Showing posts with label Gardens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gardens. Show all posts

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Win a pair of tickets to @NYBG 's The Orchid Show: Orchid Evenings #OrchidNYBG and #SpringIntoPhotography with @Ascending1 #PhotographyChallenge

Orchid Show Signage at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
 New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018
Old Man Winter and that groundhog seem to want to  keep New York City in their Vice Grip of cold weather and this butterfly who is a Spring Baby (my birthday is coming up in April) yearns for signs of Spring and sunshine.

I found some amazing signs of Spring at the Media Preview of The Orchid Show at NY Botanical Gardens this week and I can't wait to share!

Daniel Ost Floral Artist New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
Daniel Ost, Floral Artist
The annual Orchid Show, now in its 16th year, showcases thousands of dramatically displayed Orchids in the NY Botanical Garden Enid A. Haupt Conservatory featuring a series of installations designed by one of the world's leading floral artists, Daniel Ost.  Ost uses flowers as a means of expression and his large-scale artworks were tailored to compliment the landmark Victorian Styled Conservatory and it's an explosion of texture, form and colors!

If you read my last post you know I made the switch from shooting with Canon to shooting with Nikon and that March is "Spring Into Photography" month on Ascending Butterfly to celebrate all things Photography. At this point in my journalism career I am just as much a Photographer as I am a Writer and last year's PDN Photo Plus Expo really got me fired up about upping my photography skills. This event was the inaugural run with my new Nikon and I am definitely happy I made the switch.

Orchid Flower Wall Installation at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018, Daniel Ost, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Flowers, Flower Wall, Orchid, Orchids
Orchid Flower Wall Installation at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018
So to celebrate you will see tons of activity on my Instagram so be sure you are following me there. I really want to grow my Instagram a bit more this year as it was one of the last social channels I adopted. All my photos on Instagram this month will be hashtagged: #SpringIntoPhotography and #AscendingButterfly - if you would like to join us add those hashtags to your photos.

There will be fun giveaways in honor of Spring into Photography month, and this one is the first one. Whether it's a Digital Camera or your Smartphone, a good photo is about that combo of hardware and a great subject, and I can't think of a better backdrop for a fun photo challenge.

"Orchid Evenings" from 6:30 - 9:30, combines Music by DJ X-RAY, Cocktails (check out the Dancing Lady Signature Cocktail by Edible Bronx's Head Mixologist), Live Performers and the sublime beauty of the delicate orchids that are allowing visitors to make unique connections on themed 'adult only' evenings that allow for a romantic date night, or even a way for singles to connect and meet. Orchid Evenings are being held Saturdays, March 17, 24, 31, and April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 - you are admitted based on the time on your ticket, Entry Times are at 6:30, 7:00 & 7:30 p.m.

$28 for Members and $38 per ticket for non-members, the ticket includes one complimentary beer, wine or cocktail of your choice. Head to the show before your time and hit the gift shop or dine at The Pine Tree Cafe where you can enjoy a special event menu.

If you are into the hashtag trend of taking photos and selfies in front of interesting backdrops like flower walls you are going to LOVE this exhibit, so dress up a bit!

Here's My #FlowerWall #ThinkSpring moment:

Ascending Butterfly #FlowerWal New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
A quick video about the exhibit:



WIN IT

Ascending Butterfly and The New York Botanical Garden want to help melt away those winter blues and put some 'Spring' back in your step! Enter to win a pair of passes to Orchid Evenings at The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden! This Giveaway and ends SOON so you will have a better shot at picking the dates you want to go! Prize does NOT include airfare, hotel or transportation and is based on availability.

Use the rafflecopter widget below to place your entries! (If reading this put the widget to sleep you may need to refresh the page again to get the widget to show up for you so you can place your entries.) Remember Orchid Evenings are on Saturday Night's Only, and you must be 21 years of age or older to claim your passes as there are cocktails being served, this is an ADULT ONLY giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway MY TAKE:

The New York Botanical Garden is one of my favorite 'Urban Oasis' places in Bronx, New York. Being there just adds instant zen to my day. I always love attending the Orchid Show annually, it truly gets me looking forward to all things Spring.

Whether you are single and ready to mingle or lost in love, The Orchid Show has a little something for everyone!

Tip for my "Guy Butterflies": If you are planning to get engaged, this is the perfect backdrop for popping the question!

I took almost 300 photos, so check out Ascending Butterfly's Insta and Pinterest during the month of March for Additional Photos, I knew I couldn't get them all into one post.

Have you ever cultivated an orchid? What is your favorite flower?

(Remember you get extra credit in the giveaway for answering this question as a comment below!)

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received to post our recap of the show or host this giveaway, and all opinions are 100% my own!  We were provided media access to the show for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

When your outfit inadvertently matches the art exhibit! #ChihulyNYBG + winner of our @NYBG #CHIHULYNIGHTS Giveaway Announced!

Remember when I told you I took WAY too many pictures at the Media Day of the Preview of the Dale Chihuly Exhibit at Botanical Garden?

Did I also mention I sort of inadvertently matched one of the installations in the exhibit?

OK so THIS happened:

Above: I didn't get the memo, but I did sort of match the Dale Chihuly Niijima Floats Installation

Above: Sunglasses: Foster & Grant, Jacket: Wilson's Leather, Blouse: Calvin Jeans, Jeans: Silver Jeans, Earrings: Let's just say they are 'Vintage' :-)

AboveNiijima Floats, spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: Niijima Floats, six-foot spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: I love that this boat just literally free floats, so the spheres catch different light and cast different shadows depending upon where the boat is when you photograph it. The day I was there it was super overcast, thankfully it didn't rain!

Above: These Butterfly picks were in the Gift Shop, and again they are kind of matching my outfit!

Above: OK so I may have been a bit 'Orange' obsessed that day!

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: I know you all entered my giveaway for a set of passes to Chihuly Nights at Botanical Gardens right? (see giveaway post HERE) - well drumroll please because we have a winner, Congratulations to Laura F.

There are definitely way more photos, I'll break them up!

My Take:

If you haven't checked out the exhibit, what are you waiting for?

Be sure to put the New York Botanical and this exhibit on your summer to do list!

If you are a blogger feel free to leave a link to your Wordless Wednesday Post this week so we can show you some love. NO GIVEAWAY LINKS PLEASE! (I do moderate comments but an angel and butterfly will lose its wings if you break this rule! And I know you wouldn't want that to happen.)

Mention Worthy (Please SHARE with a Military Vet!):

The New York Botanical Garden announces free admission for U.S. veterans to CHIHULY Nights on four select dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

U.S. veterans of any military service branch will receive free admission to CHIHULY Nights on Saturdays, May 27 and June 24, and Thursdays, July 6 and August 31.

CHIHULY, the major new exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden, presented by Bank of America, features more than 20 installations by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

What are YOUR Memorial Day Weekend Plans Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway was sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

{Mothers Day #Giveaway} Win a pair of passes to #CHIHULYNIGHTS from @Ascending1 & @NYBG #ChihulyNYBG

Coming up empty on Mother's Day Gift Ideas this year?

Tired of the same old same old?

How about an experience instead?

I recently attended the media preview day of  the latest Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden for Dale Chihuly which will run through late October (10/29 to be precise).

As usual, I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the exhibition. (When the board is completed the words "Pinterest Board" will become clickable).

Do you think Mom would like an experience that combines nature, art, and music in a very special setting?

I come with a Special Giveaway!

The 'evening version' of this exhibition called 'CHIHULY Nights' where the exhibition will be infused with an almost magical energy as the artworks created by Dale Chihuly will be illuminated which will heighten the drama and luminous quality of Dale Chihuly's colors and forms when lit under the evening sky is all yours, read through for your chance to win a pair of tickets to CHIHULY Nights at New York Botanical Garden.

In the Visitor Center plaza there will be a rotating lineup of performing artists and musicians, and Avion Tequila cocktails will also be available for purchase.

Media Day Intro:


AboveThe New York Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for Dale Chihuly’s art,” said Gregory Long, Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President of NYBG. “Our historic landscape is an open-air museum, providing a thrilling opportunity for our visitors to see the spectacular installations, especially when they will be lit at night. The exhibition will be a more holistic look at the legacy of Chihuly the artist. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and everyone whose support is making it possible for us to bring this experience to our existing and new audiences.”




Above: The artist had a show at the New York Botanical Garden in 2006, but the NYBG says the new exhibit is much larger and much more fully-realized. Gregory Long (pictured above), the NYBG’s president, referenced the 2006 show as “only a taste of the real thing… this one is bigger and better.” CHIHULY incorporates a broader and more diverse terrain across the garden, from inside the Enid Haupt Conservatory to the Metz Library and all around the wooded grounds.


There are more than 20 installations of Chihuly’s beautiful glass works all in all. His staff and the NYBG worked together for two years as they prepared for the opening and installation of the works took three weeks, with many large trucks from Seattle delivering the glass pieces.

Above: Citron Sun by Dale Chihuly welcomes visitors to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at New York Botanical Garden.


Above: Citron Sun Close Up!


Above: I couldn't resist the temptation to get super close up and capture the vibrant color and detail in this installation.

Where Nature Meets Art:

Above: I loved the Dragon Tree 'Colorama' juxtaposed against Dale Chihuly White Tower with Fiori New York Botanical Garden, CHIHULY 2017 - Photo Credit Tracy Iglesias

Above: I zoomed in to get a close up on the vibrant color and detail on this installation as well

Above: I thought I'd get in close to the bottom of the installation as it makes it appear as if it is growing straight up out of the rocks!

Above: CHIHULY Exhibition Scarlet and Yellow Icicle Tower, New York Botanical Garden 2017 Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias


Above: CHIHULY NEON (don't worry I got a close up, see photo below)

Above: NEON by Dale Chihuly - yes I zoom in again for a bit more detail, see below

Above: Neon 206, a busy outdoor work that features over 1,100 feet of neon and acrylic arranged into a glorious tangle!

Above: I spot Blue Herons by Dale Chihuly poking out from the Native Plants in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanical Garden 2017 CHIHULY Exhibiion. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias



Above: The juxtaposition of the plant life with the art installations is captivating and a photographers dream! Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias



MY TAKE:

My recap coverage is so extensive I will have to split into a few pieces so you can get a sense for how much of the grounds the exhibition really covers! I can't wait to experience the installations by night as well so I can see the pieces lit up against the night sky. So keep checking back for our Wordless Wednesdays - they won't be wordless because obviously - I am never wordless - but they will be photo heavy!

I love this exhibit and can't wait to check it out at night!

WIN IT:

Tell us your favorite memory experience with your mom! Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest. Did you have a favorite place you would always visit with your mom?

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to CHIHULY NIGHTS (one winner and one guest) It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest.

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway is sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.