Saturday, November 10, 2007
I wake up at 6:00am and know I am going to miss the 6:30am bus I wanted to take. By the time I get to the station it is 7:02am and the
Lucky Star bus 7am already left. I bought a round trip ticket $30. (Definitely cheaper than the $60 I used to pay for a Peter Pan ticket a decade ago. I have to admit go to love capitalism and competition for the Boston to New York bus route to make it more economical to visit both places.)
I figured I had some time to spare so I grabbed something to eat. By the time I came back a mere 10 minutes later there was a big LONG line to get on the bus. After boarding, it turned out I sat next to the girl who sat opposite me on the Red Line. She recognized me and I recognized her cool black purse. The bus ride down was very efficient only 4 hours and I got into New York Chinatown at 11:30am. I managed to read two chapters from the STC Series 7 study book while grabbing a nap here and there.
I get to the Grand Street subway station. I had did some research “D, B” trains and I want to take the “B” to the New York Botanical garden. I see two “D” trains pass by. The second “D” train one of the conductors looked at me wondering why I did not get on. I then ask a staff member and ask him if the “B” is operating. He then tells me that the “B” never runs on the weekends. The one time I did not pick up the Subway map, I would have figured it out eventually. Luckily it is only another 10 minutes for the next “D” train. The staff member was very kind and got me a map and talked to me about the situation. Once on the train, due to construction improvements, I have to transfer at the West 4th Street station. This it the first time I head up to the Bronx and this far north. I think I was up there in that vicinity en route coming into the city but alas there is not stop to go there. It took almost an hour to get to the Bedford Park station. Then I try to find the X26 bus but I am having problems finding the Bedford Park Avenue from the station as I am on Grand Concourse. Luckily I found someone who pointed me to the right direction.
I am also happy it is sunny and not rainy. My sis had warned me that it would be rainy and that would not be fun. I am a bit excited to go see the
Kiku floral exhibit at the
New York Botanical Garden (five years in the making and the first of its kind outside of Japan). It was a cool crisp Saturday afternoon and I am very lucky to have such nice weather. I find the nearest bus stop and take it.
*I could have taking a commuter rail straight to the entrance of the New York Botanical Garden but it would cost almost $10 for the 20 minute trip. Granted it was more economical but a bit more time consuming with my $7 one day metro pass (unlimited subway and bus rides until 3am the next morning).
I arrive at the NY Botanical gardens at 1pm. I am hungry and I find out where the Garden Café (very close to the entrance). The entrance fee cost $18, my MFA ID did not get me any discount though. (I have found in the past to be very useful for free admittance or discounts.)
I walk over to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Courtyards to see the KIKU –the art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum. I got a free audio guide (have to give ID to get it) and it was cool to have some commentary pressing in the number that is noted on the various signage around the exhibition. There was also a cell phone tour that you could call in to a number and press in the numbers (if you opted not to have the audio guide).
The courtyard garden in which Kiku is exhibited is a microcosm of fall. Towering bamboo representing strength and resilience, brilliant leaves of Japanese maples, and dark-needled conifers all complement the classical beauty of the majestic chrysanthemums. Massive boulders, grasses, and chrysanthemums evoke the rugged autumnal beauty of the Japanese landscapes. Elegant bonsai, each an exquisite landscape in itself, can be vied in the Conservatory (through November 4) and in the Courtyards.
Courtyard Map (terms) :
Ozukuri or “thousand bloom” are so named because a single plant has been trained to produce up to 300 or more perfect flowers on a complex frame or scaffold.
Ogiku, with a single large blossom balanced atop a tall stem, are displayed in the traditional tazuna-ue style, recalling the colors and pattern of the bridle of the emperor’s horse.
Kengai or cascades feature small-flowered chrysanthemums similar to wild, uncultivated varieties. The flowing display is grown on and supported by a bamboo and wire framework that can stretch the branches six-and-a-half feet away from the plant’s roots.
Bamboo, a giant grass, is one of the most beautiful and useful plants in the world. Tetsunori Kawana, master teacher of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, has created a dramatic bamboo sculpture.
Bonsai, meaning “plants growing in a tray,” is the ancient Japanese art of growing mature but miniature trees and shrubs in containers. The bonsai in the Conservatory will be on display through November 4.
How are kiku grown?
Kiku (chrysanthemum in Japanese) require expert knowledge and constant attention over a period of six to twelve months to grow into the strange and wonderful shapes on display. Under the watchful eyes and skilled hands of Botanical Garden horticulturists, each plant is meticulously watered, pinched, staked, and tied to achieve these spectacular results.
What are the structures in which the kiku are displayed?
The traditional Japanese garden pavilion or uwaya were handmade and assembled at the Botanical Garden by skilled artisans to protect the delicate kiku from wind and rain and provide an elegant backdrop for the exquisite flowers. Each bamboo and wood structure is built in a specific style depending on the type of kiku displayed inside. The uwaya seen here, complete with elegant purple curtains and red tassles, were inspired by those built at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo for its famous annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition. (Courtesy of the Kiku Map and Information from the NY Botanical Garden)
I was greeted by the big bamboo sculpture. First I went to the left side and walked around. I saw the kengai and on the other side the ozukuri with one plant having over 200-300 blossoms specially arranged and cared for this special exhibit. The other side had the Maples, Pines, Bonsai and the kengai and the single bloom ogiku with the gold fish in the pool. The ogiku only comes in four colors according to my audio guide and only in four colors pink, purple, white and yellow over a six foot stem.
I do feel a bit chilly. But then I walk over to the NY Botanical Garden Shops. There were some cool blooms Coach bags. There were a ton of pretty glittery holiday ornaments with gorgeous blooms. I wanted to take the tram around the gardens before leaving. I am told the departed every 20 minutes. I end up on it alone with the CD audio tour becoming broken and skipping. I got to find out where the other gardens are and it is a big space with 240 acres/ 50 gardens and this is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States.
Looking at the Subway map, I notice that the “4” is close by to the “D” train. I take the x26 bus and discover it is literally a block away. My next destination is to head to the MOMA which is one place I have not visited since last year. Plus it being 3pm it will take a good hour to go back into Manhattan and I am guessing it closes at 5pm. I take and then switch to the “6” so I can get off at 51st street and cross over to a few avenues then walk to 53rd street after Fifth Avenue. (I do bypass the 53rd and Fifth Avenue subway stop for the “E” and “V” trains).
More KIKU pics
More NY Botanical Garden Pics
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