2026 marks the 23rd year of The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in Bronx, New York, and what makes the show always so interesting for annual visitors is that the theme and designer change each year. New for 2026, Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle is a luscious love letter to New York where floral artist and designer Mr. Flower Fantastic transforms the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into poignant vignettes celebrating everyday slices of New York life with his imaginative and whimsical floral designs. The Orchid Show runs until April 26, 2026, must be seen to be fully appreciated, and after a long and bitter cold New York winter, it is perfect for getting a jumpstart on Spring.
We attended The Orchid Show on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and were captivated by Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle, that began with his vision of a two-story brownstone installation painted black, complete with stairs and seductively covered with a plethora of orchids that cascaded down the building in varying hues of fuchsia, pink, violet, and white with complementing greenery dramatically set in the reflecting pool with soaring palms acting as an exotic backdrop under the white ribs of the Enid A. Conservatory where the sun blazed through the glass ceiling under a bright blue sky. A lamppost and a black trash can with an abundance of orchids placed in front of the brownstone added additional interest to the iconic New York scene.
There were many highlights in the show that took us on a self-guided journey of floral elegance and style depicting ordinary, yet important aspects of New York life, including the Car Wash where a New York Yellow Cab created from flowers was being washed, and the Laundromat where different orchid vignettes graced each of the washers’ “windows.”
Using the program and map as our guide, we thoroughly enjoyed experiencing Mr. Flower Fantastic’s vision of New York City, enhanced by his comments about the various scenarios. Through his thoughtfully orchestrated, creative, and whimsical approach, Mr. Flower Fantastic created breathtakingly beautiful New York cityscapes with his Community Gardens, 99₵ a Slice Pizzeria, Subway Stops, Newsstand, fire escape, a working steam duct, and a fire hydrant gracing a floral pathway to capture other integral New York elements.
However, it is not only the stunning large-scale scenes, installations, and his dynamic color palette and use of vibrantly gorgeous orchids that captured the eye and enchanted, it is also the intricate details and interesting elements like the use of dandelions in some of his gardens that add whimsy and surprise, along with a rich realism to his urban work.
Nancy Off Linwood
There are interesting notes throughout the Conservatory providing insight into the various plants, their origins, and botanical names. We especially enjoyed reading about Dandelions Taraxacum officinale, which stated: “Don’t overlook dandelions: In addition to being tough enough to thrive in urban conditions, they are also very useful. Every part of the dandelion is edible and nutritious, even their cheerful yellow flowers. The leaves contain active chemicals that have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. Dandelions are often the first flowers to open in early spring, providing pollinators with much-needed nectar at a time when it is otherwise scarce.”
About Mr. Flower Fantastic
It is interesting to note that the designer Mr. Flower Fantastic (MFF) grew up in Queens, New York and became interested in gardens while helping his mother in her garden, His interest in floristry started at an early age and he began experimenting with floral sculpture. To manage his severe flower allergies, and keep attention on his art, he wears a respirator and remains anonymous.
Mr. Flower Fantastic
Mr. Flower Fantastic noted in the program, “This show shines a light on spaces and places that might get overlooked. There’s a beautiful chaos in the concrete jungle, and life in bloom. This show is my offering to you, a seed to plant in people’s hearts and minds…”
The Orchid Show 2026 – Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle at the NYBG captivated and delighted our senses. It is a spectacular show that celebrates the beauty of nature and often finding it in unusual places, if you take the time to look for it.
Do allow a minimum of 2-3 hours to fully experience the installations and enjoy the rest of the offerings in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. When the snow starts to melt, you will also want to take time to take a stroll outside and explore their fabulous Spring gardens that will be bursting with blooms.
Until next time, keep enjoying travel with Luxury Experience!
The Orchid Show Special Programs
Orchid Nights (Require Special Tickets, For Ages 21+): March 21 and 28, April 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25. Orchid Night Hours: 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm.
Corsage Orchid Buena Suerte
Orchid Show Classes: Orchid Care: Starts February 21, Fragrant Indoor Garden: Starts February 21, Orchids for Beginners: Starts March 7, and Creating Orchids with Air-Dry Polymer Clay: Starts March 19, 2026
Meet the Orchid Experts: Select Saturdays and Sundays, February 7 through April 26, 2026.
Corsage Orchid George Baldwin
The Orchid Show Sensory Stations: Select dates on February, March, and April 2026.
Before New York: Explore Your Neighborhood: February 7, 14, March 7, 14, and 21, 2026.
About the NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre oasis located in Bronx, New York. Founded in 1891, the garden attracts year-round visitors with its exquisite beauty, spectacular exhibitions, and interesting programs. It is a National Historic Landmark located in Bronx, New York where its nearby neighbors include Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo. Do allow a minimum of 3 hours to thoroughly experience the New York Botanical Garden and its many programs.
Phalaenopis Taida Day
Other special exhibitions and events, such as Members-Only Previews, may cause early closing of Garden areas. Exceptions are also made for evening events, which may take place after normal Garden hours. For specific hours on the day of your visit, please see their calendar on the website: www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/
The Garden, its buildings, and its tour vehicles are accessible to people with disabilities, except for a few areas where the terrain is naturally uneven. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at both Garden entrances, on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not accepted). An ID must be left with Visitor Services. Visit the website for additional information: www.nybg.org/visit/accessibility.php
For more information on The Orchid Show: Mr. Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle or on other upcoming programs at the New York Botanical Garden, please visit their website at www.nybg.org. Year-round, there is always something wonderful happening at NYBG.
Mr. Flower Fantastic
Website: https://www.mffstudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrflowerfantastic/?hl=en @mrflowerfantastic
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10458
United States
Telephone: +1-718-817-8700
Website: www.nybg.org
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NYBotanicalGarden
Twitter: @nybg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nybg/ @OrchidNYBG @nybg
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