One of Patrick Blanc’s vertical gardens in Madrid. All images courtesy Patrick Blanc.

New York is about to see its third floral masterpiece by vertical gardening sensation Patrick Blanc, and this time, it’s all about the orchids. The famed French botanist, renowned for his lush, gravity-defying gardens, has made his way to the New York Botanical Garden this spring to design a series of horticultural walls that will showcase the illustrious tropical orchid.

Blanc’s work has been an inspiration to horticulturists and designers alike; his spectacular green walls are hailed for their sinuous, textured patterns that appear both wild and manicured, like the English garden of the 21^st century. Having seen one of his gardens firsthand on Jean Nouvel’s Musée du quai Branly in Paris, I can attest to the pleasure of watching Blanc’s immense, living walls exhale with every passing gust of wind. The orchid show in New York promises to be “an exotic spectacle to dazzle the senses” and undoubtedly another inspiration for those who fantasize of a greener city.

Sketches for Blanc’s orchid show at the New York Botanical Garden

The show begins at the New York Botanical Garden on March 3rd. To learn more, visit the website.

by Kelly Chan

posted in New Projects news sustainable design

tagged green, Patrick Blanc, vertical garden, Vertical gardening, vertical gardens

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