The New York Botanical Garden’s Annual Orchid Dinner was a Love Letter to the City

Emily Wheeler and Anne VialzynaBrian Bader/Getty Images

“There is no prettier room in New York, or anywhere, in the winter,” NYBG Board Chairman J. Barclay Collins II delightedly announced to a distinguished gathering Thursday evening. During a cold snap, when temperatures drop and flowers haven’t really bloomed yet, the New York Botanical Garden moves its festivities from the Bronx to the Plaza Hotel for a special gardening evening: the beloved Orchid Dinner.

The evening’s gala was in celebration of the annual exhibition at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory of Music, which showcases a variety of eye-catching orchids. In this year’s exhibition, New York artist Mr. Flower Fantastic recreates the urban spirit and image of New York City through “Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle” – the exhibition will last until April 26.

“Mr. Flower Fantastic brings a unique creativity to this space,” said Marc Hachadorian, senior curator of orchids at the New York Botanical Garden. Fashion. “You go on an immersive journey as people walk into the glass greenhouse, but somehow they are transported somewhere else, lost in their own imaginary world.”

During cocktail hour, during greetings and networking, attendees, including Martha Stewart and supermodel Anne V, were welcomed to purchase unique and rare orchids – with all proceeds directly supporting NYBG’s mission and commitment to research, education and outreach. Additionally, jeweler Emily P. Wheeler presented her latest collection of bouquet stud earrings and floral polos that looked like they were tailor-made for the event.

Guests then moved past decadent dining tables and took their seats under the grand ballroom’s sparkling chandeliers. This year, inspired by the Mr. Flower Fantastic exhibition, NYBG collaborated with numerous creatives from across the country to recreate the décor, bringing to life New York City icons such as the Statue of Liberty, the Glossy Red Apple and the Tiffany Gift Bag Tower. “This show essentially became the catalyst for the arrangement you see tonight,” noted Khachadorian. “The artists we work with have really injected an impressive amount of creativity.”

DJ Runna ended the night with a celebratory set that left the dance floor looking like a concrete jungle dotted with flowers.