Patrick Blanc may not be a household name but it should be.  He has been a pioneer in combining gardening and architecture in ways that are stunning to behold including taking the art of vertical gardening to a whole new level. I was able to have the pleasure of hearing him talk yesterday at the opening of the 10th annual Orchid show at the New York Botanical Gardens. Patrick  is a vibrant man in every sense of the word from his dyed green hair to his effervescent manner of speaking and the living texture that his work creates.  The world is indeed a better and greener place because of him.

Ed Alcock for The New York Times

Off the Wall Patrick Blanc, a French botanist who made his name with the plant wall, is an unusual mix of scientist and artist.

This is Patrick's home office. His desk is on TOP of his fishtanks. He sits on his chair and sees fish swimming below his feet. Has his jungle wall behind him (extending well out of frame in height) with some birds and lizards as pets. He says he feels like he is working outdoors in his beloved jungle even when he is confined to indoor work.

 

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Here is an older article but it will give you an good idea of what he does (before and after photos above).

The orchid show runs from March 3rd until April 22nd, 2012.  My photos do not do justice to the show, but here they are just to give you a sense of what you’ll see there. 

A cop approaches to ask me to please get down from the bench from which I was taking these photos.

 

Orchid Cube!

 

 

 

Bonus! I did my daughter's hairstyle for a Dr Seuss day at school. She looks like Dr. Seuss' kid librarian.