Garden News - Queens Botanical Garden

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGEAt last it has come to this celebratory moment—the official opening of our new green Visitor &Administration Center. When the ribbon is cut onSeptember 27, we will usher in a new era at QBG.Writing in New York Construction last February,a reporter observed: “One of the most environmentallyadvanced construction projects everlaunched in New York City is taking place at theQueens Botanical Garden.” It is thrilling that thislittle garden in Queens, long in the shadow of itsbetter-known sisters, has made a name for itself.QBG is at the leading edge of a phenomenon, agreen phenomenon that is sweeping the nation.The City of New York provided most of the fundingfor this innovative project. Now it is our challengeto utilize this investment to provide programs andservices that the public feels compelled to invest in.In the coming months we will launch the QBGStore, a food service program, and the next roundof curriculum development focusing on energy,plus much more.It has been an amazing thirteen years that I haveserved as executive director. Many have helped usarrive at today.Thank you for your on going support. I hope wemay continue to count on you as these magicalinaugural months unfold.Susan Lacerte, Executive DirectorCOMMUNICATING GREENNew interpretive exhibits for QBG’sSustainable Landscapes and Buildings projectincorporate icons to help highlight interestingfacts throughout the buildings and landscapes.Keep a lookout for these icons on signage, touchscreen displays, and interpretive markers!View of north facade, featuring FSC certified cedar sidingcontinued from previous pageOther innovations are impressively high-tech, such as a geothermal systemthat heats and cools the interior by tapping an aquifer 300 feet below ground;roof-top photovoltaic cells that supply approximately 17% of the building’selectricity; motion-control devices that turn lights on and off when someoneenters or leaves a room; and composting toilets that relieve a bit of the stresson New York City’s overburdened sewage system.But many innovations are low-tech commonsense strategies that havebeen used throughout history in vernacular architecture but neglected overdecades of fossil-fuel addiction. These include operable windows, eight-inchthickinsulation, and horizontal wooden slats on the exterior that protect thebuilding’s offices from solar heat. Called a brise-soleil, this shading device iscommonly found in tropical architecture.The Visitor & Administration Center has already won the Green BuildingDesign Award from the New York City Department of EnvironmentalProtection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Moreawards are likely. Perhaps the most cherished award is in the future. Ifeverything goes as planned, QBG’s new building will be among the City’sfirst to achieve the highest certification in sustainable architecture, aplatinum LEED® rating as determined by the U.S. Green Building Council.By that time, it will be a must-see among aficionados of green buildings.But by any definition, it is a terrific gift to the Queens community and allof New York City.Scott Stefan, Director of Marketing“We see the Visitor & Administration Centeras a built expression of the Queens BotanicalGarden's mission. While providing an iconicand welcoming gathering place for thecommunity and a tool for interactiveeducation, the building echoes and sustainsthe surrounding landscape.”Joan Krevlin, Partner, BKSK Architects

PROCESS AND PROGRESSOn April 30, about two weeks after staff movedinto their new offices, Susan Lacerte, QBG’sexecutive director, sat down to reminisce withthree people deeply involved with the Visitor &Administration Center’s construction: JenniferWard Souder, director of capital projects; PeterSansone, operations and project manager; andMax Joel, capital projects coordinator. They metwith Scott Stefan, director of marketing, in theexecutive conference room, a second-floor cornerroom that, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors,feels more like a tree house than an office.What was your biggest thrill during the 26 monthsof construction?SL: The biggest thrill for me was getting ahardhat. Actually, the biggest thrillwas getting the first fully-permittedcomposting toilet in New York City(laughs).JWS:MJ:PS:After seeing blueprints for years, to actuallywatch the building take form was thrilling.But I have to say that almost every day wasexciting. Something happened every day.For me, the biggest thrill was watchingthe installation of the cistern. To see thesethirty-foot concrete rings lifted by a craneand placed in the excavation was reallyimpressive. They looked pristine….Yeah, the cistern is made of precisionmoldedconcrete. The parts have to fittogether precisely so the tank is watertight.What surprised you the most during construction?JWS: I was surprised by how critical it is to haveteamwork on the site. Without it, nothingwould happen.MJ:SL:I was surprised by how fast the canopywent up.I was surprised by how quickly Stonewall(the contractor who built the building)started construction. You’re used tohearing that city construction movesslowly. The day after we signed the contractPeter Sansone, Jennifer Ward Souder, Susan Lacerte, and Max JoelPS:MJ:in Manhattan, Stonewall showed up to begin work! They put upfencing that day.When you construct a building, an interesting thing happens. You startwith a hole in the ground. First the hole gets bigger and bigger andthen gradually smaller and smaller as the building goes up.That’s right. At each stage the building shrinks. It looks huge in excavation,then as construction goes on, it takes on a smaller precise form.What was the most interesting phase of construction?PS: Excavation was really interesting. The Garden was built on alandfill, so all kinds of stuff showed up.MJ:JWS:We found the remnants of a gas station, old-fashioned tiles,doorknobs, white-wall tires—lots of stuff.For me, the concrete pours were really interesting. It takes monthsof preparation but the actual pour happens quickly because concreteis a timed exercise. The logistics of an elephant pump are very tricky.It’s like choreography. Everyone has to work together to make ithappen. A lot of work went into salvaged hemlock forms for theauditorium. When it was all finished, it was a big relief.How did the building’s green design affect construction?JWS: You’re doing new things—that requires more meetings. Some parts ofthe job were new to the project team, such as installing photovoltaic cells.It requires an additional level of coordination, so we had to create newsystems for smoothing things out. Everyone learned a lot on this job.This interview is reprinted in part from the Garden’s 12th Annual Rose Balljournal. Read the complete story at www.queensbotanical.org.“This project created a shift in awarenessfor me of green construction and renewableenergy. This will help change our businessplan to incorporate more green constructionand renewable energy projects. It has mademe motivated to pursue this more on myown. I am starting construction of a greenhouse for myself.”Danny Sawh, President,Stonewall Contracting Corporation

NEW EXHIBITS FOR A NEW BUILDINGThe new Visitor & Administration Center has many interesting andinnovative features. How can the Garden tell the story of the manyenvironmental and cultural connections that make this building andthe gardens around it unique?The answer: with a group of new exhibits that showcase the extraordinarymaterials, methods, and systems at work “behind the scenes.”Please TouchWith such a big story to tell and such a small space for exhibits, the Gardenturned to technology to help visitors learn about the project’s goals. Positionedon a corridor wall just inside the west entrance of the new building are twotouch screens, one at adult level and one at child height (and also ADAcomplianceheight), that display a colorful, interactive presentation about thebuilding. The complete content of the displays is shown in English, Chinese,Spanish, and Korean, so that as many visitors aspossible may enjoy the presentation.“Together withQBG staff, myoffice and Iworked todevelop muchneededmultilingualwayfindingandinterpretive signsthat tell storiescentral to theGarden's mission:about people,plants, andcultures; theimportance ofwater in people’slives aroundthe world; and'green design' aspracticed righthere at QBG.”Paul Bluestone,Bluestone DesignAssociates“The touch screen displays let visitors explore the features of the building and landscapes in a fun,engaging way,” says Max Joel, capital projects coordinator. “Just by touching the screen, visitors canvirtually move throughout the building and learn about what may be hidden from view. There areeven animated sections that show how solar panels work and how plants grow through photosynthesis.“It’s almost like playing a video game,” adds Max.Despite the high-tech graphics, the displays are meant to be educational. Visitors may learn aboutsubjects as varied as non-toxic paint, geothermal heating and cooling, green roofs, and symbolicmeanings of bamboo. By showing the connections between the global environment, the communitiesin which we live, and our own personal health, the touch screen displays help encourage people tomake everyday decisions that are environmentally responsible.Newly installed interpretive panels appear in multiple languages.An image still from the Garden's new interpretive touchscreen display, designed in collaboration with FatSpaniel Technologies, Inc.Gathering By WaterA second exhibit, Gathering By Water, is found outside the new building. Interpretive panels by theCleansing Biotope, Constructed Wetland, and Rainwater Fountain explain the new building’s uniquewater systems and the incredible biological processes that sustain them. They also reveal the importanceof water to cultures around the world and the need to preserve clean water as a resource.Interpretive Wayfindingand Exhibits are sponsoredin part by the Institute ofMuseum and LibraryServices; IndependenceCommunity Foundation;Consolidated EdisonCompany of New York,Inc.; KeySpan Energy;Hudson River Foundation,NYC Environmental Fund;and New York State’sCommunity CapitalAssistance Program.

Development12TH ANNUAL ROSE BALLThe Garden has done it again! Thanks to our wonderful members, corporatefriends, and other supporters, the 12th Annual Rose Ball on June 12 was anunqualified success. The Garden raised 30% more than in previous years tosustain our education programs and keep our gardens beautiful for visitors.We thank honoree Daniel R. Tishman and Environmental Stewardship Awardrecipient Lynden B. Miller for their support of our efforts; the members of theRose Ball Planning Committee—board chair Frank C. Macchio and trusteesRachel Sha and Jae Shin—for their work on behalf of the Garden; andmembership secretary Carol Tyrie, for 30 years of volunteer service to QBG.Special thanks to our sponsors of the 12th Annual RoseBall; we are grateful for their support of our work.Event SponsorTishman ConstructionCorporationYellow Rose SponsorThe Durst OrganizationRed Rose SponsorsAlbanese Organization,Inc.Consolidated EdisonCompany of New YorkCord MeyerDevelopment LLCFlushing CommonsStonewall ContractingCorporationPink Rose SponsorsHSBC Bank USA, N.A.Kiss Products, Inc.New YorkHospital QueensNew York TraditionalKorean House CultureResearch InstituteRoslyn SavingsFoundationScott's Miracle-GroCompanyWhite Rose SponsorsAlmar Plumbing &Heating Corp.BKSK ArchitectsThe BriarwoodOrganizationFarrell Fritz, P.C.Flushing Savings BankFrank, Rose, andRocco MacchioMuss Development LLCRotary Club of FlushingSilvercup StudiosMartha and Bob TaylorUnity International GroupVornado Realty TrustJohn B. WingateAndrea WoodnerIndividual SponsorsSunny and Dick AurelioJane CrottyChris Esteban, A. Esteban& Company, Inc.Hugh L. Carey BatteryPark City AuthorityMichael M.S. LeeMorris Lee, Council forAirport OpportunityJeffrey E. Levine,Levine BuildersEmily Lin andJames LoveallLinda Mayo-Perez,Maple Grove CemeteryAssociationPatricia Olmstead,Urban ExplorationsCesar PerezThe Port Authorityof NY & NJRenée Ring andPaul ZofnassRachel Sha andChun Wa KoJohn Wu,Profit Real Estate, Inc.NEW GRANTSQueens Botanical Garden expresses its gratitude to the following individuals andorganizations for their support of the Garden’s operations and programs:Lily Auchincloss Foundation:$20,000 in support of general operationsConsolidated Edison Company ofNew York: $15,000 for energy exhibitRichard R. Aurelio: $10,000 in supportof general operationsHyde and Watson Foundation:$10,000 for green roof instrumentationRoslyn Savings Foundation:$10,000 for a family guideWalter Kaner Children's Foundation:$7,500 in support of special needsprograms and an internAstoria Federal Savings: $5,000 forseasonal sponsorship of the HerbGarden and Wedding GardenGovernmentNYC Department of Cultural Affairs,Office of the Mayor, and the CityCouncil: $1 million through the CityCouncil adopted budget, in support ofgeneral operations, plus $50,000through the Queens Delegation andCouncilmember Domenic Recchia forenhanced collections care andmaintenance and security personnelNYC Councilmember John Liu: $5,000to support extended summer hoursNew York State Office of Parks,Recreation, and Historic Preservation:Zoos, Botanical Gardens, andAquariums (ZBGA) Grant Program:$98,865 for collections care andinterpretationAwards from theNew York State LegislatureAssemblymembers Jeff Aubrey,Margaret Markey, Audrey Pheffer,and Mark Weprin: $55,000 in capitalfunding for the “Green Trail”Susan Lacerte, Daniel R. Tishman, Queens BoroughPresident Helen Marshall, Lynden B. Miller,and Frank C. MacchioThe Care of Trees: $5,000 in support ofgeneral operationsSarah I. Schieffelin Residuary Trust:$5,000 in support of general operationsNorcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc.:$4,300 for an electric vehicleCity Gardens Club of New York:$2,500 in support of the WoodlandGarden renovation and horticulturePfizer Volunteer Program:$1,000 award in recognition ofemployee volunteerism by SeniorGardener Joe KvietkusSenator Frank Padavan:$40,000 for community outreachAssemblymember Ivan Lafayette:$13,500 for education programsSenator Serphin R. Maltese:$11,000 for community outreachAssemblymember Ellen Young:$3,000 for the opening of theGarden’s new buildingAssemblymembers Catherine Nolan,Nettie Mayersohn, and Mark Weprin:$1,000 each for master plan updateHealthy Interiors:During construction, theventilation system and ductworkwere protected from dust andcontamination before, during, andafter installation. This improvesIndoor Air Quality and helpsprotect the respiratoryhealth of staff and visitors.

GREEN TEENSWondering who those smiling young peoplewearing bright green T-shirts were at QBG thissummer? Why, this year’s group of summerinterns, a.k.a. the Green Teens! Twenty local highschool and college students who had in commona passion for the environment, worked with staffmembers to keep the Garden beautiful andrunning throughout the hottest days of summer.The interns were involved in all aspects of theGarden, from weeding in the Wedding Garden tocreating press kits. Additional duties includedhelping young participants in HSBC Children'sGarden and assisting our development and capitalprojects staffs. Our Green Teens participated inweekly enrichment activities such as trips,workshops, and lectures. Guest lecturers includedrepresentatives from Whole Foods Market andAmerican Express, who spoke about the benefitsof organic foods and financial responsibility.(1st row, l. to r.) Natalie Ramroop, PratimaBhattacharyya, Christina Cephus, Jessica Li, KhudejaWardak, Shirley Cheng, Zhen Huang, Kevin Fuchs(2nd row, l. to r.) Samuel Budin, Shante Dickson, JeffreyMaiorino, Issa Duncan, Ross Stackhouse, SubrinaMoorley, Mariyam Salley, Elissa MopperMissing: Ariana Aronis, Jenny Choi, and Danny MartinezNow in its second year, our eight-weeksummer program was made possible withsupport from the Altman Foundation, theWalter Kaner Children's Foundation, and theNYC Department of Youth and CommunityDevelopment's Summer Youth EmploymentProgram. This was also the first summer weemployed interns from the Lexington Schoolfor the Deaf, with assistance from the Departmentof Education's Referral and Placement Center.Thank you and congratulations to our GreenTeens for a job well done!Sheila Raj, Internship CoordinatorSTAFF NEWSQBG welcomes back Karen Simonson asdirector of finance and administration.Karen resumes her old role after leavingthe Garden to raise daughter Rebecca andworking part-time for the Linden Trustfor Conservation.Scott Stefan, new director of marketing, Scott, Pedro, Nicole, and Tammyhas been a graphic designer, art director,and marketing executive with a long career in advertising. Three campaignsthat he created are still on the air: OppenheimerFunds, Lean Cuisine, andDr. Scholl's (the Gellin' campaign).Nicole De Feo joined the staff at the end of June as capital projectsassistant. Nicole recently returned from work in Kenya for the Foundationfor Sustainable Development. She previously worked for Form Architecture +Interiors in Manhattan and interned in QBG’s horticulture department.New development and marketing assistant Tammy Ho completed hergraduate coursework in government and politics in January 2007 at St. John'sUniversity. While pursuing her master’s, she worked as the SustainableDevelopment & Population Programme intern at Parliamentarians for GlobalAction in Manhattan.Sophia Warsh joined QBG as an assistant gardener in April. Sophia hasprevious experience in private landscaping and gardening in our regionand earned her bachelor’s degree at Bennington College in Vermont.Elizabeth Mooney and Gabriel Forestieri have also joined the horticulturestaff as plant records interns.Putting QBG’s green housekeeping practices into effect is new part-timecustodian Pedro Vasquez. He has been specially trained to implement aprotocol developed by operations and project manager Peter Sansone forcleaning the Garden’s new Visitor & Administration Center.Goodbye and Thank You Capital projects coordinator Max Joel,whocontributed several years of hard work and creativity to QBG’s capitalprojects and exhibits, has moved on to pursue his Master of EnvironmentalManagement at Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.After five years as an attendant guard, Freddy Fernandez leaves to completehis studies in automotive technology at Lincoln Technical Institute. Freddywill also be interning at an auto dealership this fall.“I grew up in Queens and had been to thisGarden many times as a child. It’s nice to bepart of the new QBG. It’s an interestingproject since it’s not strictly architecturalbut also incorporates green spaces.”Jeremy Lockard, Senior Design Project Manager,NYC Department of Design & Construction

Dear FloraQ. I’m quite concerned about bees. I don’t see as many bees inmy garden and I’ve been hearing about colony collapse. It soundsawful. Will my garden be affected? What about the global impact?~ Buzzing About BeesA. There has been a lot in the news lately concerning colony collapsedisorder. According to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, millions ofhoneybees have disappeared from 35 states—a decline that could cost thecountry up to $90 billion in agricultural losses. The cause remains a mysterybut it is important to know that this decline started about ten years ago.There are many possible contributors to the decline and more research isneeded. Support for that research will hopefully come from the federalgovernment as the Farm, Nutrition, and Community Investment Act hasmoney earmarked to address this problem and there is a proposed bill inCongress called the Pollinator Protection Act.Obviously the biggest impact of this mysterious honeybee disappearanceis on commercial agriculture, so you should not see much difference inyour backyard flower garden. There are many pollinators in the naturalenvironment. Butterflies are everyone’s favorite pollinator but there are alsoothers such as flies, beetles, and solitary bees, to name a few, that flit fromflower to flower seeking nectar. The most important thing you can do isprovide a pollinator-friendly landscape by offering plants with nectar-ladenflowers and herbs, such as fennel, that attract these beneficial insects. Ashallow pool of water or well-maintained birdbath is helpful, too.Pesticides and other chemicals can and will kill any insect—good or bad.Most insects are good and many of the good guys eat the bad ones.Eliminate the use of these products and your yard will be a haven forall these wonderful creatures.Have a gardening question for Flora? Contact her ateducation@queensbotanical.org.Plants and Landscape:The green roof provides an additionalhabitat for native plant species, insects, andbirds, while reducing stormwater runoff andproviding extra roof protection and insulationfor the auditorium below.Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find in bloomthis season at QBG, as well as those plantshaving fall color or ornamental interest.Late SeptemberJapanese Anemone, Autumn Clematis, Aster,Chrysanthemum, Blue Lobelia, Turtle Head,Sedum, Bluebeard, Toad Lily, Gloryflower,False-HollyOctoberRose, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Anemone,Aster, Sedum, Hydrangea, Goldenrod,Chinese SumacFall foliage: Maple, Sweetgum, Witch Hazel,DogwoodNovemberOrnamental grass, flowering cabbage and kale,Common Witch Hazel, CrabappleDecemberHolly, Japanese Skimmia, Cotoneaster,Dogwood, Dogwood Redtwig, PaperbarkMaple, River Birch, Stewartia, Crape MyrtleBLOOM CALENDARTHE GARDEN HAS LAUNCHED ITSNEW WEBSITE!Log on to www.queensbotanical.org to check outour exciting new look. Visit us regularly online tofind out about the latest upcoming programs andworkshops, discover what’s in bloom in theGarden, learn about our new sustainable Visitor& Administration Center, or simply browse ourpages to see what we’re all about at QBG.OPENING SOON: THE QBG STOREGreen your hearth and home with unique, ecofriendlygifts and decorative items inspired bynature and the people, plants, and cultures ofQueens. Watch for the opening of the QBG Storein the lobby of the new Visitor & AdministrationCenter this fall. Check QBG’s website for thelatest update.“Playing the leadrole in Essie'sGreat Adventurewas a funexperience.It was cool topretend to bea worm and atthe same timebe able to teachchildren aboutthe importance ofworms and howgood they are forthe soil.”Dominiqua Byrd,education intern, onher acting debut atQBG in JuneDominiqua Byrd, QBG's Walter Kaner Children'sFoundation intern, with director of education PattyKleinberg (l.) and Foundation board member Betty ScottMaterials and Resources:Dark surfaces like asphalt and tar roofing absorbheat from the sun and contribute to a hottermicroclimate known as urban heat islandeffect. Our light-colored pavers reflectsunlight, while planted surfaces keep thesite cool through plant respiration.

EventsOPENING WEEKEND!VISITOR & ADMINISTRATION CENTERSaturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30Events ongoing from 12 noon each dayCelebrate the official arrival of green at QBG! Join us for a weekendof activities for children and adults, including multilingual tours ofthe new Visitor & Administration Center, workshops on green roofconstruction, composting, and solar energy, music, exhibits, and more.See our Calendar of Events at www.queensbotanical.org for a completeschedule of offerings.Queens County Savings Bank, a Division of New York Community Bank, is Lead Sponsorfor the Opening Celebration. Additional support has been provided by New York StateAssemblymember Ellen Young and the Rotary Club of Flushing.HIGHLIGHTSEvents are free. Materials fees for workshopsmay apply.SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29• Rainsticks and Green Roof Activities for Kids• Professionals Tour, 12 noon• 7th Annual International Moon Festival,6 to 8 pm (Bring a blanket or a chair.)SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30• Photography, Nature Art, and CompostingWorkshops for Families• Professionals Tour, 2 pm• Concert: Bamba NY, 3 pmALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER’SNATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY FESTIVALSaturday, September 29, 11 am to 4 pm, FreeIn celebration of National Estuaries Day, Alley Pond EnvironmentalCenter (APEC), in Douglaston, hosts its third Little NeckBay Festival, with exhibits, children's activities, and talks. QBGstaff will be on hand to highlight stormwater management andother sustainable strategies, such as composting, that the Gardenuses in its daily practices. For directions and more information,call APEC at 718.229.4000 or visit www.alleypond.com.TOUR: OPENHOUSEQBGSaturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 1 pm, FreeReservations requiredIn conjunction with openhousenewyork, QBG will openbehind-the-scenes areas of the Visitor & Administration Centerto the public. Joan Krevlin, BKSK Architects, and Jennifer WardSouder, capital projects director, will give this exclusive tourshowcasing the environmentally friendly side of the building.The tour will include a walk on the green roof, a visit to staffoffices, and a look at the geothermal system. Please call NicoleDe Feo at 718.886.3800 ext. 223 to register. For informationabout events citywide, visit www.openhousenewyork.org.Cultural Connections:The wall rising from our building’s lobby to the second floor ismade of reformed bamboo. A symbol of longevity in Chinaand friendship in India, bamboo holds numeroussignificant symbolic meanings and is highlighted in themythology and folklore of many cultures.PUMPKIN PATCHSunday, October 28, 1 to 4 pmFee: $5 per child (includes pumpkin and activities)The Children’s Garden becomes a spooky pumpkin patch, withCount Dracula and friends on hand to entertain families whilekids paint their pumpkins and create Green-Haired Monstersto take home. This year’s Pumpkin Patch includes a specialCompost Project Show & Tell. Halloween treats are included.FARMERS MARKETFridays, 8:30 am to 4 pmThrough November 9From summer through mid fall, QBG hosts afarmers market featuring a range of locallygrown produce from upstate New York. Alex’sTomato Farm and The Migliorelli Farm returnweekly with a selection of fresh fruits andvegetables available for purchase. Visit themin QBG’s parking lot.QBG CRAFT SALESTuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am to 12 noon,by appointmentRenowned for their exquisite artistry, members of QBG’sCraft Group design floral creations for all occasions. Fragrantdried flower arrangements make thoughtful holiday, wedding,and house-warming gifts, while pressed flower art framesbeautifully display birth announcements, wedding invitations,and photos. Visit their workshop in the Compost Trailer.Call 718.886.3800 ext. 200 for more information.

EXHIBIT: PROJECT DIVERSITY QUEENSOn view through October 26Lobby, Visitor & Administration CenterIn conjunction with the opening of its new Visitor & AdministrationCenter, the Garden is pleased to participate in QueensCouncil on the Arts’ Project Diversity, a multi-venue exhibition ofworks across all visual media by scores of Queens artists, beingshown at galleries and art spaces throughout the borough this fall.The Garden's exhibit features paintings, drawings, andsculpture by Maeve D'Arcy, Cathleen Grado, Yukiko Kobayashi,Joungja Lee, Aegi Changsuk Park, and Kim Eng Yeo. Each artistis represented by one or two works.Energy and Atmosphere:The Visitor & Administration Center uses a DigitalAddressable Lighting Interface (DALI) system to control thebuilding’s artificial lights. The light levels are automaticallyadjusted in each area based on available natural light and thepresence of occupants, thereby reducing energy use.Project Diversity Queens was conceived by Queens-born artistand gallery owner Danny Simmons, co-founder/vice chair ofRush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, and developed inpartnership with Hoong Yee Lee Krakauer, executive director,Queens Council on the Arts, and key members of Queens’cultural community.COMPOST WORKSHOPSThese workshops are provided freeof charge or for a nominal fee, thanksto funding from the NYC Departmentof Sanitation. Pre-registration isrecommended at least one week inadvance. Call 718.886.3800 ext. 222.NYC TEACHER “WORMSHOP”:WORM BIN HABITAT IN THE CLASSROOMWednesdays, September 26 & December 12 (repeat)5 to 7:30 pm, Fee: $10Open to all NYC schoolteachers grades K to 12Discover the benefits of having a worm bin in your classroom,an excellent hands-on, inquiry-based activity toteach biology, ecology, environmental science, recycling, andresponsibility. Learn great facts about earthworms and howto set up a worm bin, feed worms with food scraps, andmaintain the system effectively to use the bin as a crosscurricularteaching tool. Teachers will receive a bin, a voucherfor worms, and three useful texts—a value well over $50.COMPOSTING IN THE CITY &INDOOR WORM COMPOSTINGWednesday, October 17, 6 to 8 pmLeaves, kitchen scraps, garden trimmings, and weeds can allbecome garden gold through composting. This class coversthe essentials. See how making dark, rich, crumbly compostdoesn't take much time, work, or space. Following theworkshop, participants may purchase compost suppliesat subsidized prices.LEAVES—THE LOW-COST, LOW-MAINTENANCELANDSCAPING TOOL FOR WINTERTIMEWednesday, November 7, 6 to 8 pmMost homeowners rake up and bag their leaves, which islike throwing free mulch in the trash. Leaves deter weeds,reduce erosion, improve infiltration of rainfall, preventsurface crusting, moderate soil temperatures, and, whenthey decompose, return nutrients to the soil. Learn howto make leaves work for you and discover other techniquesto winterize your landscape or garden.MAKE YOUR THANKSGIVINGTASTEFULLY BEAUTIFULSaturday, November 17, 11 am to 1 pmJoin us for Thanksgiving crafts and foods! Learn about theFirst Americans, exchange traditions and recipes, makea decoration from natural materials, and learn how tocompost for an environmentally conscious celebration.LATKES AND LIGHTS!Sunday, December 16, 1 to 3 pmThe days are getting shorter and so the need forlights…and LATKES! Sample yummy potatopatties with applesauce at QBG’s festive eventand learn how to compost the food scraps.COMPOST WORKSHOPSPrinted with soy-based inks onNew Leaf Imagination paper, 100%recycled, 100% post-consumerwaste, processed chlorine free,ancient forest friendly, andmanufactured with wind power.Forest Stewardship Council certified.The Queens Botanical Garden is located on property owned in full by the City of New York, and its operationis made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.The New York City Council and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservationprovide a portion of the Garden’s general operating funds. The Queens BoroughPresident and Queens’ elected representatives in the City Council and StateLegislature provide leadership funding. Corporations, foundations, and individualsprovide additional support.

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage PaidPermit #433Flushing NYNew Visitor & Administration Center,view of Main Entrance and Terrace CanopyOPENINGWEEKENDCELEBRATION!September 29 and 30See inside for details!QBG HAS LAUNCHED ITS NEW WEBSITE!Visit www.queensbotanical.org.Garden Offices and Visitor Information718.886.3800Autumn Hours (Through October)Tuesday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pmSaturday and Sunday, 8 am to 7 pmWinter Hours (November through March)Tuesday through Sunday, 8 am to 4:30 pmClosed Mondays year-roundexcept legal holidaysAdmissionFree. Donations welcomed.Parking$5; $3 members (depending on level of support)Days and hours vary by season.Plant InformationTuesday, 9 am to 4 pm, ext. 200Compost Information718.539.LAWN(5296) or compost@queensbotanical.orgQBG Websitewww.queensbotanical.orgGetting HereQBG is easily accessible by car, train, or bus.For complete travel directions and furtherinformation, phone QBG or visit us online.GENERAL INFORMATION