Oct 26

LAST CHANCE – “Fall Flowers of Japan” @ NY Botanical Garden until 10/30/2011

Carolyn Brooks (Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa, 2006-11) is co-author of the blog MadSilence–a cross-cultural blog written with her father–and a current culture/education related job-seeker in the NY area available for full-time or consulting work.

Feeling a bit homesick for the full moon, momiji and manju that are signs of fall in Japan?  Despair not, for 4 days remain of the wonderful “Fall Flowers of Japan” display at the New York Botanical Garden.  It will continue until Sunday, October 30th, 10AM to 6PM, and costs (a completely worthwhile) $20 to see.  The main focus of the display is kiku, chrysanthemums.  They have dozens of varieties to see, including traditional shapes and colors from Japan trained into waterfalls or bridges, and new strains bred in American which look like bird’s nests and exploding stars.

These mums were bigger than a grapefruit, and were so glossy and translucent that they should be made of spun sugar!

These mums were bigger than a grapefruit, and were so glossy and translucent that they should be made of spun sugar!

They also have an amazing piece of sculptural art there, a massive ikebana piece created by world-renowned Sogetsu school artist Kawana Tetsunori.  Dubbed Tanjou, or Rebirth, it is entirely made of branches and storm-wrack recovered from the Botanical Garden after Hurricanes Irene and Jeff.

The piece is displayed in the center of a still pool in the Conservatory greenhouse... its beautiful reflection in the water doubles its grandeur.

Tanjou is displayed in the center of a still pool in the Conservatory greenhouse... its beautiful reflection in the water doubles its grandeur.

This special event also brings traditional music and dancing to the Garden, with two performances by Tomofuji-kai on Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and 3pm.  Afterwards you can explore the rest of the Botanical Garden with its stunning Conservatory and chilling display of carved pumpkins!

BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIINSSSSS...

BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIINSSSSS...


Comments are closed.

Page Rank