• Columbus Day Staycation

If you're looking for a relaxing one-day getaway during the Columbus Day holiday weekend that won't have you breaking the bank, the 250 historic acres of The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is the place to go. Easy to reach by train on Metro-North, (20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal and 22 minutes from White Plains), the Botanical Garden is an autumn oasis with plenty to see and do for the entire family. Enjoy fun and educational hands-on art and nature activities, a musical performance, a live wolf, and family-friendly tours of exhibitions and the 50-acre Forest. Gorgeous flowers, and perennial gardens; secret sylvan retreats; dramatic natural landscapes and waterfalls interacting seamlessly with colossal art ? it all can be found at the Botanical Garden. All events are included with the purchase of an All-Garden Pass. For more information about planning a 'Staycation' at The New York Botanical Garden, visit http://www.nybg.org/staycation.

Events at The New York Botanical Garden on Sunday, October 12, and Monday, October 13, focus on family exploration of art and nature through Moore in America: Monumental Sculpture at The New York Botanical Garden? the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's sculpture ever presented in a single venue in the United States, with 20 major pieces positioned throughout the Garden?and activities and programs at the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, Everett Children's Adventure Garden, and throughout the Garden grounds. Planned activities* for both days of the Staycation include:

* Musical performances by M Shanghai String Band on Sunday and the Westchester Chordsmen Quartet on Monday, from 12 – 4 p.m. in the Children's Adventure Garden.

* A visit by Atka the wolf at Daffodil Hill from the Wolf Conservation Center at 2 p.m.

* Family tours of Moore in America starting at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the Everett Children's Adventure Garden· Bird Walk in the Forest at 1 p.m. and a Family Forest Tour at 3 p.m.

* Apple Cider Pressing at the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* A Migliorelli Farms stand of apples, cider, and cider donuts for sale in the Children's Adventure Garden's Discovery Plaza.· Hands-on nature activities at the Everett Children's Adventure Garden throughout the weekend plus the opening of Kiku for Kids on Monday, October 13.

* Goodnight Garden, providing an engaging and educational opportunity for kids to help put the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden to rest before winter· Prizes (while supplies last) for families who complete the entire Moore Family Fun Guide and bring it back to the Everett Children's Adventure Garden.

* An informative documentary film, The Art of Henry Moore in the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall at 12 and 2 p.m.

* Schedule subject to change.

The New York Botanical Garden has much to offer. Explore the ongoing exhibitions A World of Plants in the Conservatory and Plants and Fungi: Ten Current Research Stories in the Britton Science Rotunda and Gallery. Stroll among the fall blossoms of Seasonal Walk, or along the tree collections throughout the Garden grounds which are beginning their transformation to the season's stunning foliage. Witness the color-packed splendor of the Jane Watson Irwin Perennial Garden. Browse in Shop in the Garden or grab a bite to eat in one of the Garden's cafes. The Botanical Garden is lush with color and beauty both indoors and out. Come see why The New York Botanical Garden is a perfect destination, right in your own backyard.

• Can't travel far for The Labor Day Weekend? How about a staycation at New York Botanical Garden!

If you're looking for a one-day getaway during the Labor Day holiday weekend that won't have you breaking the bank on gas, the 250 historic acres of The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is the place to go. Easy to reach by train on Metro-North, (20 minutes from Grand Central Terminal and 22 minutes from White Plains), the Botanical Garden is a summer oasis with plenty to see and do for the entire family. Gorgeous flowers, waterlilies, and perennial gardens; secret sylvan retreats; dramatic natural landscapes and waterfalls interacting seamlessly with colossal art?it all can be found at the Botanical Garden.  For more information about planning a 'Staycation' at The New York Botanical Garden, visit http://www.nybg.org/staycation.

The major attraction this summer is Moore in America: Monumental Sculpture at The New York Botanical Garden, the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's sculpture ever presented in a single venue in the United States, with 20 major pieces positioned throughout the Garden. Families can enjoy Moore for Kids in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Visitors can watch an informative documentary film, The Art of Henry Moore in the Arthur and Janet Ross Lecture Hall on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 12 and 2 p.m.

There are many other events, tours, and activities to enjoy.  Some of the events scheduled at The New York Botanical Garden for the weekend of August 30 through September 1 include:

 Shapes of Nature in the Summer Garden In the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory - Spiked flax, fan-shaped palms, puffy vine seed pods, arrowhead caladiums, dozens of varieties of scalloped-leafed coleus, and more are lushly displayed in beds, on trellises, and in formal terra-cotta containers flanking rectangular pools in the Seasonal Exhibition Galleries of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The show is a perfect indoor complement to Moore in America, the exhibition of Henry Moore sculpture on the Botanical Garden grounds, illustrating the artist's belief that 'the whole of Nature is an endless demonstration of shape and form.'

Waterlilies and Lotus: An Aquatic Exhibition In the Conservatory Courtyard Pools - The plants in the Conservatory Courtyard Pools are at their summer peak, creating a dramatic, colorful display surrounded by lush container plantings. Brilliant yellows, pinks, reds, purples, and blues contrast with the lavish textures of shallow cattails, sweet-flags, and water iris.

Generous support for the Waterlilies and Lotus: An Aquatic Exhibition is provided by Vivian and Edward Merrin.

Art in Nature: Walking Tours of Moore in America – Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31

12:30 p.m., tour meets at the Reflecting Pool at the Leon Levy Visitor Center. 3:30 p.m., two simultaneous tours—one meets at the Reflecting Pool and the other at the entrance to the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden.  Take a closer look at the sculpture of Henry Moore and the impressive interaction of his work and the magnificent landscape of the Botanical Garden with a Garden Teaching Artist. Discover themes within his art and the stories each of the monumental pieces tell. All-Garden Pass needed to access all areas visited on tour.

Home Gardening Demonstration: Late Season Color - Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31, 1:30 p.m. In the Home Gardening Center - As the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool down, Gardener for Public Education Sonia Uyterhoeven will introduce a wonderful array of plants to brighten up the upcoming autumnal days.

Perennial Garden Tour – Sunday, August 31, 11:30 a.m.  Meets at the Reflecting Pool of the Leon Levy Visitor Center - Join a Botanical Garden docent for a one-hour walking tour of the Jane Watson Irwin Perennial Garden, a rich combination of flowers and foliage in a wide-ranging palette of colors and textures for interest in every season. Designed by famed public garden designer Lynden B. Miller, the Perennial Garden is a great treasure.

Global Family Gardening: Gardens ‘Round the World Through August 31, 1–5:30 p.m.  In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden - Through special cultural crafts and activities, learn about the Global Gardens created and maintained by community volunteers. Sample special foods— homegrown produce and native recipes—of each region.

Lenape Life - September 1, 1–5:30 p.m. In the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden - During the month of September, a new program introduces children and families to the first gardeners to tend plants in the Bronx.  During the early 1600s, the Lenape Indians were expert botanists who used plants for food and medicine.  Children will learn how to shuck and grind corn and create a traditional Lenape cornhusk doll.  Visitors can view an authentic wigwam, a domed, single-room dwelling used by the Lenape tribe.

The Garden has much to offer as summer draws to an end. Explore the ongoing exhibitions A World of Plants in the Conservatory and Plants and Fungi: Ten Current Research Stories in the Britton Science Rotunda and Gallery. Stroll among the summer blossoms of Seasonal Walk, or along the cool and shady Bronx River gorge. Witness the color-packed splendor of the Jane Watson Irwin Perennial Garden and the continuing blooms of the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden.  Browse in Shop in the Garden or grab a bite to eat in one of the Garden's cafes. The Botanical Garden is lush with color and beauty both indoors and out. Come see why The New York Botanical Garden is a perfect destination, right in your own backyard.

The New York Botanical Garden is a museum of plants located at Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road.  It is easy to reach by Metro-North Railroad or subway. The Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday and Monday federal holidays. The best way to enjoy the Garden is with the All-Garden Pass, which includes admission to the grounds as well as to seasonal gardens, exhibitions, and attractions such as the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Everett Children's Adventure Garden, Rock and Native Plant Gardens, and Tram Tour: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students with ID, $7 for children ages 2–12, children under 2 are free.  For more information, please call 718.817.8700 or visit our Web site at www.nybg.orgThe New York Botanical Garden is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. A portion of the Garden's general operating funds is provided by The New York City Council and The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Bronx Borough President and Bronx elected representatives in the City Council and State Legislature provide leadership funding.

• Naumburg Orchestral Concert Tonight

Naumburg Orchestral Concert is one of the oldest free outdoor concerts in the U.S that began in 1905. Supported by locals contributing to this event, the non-profit organization has been able to keep this timeless event alive presenting promising new talents and to promote professional development of young composers and conductors. Tonight is the final concert of the summer season. Below is the detailed location and tonight's program.

Naumburg Bandshell

Central Park – located at 72^nd Street. You can enter the park on 72^nd Street and Central Park West or 72^nd Street & 5^th Avenue. The Naumburg Bandshell is in the middle of the park on 72^nd Street.

August 5, 2008

7:30 NO RAIN DATE

Program

Naumburg Orchestra

Maxim Eshkenazy, Conductor

Ashu, Saxophone

* * *

Bela Bartok (1881-1945)

Rumanian Folk Dances (1915)

Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)

Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22 (1875)

Jacques Ibert (1890-1962)

Concertino da Camera (1935)

Astor Piazzolla (1921-92) (arr. Ashu)

Two Tangos: Tanti Anni Prima (1984) &

Liber Tango (1974)

Jules A. E. Demersseman (1833-66) (orch. Ashu)

Fantaisie sur un theme original (1862)

• Naumburg Orchestral Concert Tonight

Naumburg Orchestral Concert is one of the oldest free outdoor concerts in the U.S that began in 1905. Supported by locals contributing to this event, the non-profit organization has been able to keep this timeless event alive presenting promising new talents and to promote professional development of young composers and conductors. Tonight is the final concert of the summer season. Below is the detailed location and tonight's program.

Naumburg Bandshell

Central Park – located at 72^nd Street. You can enter the park on 72^nd Street and Central Park West or 72^nd Street & 5^th Avenue. The Naumburg Bandshell is in the middle of the park on 72^nd Street.

August 5, 2008

7:30 NO RAIN DATE

Program

Naumburg Orchestra

Maxim Eshkenazy, Conductor

Ashu, Saxophone

* * *

Bela Bartok (1881-1945)

Rumanian Folk Dances (1915)

Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904)

Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22 (1875)

Jacques Ibert (1890-1962)

Concertino da Camera (1935)

Astor Piazzolla (1921-92) (arr. Ashu)

Two Tangos: Tanti Anni Prima (1984) &

Liber Tango (1974)

Jules A. E. Demersseman (1833-66) (orch. Ashu)

Fantaisie sur un theme original (1862)