Wave Hill Events February 15–February 22

     Early snowdrops have suddenly sprung up on the hillside below my second-floor window in Glyndor House, making me yearn for spring. (Enjoy yesterday’s snapshot of a charming cluster of snowdrops in the Wild Garden, the first attachment here.) That primed me for Anne Raver’s lovely tribute Tovah Martin today in the Times, another “Home” section cover story. We’re longtime admirers of both of these writer/gardeners. And what better way to encourage us to focus on what’s growing indoors in winter? It also happens to make for a perfect invitation to join the “Behind-the-Greenhouse” tour that Wave Hill gardeners are providing this Saturday. And spending Sunday afternoon―or any Sunday afternoon—on an hour-long, free walk in the gardens and Conservatory with one of our Garden Guides will keep your enthusiasm simmering nicely till spring.

To families we offer an extra-special treat on Tuesday, President’s Week target Free Day, when we offer two free programs, indoors and out, for school-age children. We’d planned a whole week of family programs, by the way, and then Hurricane Sandy happened, and kids were sent back to school Wednesday through Friday. And if you live in the Bronx, take advantage of free admission to the grounds for more than a weeek, starting February 16!

SAT, FEBRUARY 16 THROUGH SUN, FEBRUARY 24    PRESIDENT’S VACATION WEEK

Spend an afternoon or a week at Wave Hill. On Tuesday, special programs are geared to families with children between the ages 5-10. Registration is recommended. Admission to the grounds is free for Bronx residents throughout this 10-day period. Please note that Wave Hill is closed Monday, February 18, as is customary.

SAT, FEBRUARY 16    FAMILY ART PROJECT—A DESERT UNDER GLASS

A Desert under Glass/Un desierto bajo vidrio

Take a visit to Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House and leave winter behind. Spend some time sketching and painting the exotic desert dwellers, then, using sand and paint, make a desert mirage. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 17    FAMILY ART PROJECT—A DESERT UNDER GLASS

A Desert under Glass/Un desierto bajo vidrio

Take a visit to Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House and leave winter behind. Spend some time sketching and painting the exotic desert dwellers, then, using sand and paint, make a desert mirage. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 17    GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, FEBRUARY 18

Closed to the public.

TUE, FEBRUARY 19    PRESIDENT’S WEEK TARGET FREE DAY—FITNESS & MOVEMENT

Join Yoga for Bliss instructors for a one hour session of fun movement activity learning simple stretching, yoga, and breathing techniques indoors followed by active walking, jumping and playing outdoors. This program is geared to families with children between the ages of 5 and 10.

Registration recommended. Free, and admission to the grounds is free to all visitors today, thanks to the generous support of Target. Due to a change in the calendar for New York City schools following Hurricane Sandy, family programs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1‒2 PM

TUE, FEBRUARY 19    PRESIDENT’S WEEK TARGET FREE DAY—ARTY AFTERNOON

Express yourself with an array of creative art projects led by Family Art Project Leader Ilse Murdock and staff and/or Wave Hill’s Guest Winter Workspace Artist. This program is geared to families with children between the ages of 5 and 10. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day, thanks to the generous support of Target. Due to a change in the calendar for New York City schools following Hurricane Sandy, family programs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 2–4 PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in February. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.