will be addressed in the not too distant future so, as a member, I and all the other Garden's patrons can continue to enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of the NYBG.
When I got home I sent this letter to the NYBG. Because the "contact the NYBG" page makes you choose what department you are sending it to, I sent it to "plant questions":
My question is why are plants obviously infected with spider mites not being treated? While at the member's preview of the Orchid Show today, I noticed two plants in the conservatory with a large infestation of spider mites. These mites had already spread to the newly installed orchids. I understand budget cuts and reduction of staff are necessary during these difficult times but I have always been impressed by the excellent care of the exhibits at the Garden. It distressed me to see large quantities of brown leaves on and below many plants, as well as the aforementioned mites. I hope these problems will be addressed in the not too distant future so, as a member, I and all the other Garden's patrons can continue to enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of the NYBG.