BRONX, N.Y. — Everything’s coming up orchids at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.

What You Need To Know

  • The NYBG’s Orchid Show features thousands of orchids from hundreds of varieties

  • The show returns this year after the pandemic disrupted it the past two years

  • Celebrity floral designer Jeff Leatham is back for a second year as the show’s guest designer

Thousands of orchids from hundreds of different varieties create a floral fantasy at the garden’s annual Orchid Show.

“It’s really become one of those moments that mark the beginning of spring in New York City and we’re very proud of that,” New York Botanical Garden CEO and President Jennifer Bernstein said.

For its 19th year, the Orchid Show is back in full bloom. Last year, it was scaled back and in 2020, it was cut short because of the pandemic.

“I can’t tell you what a wonderful feeling it is. We are here to bring people joy. And when they’re able to come into this space it is the best feeling in the world,” Bernstein said.

Back for a second year is renowned floral designer Jeff Leatham as the show’s guest designer. He’s worked with celebrities from Oprah to the Dalai Lama.

Leatham’s theme again this year is “Kaleidoscope.” He transformed the garden’s conservatory into a tunnel of floral designs reminiscent of looking through a kaleidoscope.

“I want people to come to the Botanical Garden, to the orchid show and have it take them away. And have the beauty and the art experience really transform them into happiness because we all need happiness in our lives,” he said.

The Orchid Show is one of the garden’s most popular exhibits, attracting people from all over the world. It’s an immersive and educational show.

“People come to see the beauty of the exhibition. With thousands of plants and flowers. But while they’re here and they explore the exhibition, they get to learn about biodiversity, conservation, different types of orchids that exist. So a little bit of science. A little bit of horticulture and a lot of showmanship at this year‘s exhibition,” said Marc Hachadourian, New York Botanical Garden Director of Glasshouse Horticulture.

And for those ready for warm weather, the real beauty of this show is the chance to escape what’s left of winter.

“On a cold winter day, when things are still gray outside, to be here in the warmth and the humidity of the Enid Haupt Conservatory but all the time surrounded by thousands of orchids in bloom,” said Hachadourian.

The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope runs through May 1.