Gotham Gardens

Gotham Gardens in Transition

2010-05-12T14:34:00.005-04:00

This week we're saying farewell to our home for the past 10 years here on Amsterdam Avenue. The space in the neighborhood we hoped to move into isn't ready yet. In the meantime, we'll continue to do fabulous flowers and garden design in a temporary studio. The phone number is the same: 212 877.8908 and you can reach us by email: info@gothamgardens.com. We'll miss seeing all of you who visit the shop regularly. We'll also miss our good friends at Levain Bakery, Freddy & Peppers Pizza, Beacon Hardware, Andy's Deli, Crumbs, and all the other retailers, big and small, that give this neighborhood so much character. Years ago, who would have dreamt that Amsterdam Avenue would have been filled with so many interesting places to shop and eat.

For the moment, we'll leave you with these words from people wiser than us.

"Earth laughs in flowers." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers also feed the soul." The Koran

"Can we conceive what humanity would be if it did not know the flowers?" Maurice Maeterlinck

Another Reminder Why Mothers Deserve Beautiful Flowers

2010-05-06T08:43:00.005-04:00

Today's "For Better or For Worse"

A Reminder of Why Mothers Deserve Beautiful Flowers

2010-04-30T10:33:00.007-04:00

Because mothers try so hard to make sure siblings manage to survive one another.

(Especially mothers of boys. And especially mothers of boys like Tucker and Brad. Their YouTube video surely makes their mom proud of her hard work.)

The Shoveling Samaritan Works Here!

2010-03-23T16:38:00.002-04:00

The bus stops right outside the shop. During that last heavy snowfall, people getting on or off the bus had to climb over a perilous mountain of snow and significant pile-up of slush. We try to do our civic duty when we can. This time one of our people has earned the sobriquet "the shoveling Samaritan." Here's the piece that lead off yesterday's Metropolitan Diary in the New York Times.

DEAR DIARY:

As I climbed a multi-foot snowbank in late February to wait for the uptown M7 bus, I noticed a thin, middle-aged woman wearing an open jacket and no gloves, shoveling snow away from the submerged curb.

She was wearing what appeared to be a Metropolitan Transportation Authority-issue shirt underneath, with the colored circles of various bus and train routes.

Me: “I can’t believe they make you do this, with no gloves either! I have enough problems with the M.T.A. as it is.”

Woman: “Oh, I don’t work for the M.T.A.”

I motioned to her T-shirt. She opened her jacket more so I could better see: the colored circles were part of a design that spells something out.

Woman: “This? This is my New York City Marathon T-shirt. I work in there [she pointed to the flower shop behind the bus stop] in the basement, and I was just so hot!” Dan Heching

What are those Olympic medal winners holding aloft?

2010-02-22T10:27:00.008-05:00

We have to admit it's not the most telegenic bouquet we've ever seen. The designers, June Strandberg and Margitta Schulz, said they wanted the bouquets to reflect British Columbia and "look natural, like something you would see if you drove up the mountain." As you can tell from the medal ceremonies, that's not the look the design panel wanted. The powers-that-be chose a rather severe design that includes green spider mums, green hypericum berries, aspidistra leaves, leatherleaf fern and monkey grass. Between 80 and 150 bouquets are being made each day, many by novice florists trained by Ms. Strandberg in a program she runs for women who are in recovery, victims of violence or ex-convicts. By the time the last medal is awarded, they will have turned out a total of 1,800 bouquets. Having dealt with some difficult clients in our time, we'd like to award a gold medal for perseverance to Ms. Strandberg and Ms. Schultz. By the time the design panel had finished tweaking their original design, they'd gone through 23 samples.

Designers June Strandberg and Margitta Schultz deserve their own gold medal for endurance and perseverance.

Upper West Side Pick of the Week

2010-02-09T14:24:00.005-05:00

We were surprised and delighted to discover My Upper West, the Upper West Side Blog has chosen Gotham Gardens as their Pick of the Month for February. We especially liked what they had to say about Valentine's Day, which is fast approaching. "... if you are thinking about what to get your sweetheart as a token of your love, consider one of the unique arrangements from Gotham Gardens. The flower and plant shop on Amsterdam offers some innovative designs so that your arrangement is more than the phone-it-in-red-roses-in-plastic-wrap."

Last year a woman confessed that, while she didn't want to seem ungrateful for the dozen red roses she knew she'd be getting, she really envied the women getting our lush arrangements of roses, peonies, ranunculus, orchids, sweet peas and other gorgeous blooms.

So, gentlemen, why not really dazzle them this year?

Think Ahead for a Really Special Valentine's Day

2010-02-04T12:00:00.008-05:00

In need of inspiration this Valentine's Day? Take a tip from those Victorians who knew romance and flowers were as intertwined as, well, figure skating and sequins.

Though Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, consider kicking off the celebration on Friday. There's always a special thrill in getting flowers at the office. (And so what if part of it is the look of envy on colleagues' faces.)

Catch your Valentine off guard with breakfast ... or at least, coffee -- in bed on Saturday morning and roses on the tray. (And scatter the petals where you may.)

Brunch on Sunday? You'll knock their socks off if you arrange with us ahead of time to have a lovely centerpiece waiting on your table. No additional cost for all the looks of envy cast your way.

In hibernation mode, especially with the Olympics underway? We can deliver a gift basket to your door, pairing a gorgeous bouquet with special treats from our neighbors: the infamous chocolate chip cookies from Levain Bakery, Wicked Hot Chocolate from Jacque Torres, cupcakes from Crumbs, wine from Pour, or salumi and cheese from Salumeria Rosi.

Six More Weeks of Winter

2010-02-02T17:57:00.005-05:00

As anyone who has ever seen the movie "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray knows, there is only one genuine, authentic groundhog prognosticator and that's the one in Punxsutawney, PA. According to Phil, we're in for six more weeks of winter. All the more reason to wrap oneself in thoughts of love and warmth.

Here at Gotham Gardens, we've turned to some of our favorite writers for a little illumination on the subject.

Some of us who seem to have been in hibernation this winter liked this gem from Zora Neale Hurston: Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.

The gardeners couldn't resist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Love does not dominate; it cultivates.

Those of us who remember the enchantment of Il Postino are immediately swept away to a sunny Mediterranean island thanks to the words of Pablo Neruda:

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Are your bulbs tucked in for their long winter's nap?

2009-11-04T11:35:00.005-05:00

The Gardens of Baghdad

2009-11-02T08:31:00.003-05:00

We know how plants and gardens revive stressed-out New Yorkers. Just imagine what they can do for war-weary Iraqis. There's a story in Sunday's New York Times about the resurgence of gardening, especially topiaries, in Baghdad. As Muhi Mohammed Hussein, the man shown here manicuring the eagle in front of his home, explained, "Iraq has suffered for a long time, so now I'm trying to give a smile back to Iraq with beautiful plants." Another gardener noted that taking care of his garden allowed him to forget the war. His "refuge from violence" isn't quite so well maintained now. "When the situation is good, you're too busy with work," he said, an observation many New Yorkers can agree with.

Not your Typical Bar Arrangement

2009-09-29T13:15:00.003-04:00

This summer we did a wedding at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, a beautiful event space right smack on the Hudson River. Some couples come in with only a hazy idea of what they want. Not so Adam and Laura. This has to be the first time our crew assignments included a designated fish wrangler.

New Bus Stop Bench

2009-09-14T13:41:00.009-04:00

We're still amazed that someone managed to run off with our old bus stop bench -- it weighed a ton. And even after the city finally put in a bench, people would still come into the shop asking why we stopped putting out our bench. So here's our new contribution to everyone's comfort . A friend of the shop dragged in a dreary bench missing several slats. We birched it up, gave it a zippy coat of paint, and added a lock for good measure.

Eat your Vegetables, Drink your Flowers?

2009-08-21T14:21:00.004-04:00

A story in this week's New York Times dining section headlined How to Sip a Flower Garden led us to wonder whether we should add a bartender to the staff. As visitors to the store know, we do enjoy the occasional cocktail hour. We hadn't realized that this is the summer of the floral cocktail; that flowers are being "deployed as much for their delicate flavors as their visual appeal." The cocktail shown is flavored with elderflower liqueur and, as readers of our 4th of July post will spot, garnished with a nasturtium bloom

One of the Creatures of Gotham Gardens

2009-08-12T16:53:00.005-04:00

Remember the old song Froggy went a-courtin'? This froggy went a-hitch-hikin' and arrived in the shop over a year ago hidden in a plant shipment. A Cuban tree frog, his is considered an invasive species. Even if he could be released into the wild, New York winters would not be to his liking. He's grown considerably in the warmth and humidity of his own terrarium (complete with pool), feasting happily on crickets. Given tree frogs are nocturnal, we were delighted to find him awake and willing to pose. Meanwhile, the song has been covered by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Bob Dylan to Elvis Presley. We especially like this version by everyone's favorite frog, Kermit.

Monsoon Summer

2009-08-05T12:05:00.003-04:00

We got off to a late start planting our window boxes this spring. For a time, all we had was bare dirt as customers bought the plants we had planned on planting. But thanks to New York City's second rainiest summer (which August may push into the record book), the window boxes have more than made up for lost time. On the left you can see our crop of Swiss chard, more than overdue for harvesting. Alocasias, the elephant-ear plants on the right, have overshadowed a nasturium vine but are bringing much delight to passers-by.

Double-Duty Containers

2009-07-29T14:02:00.003-04:00

We originally got these lanterns to use, well, as lanterns. Then we thought, what a great idea for a gift. The recipient gets to enjoy a gorgeous arrangement, then gets a delightful lantern to enjoy on the terrace or in the park. We only have a few left.

The Most Plant-Friendly Voice in Britain Chosen

2009-07-21T12:30:00.000-04:00

You've got to love those garden-loving Brits. This spring the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Wisley held auditions to find "the most plant-friendly voice" in Britain. Ten finalists, reflecting a range of voices, were chosen and their recorded voices played through headphones attached to the pots of tomato plants. The winner? Sarah Darwin, a botanist at the Natural History Museum and Charles' great-great-granddaughter. Appropriately enough, she read a selection from On the Origin of Species. During the month-long, her tomato plant grew 1.6 cm higher (nearly 2/3") than the next contender.

Colin Crosbie, Garden Superintendent and curator for ‘The Voice of Wisley’ experiment said, "There is something wonderfully pleasing about a plant responding to a story about how its kind came into being."

Given the influence of British TV on the U.S., can "American Plant Idol" be far behind?

Nasturtiums: A Charmer with Many Virtues

2009-07-02T11:28:00.005-04:00

Nasturtiums are one of those garden stalwarts that always seem to bring out smiles. How can you not love a plant with so many virtues? Nasturtiums are fast growers. Low maintenance. ("Benign neglect" is often prescribed in gardening books.) The colorful flowers bloom all summer long. Even the leaves are cheery, nearly round and reminiscent of tiny lily pads. Thomas Jefferson included nasturtiums in the kitchen garden at Monticello for the peppery zest both leaves and blossoms add to salads. The writer of one herbal helpfully noted that, should one run out of capers, pickled nasturtium seeds are an excellent substitute. Enjoy them scampering up a trellis or cascading from a windowbox this holiday weekend, knowing that, in the Victorian language of flowers, nasturtiums signify patriotism.

What is that?

2009-06-11T00:34:00.007-04:00

Think of a fern and this probably isn't the image that springs to mind. The hapu'u, a tree fern native to Hawaii, sends forth giant fronds. The fuzzy brown stuff is pulu, a wool-like fiber once used for stuffing pillows and mattresses. We once had a bride who saw this and immediately cancelled her order for a regular bouquet. Ferns, of course, have ancient roots and it's takes little imagination to picture the hapu'u's ancestor in prehistoric times. We were reminded of this link at the opening night of the World Science Festival where we had the opportunity to meet Frans Lanting, one of the world's premiere nature photographers. His lyrical multimedia exploration of natural life on earth, LIFE: A Journey Through Time, set to music by Philip Glass, traces the evolution of life on earth. As life emerged from the sea, club moss and ferns were the first plants to take root. Like horse shoe crabs, which haven't changed in 150 million years, Lanting photographed the hapu'u as a way of "seeing the past in the present."

Cutting the stem revealed this delicate pattern.

Portrait of Ephemeral Beauty

2009-05-13T13:17:00.000-04:00

There's something to appreciate in every stage of a blossom's life. Yet occasionally the beauty revealed in details isn't revealed to us until the very end.

How Much is that Doggy in the Window?

2009-05-08T11:20:00.023-04:00

Might this be the perfect gift for a dog-loving, eco-aware mom who lives in a building that doesn't allow pets? The adorable "Recycled Rover" is made from braided and twisted newspaper with a wooden nose and eyes. To give you an idea of size, here's Rover with Clementine the Westie. Unlike Clementine, Rover doesn't need walks or baths and sits still for photos.

Gotham Gardens at Horticultural Society of New York Gala

2009-05-01T12:55:00.009-04:00

Our table card used this image with the headline, What kind of tropical isle has gems like these?

This Side of Paradise, the theme of this year's Horticultural Society of New York gala, led us to conclude that while many consider sand, sun and ocean to be their idea of Eden, when it comes to eternity, we actually prefer the best New York City offers. Yet how to boil all of that down to a centerpiece? Now that's a challenge. George Balanchine's three-act ballet, Jewels, sprang to mind. Hmmm. A ballet -- that could stand for all the fabulous cultural offerings of the city and we do adore the New York City Ballet company. And not just any masterpiece but one inspired by a visit to Van Cleef & Arpels with each act symbolizing diamonds, rubies or emeralds. Talk about the kind of shopping excursion one could develop some serious fantasies about. Here's how we reprised it in our window.

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth for a Good Cause

2009-04-23T17:18:00.003-04:00

Sunday, May 3rd from 12 to 5 p.m., stop by the shop, buy a delicious cupcake or cookie and help support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Gotham Gardens is pleased to participate in this first nationwide grass-roots bake-a-thon to raise money for breast cancer research. Who knows? While you're here, you might just find the perfect gift for Mother's Day. Want to know more? Check out Bake for Hope here or on Facebook.

The Glories of Spring

2009-04-16T11:01:00.005-04:00

Spring brings with it some of the year's most gorgeous blooms and blossoms. Plump peonies. Astonishing anemones. Luscious lilacs. A dazzling variety of tulips. Who can resist?

We sure can't. Anymore than we can resist this groaner. If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?

Pilgrims, of course.

A note for the historically-minded. In the mid-16th century, Thomas Tusser, musician, farmer and poet, put his observations on farming, country life and human nature into rhyming couplets and published first A Hundreth Good Pointes of Husbandrie, followed by the expanded, Five Hundredth Good Pointes of Husbandrie. To him we owe the familiar observation on April showers among other sayings:

Sweet April showers do spring May flowers.

The stone that is rolling can gather no moss.

Naught venture, naught have.

Look ere thou leap, see ere thou go.

A fool and his money are soon parted.

Some respite to husbands the weather may send, but housewives' affairs have never an end.

Ideas for your Passover Table

2009-04-02T21:07:00.006-04:00

Instead of one large centerpiece for the table, consider multiples -- several small arrangements that won't get in way of all the platters and bowls and give you lots of flexibility and versatility. Here are a variety of arrangements created in small, delicate glasses for inspiration. Choose one color palette with different kinds of flowers; one type of flower in different colors; or variations on a theme. See what we mean by versatility?

Opening Tomorrow: An Exhibit of Fountains by JCCA Students

2009-03-20T18:56:00.003-04:00

Given the age of the artists, we're tempted to refer to this exhibit as Fountains of Youth. Twelve students will be showing the ceramic fountains they created through Doing Art Together. Join us this Saturday, March 21st, from 7 to 9 PM, for refreshments and a chance to meet the artists: Brianna Brooks, Chyna Brooks, Sandy Brooks, Egypt Frazer, Jose Garcia, Christina Green, Jasmine Moses, Shampelle Hackshaw, Keanu Pediford, Aisha Reid, Mary Todd and Vanessa Twine. Their work will be on display through Sunday, March 29th.

Levain Bakery on "Oprah"

2009-03-13T19:05:00.006-04:00

We're just a block from the fabulous Levain Bakery. Yesterday we stopped in for our usual morning coffee to discover a film crew wrapping up. "What's up?" we asked before spotting Mark Consuelos, the Oprah regular. Turns out Connie was showing Mark how to make sticky buns for a sticky bun taste-off on the Oprah show today. Mark put his favorite from Levain up against the legendary cinnamon bun from Chicago's Ann Sathers and Ali Wentworth's homemade version. The verdict? Congratulations, Pam and Connie!

Levain is best known for their cookies: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin (one of our particular favorites) and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. We're also partial to the blueberry muffins, oatmeal raisin scones, chocolate chip brioche, cinnamon brioche, pumpkin ginger spice bread and, oh, did we mention the artisanal breads?

Audubon Original Watercolors at New-York Historical Society

2009-02-21T12:14:00.011-05:00

You'll have to wait another 10 years to see the 40 original watercolors by James Audubon now on view at the New-York Historical Society until April 5th. Due to their sensitivity to light, these national treasures can only be exhibited for a short period, then are returned to storage, not to be shown again for another 10 years.

We never gave much thought to what Audubon went through to create his monumental Birds of America until we read Audubon, Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier by Jennifer Armstrong with fabulous illustrations by Jos. A. Smith.

This was one brave, rugged, intrepid adventurer. Today he'd have an action figure and no doubt his own line of wilderness gear. On his travels he encountered wolves, bears and Daniel Boone; survived an earthquake; sought shelter in a hollow tree that turned out to be home for a thousand or so swifts; and watched amazed one noon as a solid mass of passenger pigeons filled the sky, blocking out the sun as if there'd been an eclipse, flapping wings creating a roar and leaving behind copious amounts of bird poop.

We have two copies left. It's a great gift for a budding explorer, naturalist or lover of daring-do.

The Dozen Red Roses Dilemma

2009-02-09T13:00:00.009-05:00

Come Valentine's Day, a dozen red roses is like a default setting. You can't go too far wrong but you also miss the opportunity for something imaginative, personal, unique. It all comes down to expectations. If you know that's what she expects, by all means, go for it. If you're not sure, here's your opportunity to be a hero.

If you know her favorite flower, you're ahead of the game. If you're married, ask her mother or best friend what kind of flowers she chose for your wedding. Bonus points if you remember on your own.

Consider red roses mixed with other elements like this dramatic arrangement with peonies and sugar cane:

Know her favorite colors? Then just use red as a romantic accent:

Does she dream of the garden she'll one day tend? Choose a few exquisitely fragrant garden roses and a book to feed her imagination and she'll applaud your thoughtfulness.

Or keep the romance going. Give her a special vase and the promise of gorgeous blooms all year long.

Need a gift for that special Oscar nominee?

2009-01-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

The nominations are out! Let the gift-giving begin! Stuck for what to get Sean or Kate, Meryl or Danny, Brad and Angelina? What could be more appropriate than a gorgeous vase made from exposed 35 mm film? The ingenious Canadian artist, Colin Schleeh, has turned the raw material of Hollywood (and Bollywood) into a gorgeous work of art. And perhaps the lucky recipient will discover just how fetching it looks next to a certain golden bald man.

Our First Music Download

2009-01-16T10:15:00.005-05:00

Visitors to the shop know we're definitely animal-friendly. Margo the Parrot normally presides from her usual perch in the niche, though she's been staying home of late while Kevin is serving as the foreman of a jury. Clementine the Westie is typically on hand Tuesdays and Thursdays. Past working dogs include three former 'pound pups': Turtle the big, grey terrier mix; Stella, part German Shepherd, part Border Collie; and Levi, a Weimaraner/Doberman combo. The original Gotham Gardens Dog and presiding canine spirit, though, was another shelter rescue: our beloved Maggie. Even though Maggie passed away two years ago at the ripe age of 18, people still come in to ask about her. We'll try and find a photo to post. Meanwhile, in her honor, please enjoy a free download of a new song from Neko Case.

For every blog that posts it, she's donating $5 to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. (Perhaps you've seen Dogtown and the amazing work they've done rehabilitating the Michael Vick pit pulls.) Great idea, Neko.

Thomas Hampson, Valery Gergiev, the Maryinsky Orchestra & Us

2009-01-05T09:52:00.003-05:00

Imagine walking through the nearly deserted American Museum of Natural History on a rainy fall night and hearing the spooky strains of Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain echo through the halls. For dramatic effect, it can't get any better than this. Then imagine being serenaded while you work by magnificent baritone Thomas Hampson and the Maryinsky Orchestra led by maestro Valery Gergiev. We don't get perks like that everyday. For the White Nights Foundation of America's fall gala, the Hall of Ocean Life (aka the Whale Room) glowed in rich amber tones. Mr. Hampson, meanwhile, is currently appearing with Renee Fleming in the Met's new production of Thais. We'd go but then we'd have to share him with nearly 4,000 others.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

2008-12-23T17:21:00.006-05:00

It's the night before the night before Christmas. Still stumped and in need a little gift guidance? Help a fan of Mad Men channel his inner Don Draper with a trayful of martinis. The tray itself is incorporates contemporary design and metallic foils with centuries-old Vietnamese lacquer techniques. Sorry -- gin and olives not included.

When you just need a little something. These charming glass bulbs come nestled in a padded box (like two gifts in one!). Chinese character on one side, English on the other. Who couldn't use a little peace and love?

So the warmth of a Russian sable is out of the question this year. This gorgeous lacquerware bowl radiates warmth. And besides, a sable makes a lousy salad bowl.

Give a little light and a fragrance so enticing it was a FIFI finalist this year for home collections. Le Cherche Midi candles combine cotton wicks, all natural essential oils and the highest quality hand poured wax. The boxes, made from recycled wood, are silk lined, perfect for storing little treasures and trinkets.

Look for us in Chic in Paris

2008-12-23T11:22:00.005-05:00

We're delighted to be among the three florists in Susan Tabak's Chic in Paris blog. Check out Get Festive with Florals. Besides gorgeous arrangements, we've been busy making kissing balls and garlands, decorating wreaths, potting up delightful orchids and helping customers pick out fabulous gifts. We should note that Susan was erroneously promoted to owner; Kevin Esteban is still the owner and Susan remains the jack-of-of-all trades. Or is that jill?

Birch Bark Birds

2008-12-16T21:25:00.002-05:00

These handmade birds just flew in from the West Coast today, trading sunny climes for the first snow showers of the season here in New York. Six different species, each charmingly unlike anything we've seen in Central Park.

Deck the Walls

2008-12-11T12:08:00.005-05:00

There's no end to what one can do with a simple circle of greenery.

Dried hydrangea and beautiful ribbon.

A sumptuous covering of rose hips and pepperberries

Traditional pine cones enlivened with magnolia leaves, leucadendron, juniper berries and more.

Twists of steel grass and sparkly, icicle garlands.

Multiple shades and textures of green: hydrangea, magnolia, seeded eucalyptus and cedar.

We're Dreaming of a White & Peaceful Christmas

2008-12-09T10:27:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you want "holly jolly" Christmas flowers. Sometimes you want something more in the line of "heavenly peace." The gorgeous white ranunculus we've been getting seem to be asking for a calm, serene, gracious treatment. Here's we've paired them with the magical green puff balls called "Green Trick." They're seriously cool and no one ever guesses they're part of the much maligned carnation family.

A Two Tree Year

2008-12-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

Fraser firs are a fabulous choice if you're looking for a short needle tree that'll hold on to its needles. We decorated ours with vintage ornaments and live poinsettia plants. The tree has a lightness and levity we're especially enjoying during this grey, rainy weather. In the back of the store our flocked tree is back for its third annual, decorated all in red, white and silver with red poinsettias.

The Shop Diva

2008-10-29T11:00:00.001-04:00

"Make it work, designers! Make it work." "Gather 'round, designers!" No, it's not Tim Gunn you're hearing in the store. It's Margo, the shop's African Grey parrot, who lately has been channeling the Project Runway mentor. We have no idea why she latches onto certain phrases for months at a time. For one period her favorite line was, "I'd like a martini ... extra dry." Margo is definitely a diva who refuses to perform on command. Visitors to the shop try fruitlessly to coax her to talk. As soon as they leave, she'll chatter away. She commutes to and from work in a special bird backpack, complete with perch.

The Very Versatile Tea Light Log

2008-10-26T11:44:00.004-04:00

How many uses can you find for a tea light holder? Given space issues in New York City apartments, it's always a pleasure to find objects that can do double duty. This one looked gorgeous with floating orchid blooms and now with an assortment of botanical elements takes on an entirely different style. The larger 5-light holder would look especially beautiful on holiday tables. For special events, we're envisioning flickering candlelight punctuated with fresh flowers stretching down the long lengths of banquet tables.

Cocktails overlooking St. Pat's

2008-10-20T13:09:00.000-04:00

What a magical place for a party. The 620 Loft and Garden at Rockefeller Center overlooks two essential NYC attractions: St. Patrick's Cathedral and Saks Fifth Avenue. (Some us have enjoyed the reverse view from dressing rooms at Saks.) The purple and gold color scheme continued indoors with window boxes full of golden callas with clematis cascades and arrangements of delphinium, roses, lilies and more orchids.

Miniature melons for a long-lasting arrangement

2008-10-15T12:41:00.004-04:00

Fill a glass baking dish with attractive rocks. Add water. Take one cucurbitacea diplocyclos palmatus vine and place on top in a casual fashion. Garnish with several stems of yellow gloriosa lilies. Occasionally check water level and recut gloriosa stems. Even after the gloriosas fade, the vine will continue to provide an unusual and colorful accent piece.

The shape and markings on its fruit clearly declare this to be a member of the same family as cucumbers, melons and squash. Don't be tempted to eat one. We're told this exotic relative is foul-tasting at best and potentially poisonous at worst.

Cockscomb for Color

2008-10-03T14:35:00.005-04:00

For a weekly client who absolutely loves color, masses of celosia with graceful arcs and tendrils of bittersweet usher in October. Kids are fascinated by celosia, also known as cockscomb. You know it's high praise indeed when an 8 or 9-year old boy says with admiration, "Eew, gross. It looks like brains!" A favorite of gardeners (Thomas Jefferson included) for its vivid colors -- scarlets, magentas, yellows, oranges, pinks, greens and golds, we absolutely love its weird shapes and textures.

Dahlias: Beauty from Late Summer into Fall

2008-09-22T11:21:00.007-04:00

Nowadays many flowers are available all year around. Yet there's something special about the flowers with definite seasons. Dahlias bridge the period when the lazy days of summer wind down, the calendar picks up after Labor Day and the signs of fall become unmistakable. Herewith, some of our favorites.

Beloved by Hummingbirds ... and Shamans

2008-09-18T20:16:00.001-04:00

Perhaps the hummingbirds spotted over in Strawberry Fields this week will venture over to enjoy the plants one of our favorite suppliers just delivered. The orange flowers of Leonotis nepetifolia, aka lion's ear, are supposedly the hummingbird version of liver treats for dogs. The flowers emerge from spiky balls that form as the slender stems shoot up. A fascinating late summer, early fall bloomer, it's one of two leonotis varieties with some intriguing properties that we are unable to verify personally. The dried leaves are used in shamanistic rituals and, reportedly, for other more recreational pursuits. Hmmm. Suppose those hummingbirds are getting a buzz on?

Potato, Potahto, Tomato, Tomahto

2008-09-17T14:07:00.007-04:00

As Ira Gershwin wrote and Fred Astaire memorably sang, "You say eether and I say eyether, you say neether and I say nyther, Eether, eyether, neether, nyther." But how do you say V-A-S-E? Whether you rhyme it with C-A-S-E or C-A-U-S-E, you'll find somewhere here at Gotham Gardens who agrees with you. Some of us learned from our mothers (who learned from their mothers who learned from mothers) to pronounce it VAHZ, reflecting, we suspect, a Victorian era penchant for equating British English with culture and class. Some of us just always figured the word was no different than c-a-s-e, b-a-s-e, l-a-c-e, and so on. And some of us are inconsistent, depending on how the mood strikes us. Yet when it comes to the work of Adam Aaronson, the astonishing English glassblower who uses precious metals, or Colin Schleeh, the Canadian artist determined to find out how thin he can shape wood, the word inevitably comes out as VAHZ.

Get Your Vegetables

2008-09-15T18:18:00.005-04:00

In flower arrangements, color, shape and texture don't always have to come from flowers or foliage. We've been having great fun with this botanical element. Can you guess what it is? Southerners will probably recognize it sooner than those of us who live north of the Mason-Dixon line. If you don't like okra on your plate, use it in your vase.

The Dahlia: New Name for a Celebratory Cocktail?

2008-09-05T22:04:00.004-04:00

Major cause for celebration! After three years, the scaffolding in front of the shop finally came down this week. Sunlight flooded the store once again. We rejoiced. The fish in our window fountain freaked out. All but one disappeared under the rocks until this shocking experience was no longer deemed a threat. We toasted with a refreshing blend of Campari, orange juice, club soda and fresh lime and orange slices, then realized the color exactly matched some of our gorgeous dahlias. Should we christen this luscious drink the Dahlia?

Sunflowers of Summer

2008-09-01T19:42:00.005-04:00

The petals on this "Ring of Fire" sunflower are still unfurling yet you can still see the distinctive circle behind the name. We're still trying to get a decent photo of another favorite: the black sunflower. Maybe it's our lighting but, once downloaded, it looks red.

The Flowers of Summer: Not your Ordinary Sunflower

2008-08-22T14:37:00.006-04:00

What is it about Teddy Bear sunflowers that makes them, dare we say, adorable? Even people who find regular sunflowers ho-hum are charmed by these fluffy, furry monsters. Maybe their feathery yellow petals subconsciously evoke the feel-good qualities of a certain beloved big yellow bird.

The Flowers of Summer: Echinacea

2008-08-16T11:55:00.000-04:00

We love this native American wildflower as much without its petals as with them. The name comes from the Greek echinos or sea urchin for its spiny center. It's great for adding both texture and a splash of color to arrangements. We've never taken the time to count each individual bristle but we expect, like sunflower seeds, the total would be a Fibonacci number, familiar to fans of The DaVinci Code.

Sidewalks of New York

2008-08-10T15:07:00.006-04:00

The Upper West Side can boast of a bumper crop of scaffolding this summer. We've been gratified by the number of people who stop in just to thank us for the artful treatment of the sidewalk shed we've been living under. This summer's airy Japanese lanterns have been a particular hit. Other crowd-pleasers: a salute to Savannah with tree branches dripping with Spanish moss arching across the sidewalk; the dancing moss balls; and Ribbonfest.

The Flowers of Summer: Love-in-a-Mist

2008-07-28T10:44:00.005-04:00

Formally known as nigella damascena, this ethereal flower surrounded by lacy foliage is a favorite in the garden. We love it for garden-style arrangements and wedding bouquets. Used with bolder elements -- and without its feathery foliage -- the innocent-looking bloom reveals a weirder side. Originally from the Mediterranean area, this is another plant of many names: love-in-a-puzzle, lady-in-a-bower, wild fennel and, intriguingly, devil-in-a-bush are just a few. Perhaps that's why The Language of Flowers, a facsimile of a handwritten book from the Victorian era, gives its meaning as "perplexity."

Beautiful Flower, Not So Beautiful Name

2008-07-21T19:39:00.007-04:00

A name like scabiosa just doesn't do justice to this delightful summer blossom with its charming frills and ruffles. Besides blue, it comes in shades of pink, white and lavender. As for the name, in medieval times the plant was used to relieve the itch of scabies.

The Plant of Many Names

2008-07-11T17:10:00.005-04:00

Cuban oregano. Spanish thyme. Mexican mint. Indian borage. Oregano brujo. Broadleaf thyme. Tropical oregano. Of the multitude of common names used for Plectranthus amboinicus, perhaps "three-in-one spice" is the most appropriate since oregano, thyme and mint pop up most frequently in its many monikers. It's definitely not a true oregano, a European native; the Amboinicus in its name points to an island in the Pacific. Whatever you call this plant, its fleshy leaves and fragrant aroma make it a delightful addition to the garden. A tender perennial in our area, it's a popular seasoning in the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

Thank you, Mr. Jefferson

2008-07-04T11:45:00.000-04:00

Besides the debt all Americans owe to Thomas Jefferson for crafting the Declaration of Independence, gardeners, plant and flower lovers owe him a particular debt. An ardent gardener, plant collector and record keeper, he fostered our fledgling country's interest in everything that grows, from the specimens collected by the Lewis and Clark expedition to the importation of specimen plants from abroad. Celebrate this Independence Day holiday with a look at what Jefferson nurtured in his own gardens . You might discover that some of your favorites were also his. The photo above, courtesy of the Monticello website, shows the flower garden originally tended by Jefferson's daughters and granddaughters.

Nepenthes: A Definite Conversation Piece

2008-06-11T14:53:00.008-04:00

We wouldn't be surprised to hear the plea "Feed me, Seymour" emanating from this impressive Nepenthes specimen. This weird and wonderful pitcher plant is definitely not the plant for everyone. Those who like a perfectly manicured myrtle topiary might find this exotic a little too ... well, this voluptuous beauty reminds us that carnal and carnivorous share the same Latin roots. These Asian natives get their nutrients by trapping and digesting insects. Richard Attenboroughe explains in this fascinating albeit kind of creepy BBC clip just how these pitchers form.

Meerkats in Manhattan

2008-06-11T09:47:00.005-04:00

Even before Meerkat Manor: The Next Generation got underway, most of our meerkats had already flown the coop ... or, rather, beat it from the burrow. The best we can say about the extended heat wave in New York? Nice weather, if you're a meerkat.

Sorry, These Shrimp Won't Make it On the Runway

2008-06-06T15:13:00.007-04:00

Our apologies for not getting a better picture of an EcoSphere. The tiny shrimp refused to take direction. All the microorganisms may have put on quite a show, but, since they're invisible to the naked eye, we'll never know. The algae did sit still and look green for the photo. These mesmerizing EcoSpheres are entirely self-contained ecosystems. Only light -- not food, nor water, nor air -- gets in. The residents somehow all cooperate to sustain their environment. Our dads should be so lucky.

An Ecosystem for Dad?

2008-06-04T10:11:00.005-04:00

Tip Sheet in the current issue of Newsweek asks "Looking for something new and interesting to give Dad this year?" First up on their list of suggestions:the Ecosphere, a self-contained ecosystem based on technology developed by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We'll put up a photo tomorrow. In the meantime, since we started carrying Ecospheres in February, they've won a devoted following of New Yorkers looking for a pet that never needs to be fed, walked or have the litter-box changed.

Finding Inspiration in Absinthe

2008-05-30T09:28:00.001-04:00

Frequent visitors to the shop know we occasionally partake of cocktail hour. Some of us, intrigued by the news that absinthe, the drink of choice of 19th-century bohemians, is now legally available, procured a bottle. (Given that it's a distillation of the wormwood variety of artemisia, anise, fennel and often other herbs such as melissa, hyssop, veronica and angelica, we considered it 'research.') Our legs did not turn into tulips as Oscar Wilde legendarily reported. If the "Green Fairy" cast any enchantment on us, it was as much for its intoxicating color and the bottle itself. While we heartily encourage our customers to partake of our fabulous selection of vases, we also believe in creative "repurposing." Got a great vase hiding in your home?

From Garden to Vase

2008-05-28T00:20:00.004-04:00

Gardeners love Solomon's Seal, a native American woodland plant, for shady spots. We love it on its own or mixed with other blooms in arrangements. Tiny floral bells dangle from its gracefully arched stems, followed in late summer by dark blue berries. Solomon's Seal is related to another of our spring favorites -- lily of the valley.

Happy Memorial Day

2008-05-24T12:49:00.006-04:00

Gotham Gardens will be closed Sunday, May 25th to allow our staff to enjoy a two-day holiday. The Great Flower Flag, a graceful design with 34 stars arranged to form the petals of a flower, was popular during the early years of the Civil War. One like it flew over the New York Mercantile Exchange from 1861 to 1863, when West Virginia was admitted to the Union.

Henry Bockstoce, the Energizer Bunny of Peonies

2008-05-21T18:26:00.006-04:00

Henry just keeps opening and opening and ... We started watching Henry last Friday when he was just an unprepossessing bud. Today he's reached 7" in diameter and still has more unfurling to do. Will this one make it to 10" as some do? Henry Bockstoce peonies are routinely described as awesome, massive, and dinner-plate sized. So far we can attest to the awesome and massive.

Tulips and Peonies and a Peony Tulip

2008-05-19T21:11:00.007-04:00

This new tulip variety looks like it's part artichoke.

Leaves edged in cream add to to this tulip's charm.

The classic Sarah Bernhardt.

Known as a bomb, this type opens to reveal an "explosion of irregular petals."

Tons of petals give peony tulips their lush, peonyish look.

Tulips and Pansies: The Headdress Affair

2008-05-16T20:01:00.010-04:00

Thursday night we took part in Village Care of New York's incomparable benefit where top fashion and floral designers are paired for a truly unique trip down the runway. Jordi Scott, who combines a love of art, glamour and a definitely rocking spirit, designed the perfect dress to wear with a petite bonnet of cymbidum orchids, erynginum, lilies and other blooms. And what could be a more glamorous accent than a fringe of hanging amaranthus? Simon's inspiration? "Vargas girl meets punk rock," he replied. Extra kudos to Simon for designing a headdress our fabulous model didn't have to hold in place while strutting her stuff. Just a slightly different look than last week's hat for the Central Park Conservancy's Hat Luncheon. Read more about the event on Fashion Wire Daily and Style Guru .

Flowering Kale that Actually Flowered

2008-05-14T08:56:00.001-04:00

We stopped to investigate a riot of yellow blooms in window boxes along Columbus Avenue several weeks ago only to discover it was a planting we had done for a client last fall. None of us had even seen a picture of kale actually flowering let alone in real life. It's a great plant for fall color with its rich green, red, white and lavender leaves. It thrives in cool weather yet rarely survives the winter without looking raggedy if it doesn't completely crater. We'd have replaced this weeks ago except our client has moved and the space is currently unoccupied. Passers-by never realized what an uncommon show they were enjoying.

Many Events, Nothing to Show!

2008-05-12T22:19:00.000-04:00

Last week we did a benefit for Phoenix House at the newly reopened Plaza Hotel ballroom. A wedding at Tribeca Rooftop. A Bar Mitzvah at the Georgian Suite. A hat for the Central Park Conservancy's Frederick Law Olmsted awards, better known as the "hat luncheon." All this and Mother's Day, too. And did we manage to get a photo of any of them?

Give Mom a Rollicking Good Time

2008-05-08T15:58:00.005-04:00

One rarely hears gardening books described as "high-spirited, riotously funny, and, at times, deliciously malicious." Unless, that is, the writer in question is Beverley Nichols, a prolific writer, journalist, actor, songwriter, bon vivant, cat lover (he eventually settled on numbers rather than names) and gardener. Green Grows the City: The Story of a London Garden, originally published in 1939, recounts his travails in turning "the ugliest, most desolate strip of ground ever trodden by human feet" into a thing of beauty (and source of serious envy by the neighbors). After the war, Nichols and Gaskin, his Jeeves-like manservant, tackled the restoration of a Georgian manor house and garden. Given the delight of Merry Hall, the first of a trilogy as much about life in an English village as gardening, we should all be grateful.

Coral Peony: Like Two Flowers in One

2008-05-08T08:09:00.003-04:00

What's not to love about a peony? They can be dramatic like the saucer-sized tree peony; fluffy like the Sarah Bernhardt; intensely rich and mesmerizing like the Bowl of Cream or magical like the Coral Charm. It starts off as a colorful ball, then unfolds to reveal a center of golden fringe. Eventually the petals slowly fade to soft pink and finally a rich ivory.

Peony Season: Tree Peonies!

2008-04-26T10:31:00.004-04:00

Peony season is under way! Tree peonies have been flying out of the shop but we finally managed to grab a photo of one. As the name suggests, this peony variety grows on woody shrubs. We've seen some blooms open almost completely flat to the size of a dinner plate. We'll also be posting plenty of photos of the more readily available herbaceous peonies that die to the ground come winter.

A Rhubarb by Any Other Name ...

2008-04-21T21:05:00.026-04:00

... would still be one strange flower. We couldn't resist when these turned up in the flower market.

Two flowering heads are just emerging from their flower pouches while the third is still under wraps. The word rhubarb, by the way, is related to barbaric which is how some may describe these flowers. We're fascinated by the shapes, shades and textures. We think the dozens of communities that throw rhubarb festivals every year might agree with us. Should you happen to be in Lancaster County on Saturday, May 17th, you can catch racing rhubarbs at their semi-world-famous Rhubarb Derby. This just in! Can't get to Beijing? Starting training now for the Rhubarb Olympics in Minnesota.

Echeverias: Easy on the Watering

2008-04-19T21:18:00.002-04:00

They're colorful. They're fun. And, best of all, they're very forgiving. Echeverias, native to Mexico and South America, will do just fine if you forget a watering. In fact, let them dry out completely between waterings. Like all succulents, the fleshy leaves hold water. The plant's ready for watering when the leaves start to feel soft.

Masdevallias: Small Size, Mega Charm

2008-04-16T21:16:00.002-04:00

These are two masdevallias we had in the shop recently. Many orchid varieties have pseudobulbs that hold nutrients and waters. Masdevallias don't. Forgetting to water them can be fatal. That said, don't treat these little jewels like creatures of the bog. In the wild, these Victorian favorites grow on trees. Let the potting medium dry out slightly between waterings.

The Man Who Wrote the Book on Masdevallias

2008-04-12T15:47:00.017-04:00

Ron Parsons stopped in the shop while on a lecture tour of the East Coast. He not only co-wrote but took all the photographs in the definitive book on masdevallias. These vibrant orchids originated in the cool mountainous regions of South America. To keep them happy, keep them cool and moist with good drainage and good air circulation.

HSNY, Part II

2008-04-11T12:37:00.005-04:00

Was it the park benches or that Savannah magic? A photograph of our table is now on BizBash: http://www.bizbash.com/newyork/content/editorial/e10654.php#photosanchor

Next week visitors to Savannah can enjoy the real thing -- eight private gardens will be open during the annual garden tour, April 18th and 19th.

Horticultural Society of New York Benefit

2008-04-08T22:51:00.012-04:00

Every year the HSNY invites designers to do tables based on a theme. For this year's A Garden Party, we celebrated the quirky, gracious, ready-for-a-good-time spirit of Savannah. You can see the full table, evocative of the town's historic squares, at http://newyorksocialdiary.com/node/4710.

Here the iconic "Bird Girl" is hoisting a pair of Absolut Vodka martinis while a tiny bottle of Absolut sits on a stone bench, recalling writer Conrad Aiken's final resting spot in Bonvaventure Cemetery. The guests, seated underneath a tree dripping with Spanish moss, received copies of "The Book," as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is known in Savannah, autographed by John Berendt. Helpful hint: Should you be tempted to collect Spanish moss as a souvenir of Savannah, be forewarned. It may contain chiggers. The locals zap it in the microwave before using it as decoration.

Rare & luscious orchids

2008-04-03T22:38:00.006-04:00

These incredibly beautiful Disa orchids are rare as a cut flower, even rarer as a plant. African natives, they're named after a character in a Swedish folk tale. African doesn't always mean tropical. These orchids prefer a cooler climate. They're terrestrial, which means you'll find them growing in the ground, like lady slippers.

Castanets or Cricketballs?

2008-04-01T21:22:00.001-04:00

We think the pods of hakea platysperma, a shrubby plant native to Australia, look like castanets. The Aussies, though, nicknamed this variety "cricketballs." It's just one of over 130 varieties of hakeas, which grow all over Australia. It's also related to two of our other Aussie favorites: grevillea and banksia, both of which have slightly weird bottle-brush flowers.

Tending to your Tulips

2008-03-31T11:20:00.007-04:00

Here's how to extend the vase life of your tulips. Give the stems a fresh cut. Use cool water. Don't fill the vase completely full of water ... two or three inches is enough. Tulips are water hogs. If left to their own devices, they'll drink too much and the petals will turn transparent. That said, don't let them go dry. Change the water every other day. Keep them in a coolish part of the room -- definitely not on top of the radiator.

The less you do with them, the better. Think of tulips as the terriers of the flower world. They're basically going to do what they want to do. They'll turn their heads to follow the sun. Continue to grow after they're cut. (If you're going to mix them with other flowers, cut the tulips shorter than the rest.) Bend and sometimes flop the way they want. Trying to tame tulips isn't hopeless, but do you really need the frustration? Let them be and enjoy.

More Tulipmania

2008-03-29T21:22:00.007-04:00

Though we associate tulips with flat-as-a-pancake Holland, they're actually mountain flowers, originating in the foothills of the Himalayas. The sultans of the Ottoman Empire were responsible for the first wave of tulipmania. These "exotic" blooms reached Holland by way of Prague in the 1590's. By the 1630's, they were no longer reserved only for royalty and the rich and the second wave of tulipmania was in full force.

Weird, wonderful Italian Ranunculus

2008-03-27T20:37:00.013-04:00

We've nicknamed these "lettuce ranunculus." The first ones we got were red with ruffly green centers. Then we started to get them in orange. Now we're getting some that look like they're on steroids. Folks have been coming in to ask about the strange flowers in the window. All we know is that somewhere in Italy a bunch of horticulturists are having way too much fun developing "magnifico, stupendo ranucoli."

Tulipmania, Part 2

2008-03-27T08:02:00.011-04:00

Often we'll get a tulip described as "rem" -- shorthand for Rembrandt. Even though Rembrandt rarely painted a tulip, a variety popular during his lifetime bears his name. Rems are known for their vertical streaks of color. A virus caused the originals; modern rems are the result of tulip tinkering.

Tulipmania

2008-03-26T19:07:00.016-04:00

Tulipmania lives on! Today a mind-boggling 4000 registered varieties exist. This is one of our favorites. Fully open, it's almost completely flat. On its own or mixed with other flowers, it's a stunner. It must have a formal name but our supplier just calls it Leo.

Breathtaking Water Lily

2008-03-26T09:45:00.010-04:00

Of all the flowers we get, water lilies are perhaps the most amazing. Many people have never seen them outside of a pond. You might think they'd be beautiful floating in a shallow bowl but, as a cut flower, they are usually happier with their stems kept long and submerged in water up to their necks. Even as a cut flower, water lilies maintain their circadian rhythm, closing when it gets dark, then opening in the morning. They're not always readily available; perhaps that is part of their magic.

A Very Happy Easter

2008-03-22T21:59:00.002-04:00

A very Happy Easter from all of us at Gotham Gardens.