With each new year I get excited because to me a new year means a new Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden! 
The Orchid Show is what initially started my obsession with these plants, and I’ve made it a point to attend at least once every year since I first went in 2009. Last year I even had the opportunity to attend on member preview day before the show opened to the public!
When is the 2016 Orchid Show? This year it will run from February 27 through April 17. Tickets are not available yet, but you can sign up to receive ticket alerts when they do go on sale.
After having attended the show for the past few years, I have some planning tips:
1. Arrive at the garden as early in the day as possible to beat the crowds—the place can get pretty packed, especially on weekends.
2. If you’re traveling to the NYBG via public transportation you can take the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Avenue, but be aware that you’ll then have a mile walk to the garden…and that’s before all the walking you’ll do at the show! I highly recommend spending an extra few bucks to take the Metro North Harlem local train from Grand Central instead, because it drops you off right across the street from the Mosholu Gate entrance to the garden. Plus, the ride is only about 20 minutes from Grand Central. You’ll save your walking energy for the show and will also avoid a long walk to and from the subway in potentially cold weather!
3. Don’t bundle up too much, even if it’s cold out. (Just another reason to take the Metro North instead of the subway.) The Haupt Conservatory is very warm and humid inside and there is no coat check. So if you wear five layers to the garden you’ll be burdened with four layers to carry…which will become incredibly annoying if you’re also trying to take photos.
4. Set some money aside for the gift shop, because you will want to buy something. The NYBG has a beautiful gift shop and they sell a wide variety of orchids during the orchid show. Just be careful not to knock pots over with your coat while you browse—I’ve seen it happen at least once per visit. Seriously!
5. Remain patient. Everyone has a camera (or iPhone, iPad, etc etc etc) and everyone wants to photograph every orchid at the show. Sometimes you’ll have to wait in order to get the shot you’re aiming for. Just go with it; everyone’s there to enjoy the beauty.
Who’s excited for the 2016 Orchid Show?!
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