The city’s first sign that spring can’t be far off is the return of The Orchid Show. For the 23rd year, the display is back at the New York Botanical Garden, a 250 acre oasis that’s just a 20 minute Metro North ride from Midtown Manhattan in the Bronx.

This year’s show is a tribute to the city itself. The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle puts a floral take on the Big Apple’s brownstones, slice shops, cabs, and subways. The visionary behind the installations is Mr. Flower Fantastic, known for sculptural works that blend art, fashion, and pop culture. Raised in Queens, he’s done collaborations with luminaries from Serena Williams to Louis Vuitton. The Orchid Show marks his debut solo exhibition, a mesmerizing tribute to the resilience, energy, and creativity of N.Y.C. 

The garden’s Victorian glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, has been transformed into familiar streetscapes overtaken by thousands of vibrant orchids. (The building is a marvel itself, built in 1902, and the largest structure of its kind in the U.S.)

Mr. Flower Fantastic photo: AP the Angel.

BEHIND THE DESIGN

Mr. Flower Fantastic is one of the most in-demand floral artists in the world. He grew up right here in New York City, in Queens, where his love of flowers began in his mother’s garden. Over time, he taught himself floral design and began experimenting across creative mediums, eventually merging his passion for sneakers with his floral work. His breakout moment came in 2018, when tennis icon Serena Williams’ team invited him to create a floral interpretation of her Nike “QUEEN” Air Max 97, designed by Virgil Abloh. He presented the large-scale floral sculpture to Williams during the U.S. Open—an instant cultural moment that propelled him into the spotlight. Since then, he has collaborated with big names like Nike, Netflix, NBC, Samsung, and 1800 Tequila. His signature mask and gloves, originally worn to manage his allergy to flowers, became part of his identity, allowing the focus to stay on the art rather than the artist. His belief in the power of flowers to uplift, reconnect to nature, and encourage a greener future is all on full display at this year’s Orchid Show.

ORCHID NIGHTS

Block party vibes come to the botanical garden on select Orchid Nights. Bouncing sets from DJ April Hunt and Mixtape fill the dance floor while colorful blooms surround. Snack on curated eats and craft cocktails in the Haupt Conservatory. Scheduled dates include Saturdays on March 21 and 28, followed by a series of Friday and Saturday pairs throughout April (3–4, 10–11, 17–18, and 24–25).

MEET THE EXPERTS

On select weekend dates you can learn about NYBG’s orchid collection from the experts themselves: the NYBG Horticulture Staff. Drop-in sessions connect visitors with the stewards behind the orchid collection and share how the plants were cultivated, cared for, and designed for The Orchid Show.

EXPLORING THE GARDEN

Beyond The Orchid Show, there’s tons to see at the garden—the collection here includes over one million plants. Inside the Haupt Conservatory you can walk through a lush Tropical Rain Forest, while cacti and succulents take center stage at Deserts of the Americas & Africa. Outside, follow trails through the evergreens of The Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum and The Thain Family Forest, the largest remaining tract of NYC’s original old-growth forest. The Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill was built in 1840 by a New York tobacco company; it’s the oldest surviving building of its kind in America, sited on a picturesque curve of the Bronx River.

GETTING HERE

The ride from Grand Central on Metro-North is just 20 minutes. Take the Harlem local line to Botanical Garden Station, which is directly across the street from the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance. The garden is also accessible by subway (the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd. Station.), with either a walk or a bus connection. The address for the Mosholu Entrance is 2950 Southern Blvd. The garden’s main entrance is at 2900 Southern Blvd. 

The Orchid Show runs through April 26th. For tickets and more information, call 718-817-8700 or visit nybg.org.