From October 4 - 31, Fleurs de Villes returns to New York City and Hudson Yards with two new shows: ARTISTE and WITCHERY. Let’s explore the flowers, parks and gardens that make New York City the iconic destination that it is.  

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FLOWERS OF NEW YORK CITY

Former NYC mayor Bloomberg declared the official flower to be the daffodil, in commemoration of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, each borough has its own flower, and many botanists feel it would have been more appropriate to choose a native plant, such as witch hazel or marshmallow, which are hardy enough to survive the cold winters, and are tough like New Yorkers themselves. Still others feel that the tulip would have been a good choice, given that the city was originally called New Amsterdam. 

New York's native flora adds a touch of wild beauty to its urban landscape. Some of the native flowers you might encounter in the city's parks and green spaces include:
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Eastern Red Columbine: These delicate, red and yellow flowers can be found in shaded woodland areas like the Ramble in Central Park.

Eastern Redbud: Known for its pink to purple blossoms, the Eastern Redbud graces parks and gardens with its springtime beauty.

Bee Balm: This vibrant, red wildflower attracts pollinators and can be spotted in gardens and meadows.

Goldenrod: Despite its reputation as a weed, goldenrod produces stunning, bright yellow blooms that dot meadows and fields in late summer.

Joe-Pye Weed: Tall spikes of pinkish-purple flowers make Joe-Pye Weed a standout in wetland areas and along water features.

FAMOUS PARKS OF NEW YORK CITY

THE HIGH LINE

The High Line public park, an abandoned elevated railway line, connects to Hudson Yards making it a perfect place to begin a stroll of the 1.5 mile garden. It offers a unique perspective on the city and a profusion of carefully curated plants and flowers, and is a testament to the transformative power of green space in an urban setting,

The High Line's planting design incorporates native species and perennials, showcasing their beauty throughout the year. Springtime highlights include magnolias, dogwoods, and daffodils. Be sure to explore the various gardens along the High Line, such as the Gansevoort Woodland, Chelsea Grasslands, and the Wildflower Field. Each section offers a different ambiance and a diverse selection of flora. You can download their free plant guide here before you go..

The High Line often features temporary art installations that complement the park's natural beauty. Keep an eye out for exhibitions and events that infuse floral themes into their artistic expressions. See the man-made Little Island art installation (gifted to the city by Diane Von Furstenberg and her husband) or walk a little further to The Standard Grill. The classic brasserie serves seafood and steaks from a French chef who was a protégé of Paris’ famed Joël Robuchon. And speaking of Paris, fun fact: the High Line was inspired by a similar concept of an elevated park on an abandoned rail line in that city called the Coulé Vert.

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CENTRAL PARK

Central Park is a crown jewel of New York City, spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan. It has been featured in countless movies, commemorated in pop music. A popular spot for wedding proposals and romantic ceremonies at the iconic boathouse, it is one of the best-used urban parks in the world, with opportunities for carriage rides, jogging, and bird watching. Here are the most important areas of the park to explore from a botanical point of view:

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Conservatory Garden: Begin your floral journey at the Conservatory Garden, a meticulously designed space with three distinct sections: the Italian Garden, the French Garden, and the English Garden. In spring, tulips and daffodils carpet the grounds, while summer brings roses, lilies, and vibrant annuals.

The Central Park Zoo: Adjacent to the Conservatory Garden, the zoo features beautifully landscaped gardens and animal exhibits. Don't miss the Tisch Children's Zoo, where you'll find interactive exhibits surrounded by lovely gardens.

Bethesda Terrace: Stroll down to Bethesda Terrace and enjoy the iconic Bethesda Fountain, framed by colourful flower beds. Cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall make this area a photographer's dream.

Strawberry Fields: Pay your respects to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields, a peaceful memorial garden dedicated to the legendary musician. This tranquil spot is adorned with an Imagine mosaic surrounded by lush landscaping.

The Ramble: Explore the Ramble, a woodland area teeming with native flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for wildflowers like trilliums, bloodroot, and Virginia bluebells in the spring.

ART AND FLOWERS IN NEW YORK CITY

FLEURS DE VILLES ARTISTE

From October 4-13, 2024, Fleurs de Villes will return by popular demand to NYC, with our global ARTISTE tour making a stop at Hudson Yards. This stunning showcase of local floral talent will feature 15 fresh floral mannequins, each created by a different florist and inspired by accomplished artists from art forms such as ballet, impressionist painting, literature and so much more. This feast of cultural story-telling is beautifully supported by Nikon and Champagne Pommery.

Continue the experience by heading up (way up) to Edge at Hudson Yards for Fleurs de Villes WITCHERY, featuring incredible floral selfie taking and witchy moments enhanced by botanical mannequins depicting legendary witches from folklore, literature, and pop culture – all created by New York's favorite florists.
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FLOWER SCHOOL

New Yorkers love the floral arts so much that they even have a dedicated newspaper column in The Wall Street Journal, called Flower School.  Its columnist, designer Lindsey Taylor, has a new book based on the column, called Art in Flower, which showcases arrangements inspired by famous works of art by artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Willem de Kooning and Georgia O'Keeffe - another remarkable woman we've featured ‘en fleurs’ twice – in our 2022 series Fleurs de Villes FEMMES, and again this year in ARTISTE. ‍

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THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

Self-described "museum for plants", the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx has been a fixture of New York City for over 130 years, playing host to weddings, fashion shows, and art exhibitions. This centre for plant science has over 250 acres for flower enthusiasts to get lost in, and with farmers markets, kids programming, and arts classes, there is something for everyone.

Keep an eye on their calendar for floral-inspired art exhibitions, such as the much celebrated garden takeover by celebrated artist Yayoi Kusama called SUSAMA: Cosmic Nature that took place in 2021. Kusama was also one of the female artists recreated in flowers for Fleurs de Villes FEMMES in 2022.

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ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN

In the Nolita neighbourhood sits a 1 acre sculpture garden and communal green space. Once the site of a public school, the Elizabeth Street Garden began as a manicured green-space for the Elizabeth Street Gallery's sculpture and structure collection in 1990. The garden is volunteer-run and open to the public, hosting free community events throughout the year.

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KEHINDE WILEY

New York-based portrait artist Kehinde Wiley brings art history face-to-face with contemporary culture, by using the traditional settings of Old Master paintings to create powerful images that celebrate and empower people of colour often with floral backdrops, while challenging art-history conventions. Read our full story here.