This is just to let you all know that there are TWO BIG gardening events coming up that you should know about. Just knowing about them will help kick-start your flowerboxes. AND I don't need to tell you that gardening is all about planning ahead.
1. The Gramercy Garden & Antiques Show , March 3-5 at the Gramercy Armory, blurs the boundaries of art, antiques, and flora by presenting them all in one venue.
Anyone who is interested in learning to care for plants or starting a small garden will benefit from the resources at this fair and by speaking with the specialists who will be on hand.
And for those of you who get the ‘I just don't know what to do about plants' headache that can afflict urban dwellers, the art and antiques side of the venue can act as your aspirin.
The list of exhibitors alone is full of promise, but this will be complemented by a series of lectures (among them our beloved Jon Carloftis will be presenting at noon on Saturday) that cover a wide range of subjects including garden design, flower arranging and plant care.
Click here for a complete seminar listing and descriptions .
2. This weekend is all about the orchids at the NYBG . The show will start tomorrow and continue on through April 2, so you don't worry if you are already booked for this coming Saturday and Sunday.
I hope to be there with the masses of camera-toting devotees, so look for pics in the coming weeks on AT. Besides the visual candy, there will be a treasure trove of presentations to enlighten and educate. From camera tips on photographing flowers to rainforest stories of plant survival, there is sure to be a topic for everyone. And of course, there will be plenty on orchid care and chances to ask the experts. And the garden store and bookshop is ALWAYS worth the trip. Combine this with a trip for Italian food on nearby Arthur Avenue and you have the makings of an unforgettable weekend trip. - Matt
Finally, I have a question that might be of value.
I have a DARK apartment. The sun does not shine there except through a window over the stove and that's it (well, there's my smile of course). I long for plants. All that has survived is my teeny bamboo.
What can I grow in practically no light that won't die within two weeks and is bug resistant? I need something tree-like for a corner and perhaps something nicely potted on a cabinet. I have some very nice planters but, alas, no plants. I can use a grow light or two but that's it.
I give this to the crowd....
One quick suggestion that comes to mind is the ZZ plant. You can get them in the flower district and they can grow in the lowest of light conditions. They are entirely bug-resistant and barely need to be watered because of how they store water in their roots.
Anyone else?
Thank you Matt! I never heard of a ZZ plant. Is that the common name? I'll do some research.
It does have a real name, but this is how it is commonly known. Click on my name for a website that has a short description. I t may not be your cup of tea, but it definitely stands up to almost anything.
Also don't forget the low-light plant thread that was on AT a while back. Click on my name for the link -
Matt: It's a nice plant! I think its perfect for my dark little place. Anything live is better than anything dead but this is nice.
I hadn't seen the plant thread. Thanks. I'm going to use this info and do some looking around.
Greatly appreciated. (I see on the past thread that my bamboo is not a bamboo afterall - boo hoo - but that's probably why its alive...)
Another hint I wanted to pass along to jmarieb and anyone else on the lookout is an article in the April issue of Dwell.
The article is on pp. 134-6 and is called 'Beyond the Ficus'.
They have chosen plants to match with a modern decor and provide vital stats on sunlight, watering, and possible dangers - all important to know if you are busy or have children or pets.
Philodendron seems to be the most promising for you, jmarieb, and the 'Prince of Orange' has beautiful orange-tinged foliage.