What is that?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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.