IFD in NYC : The Holiday Train Show

(Welcome to "IFD in NYC." This post will focus on the best in "green events" going on in the five boroughs. Events, Exhibits, even Benefits. If you happen to be in the know, please forward accordingly.)

What: Holiday Train Show

Where: The Bronx Botanical Garden

When: Until January 11th

Get Tickets!: www.nybg.org.

(Left: Yankee Stadium Replica - Photo by John Peden)

(Below: The Rose Center for Earth and Space - Photo by Konrad Fiedler)



The Holiday Train Show is one of the most anticipated events for everyone in the tri-state area, and especially for those seeking an easy, authentic New York experience for all ages.

Here you will find replicas of New York's most memorable landmarks. The Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, and more!

This year, the collection is introducing brand new sites, including the Rose Center for Earth and Space and Yankee Stadium amongst other landmarks, now immortalized in leaves, berries, twigs, and other plant parts.

That's all well and good, but what about the trains? This is the train show, after all. Well, they're all here: everything from late 1800's steam engines and circus cars to high speed passenger trains. It's great watching them go by old New York townhouses, under waterfalls, over bridges, and chugging through tunnels.

This is the stuff dreams are made of. It's a great show, and we at IFD hope you make it out. It works for families events, dating, friends and more.

The Bronx Botanical Garden - Holiday Train Show

P.S. This is our last post before the New Year, so we wanted to say thank you for your business in an incredible year, rife with tough challenges and groundbreaking events.

We at IFD wish you peace, prosperity, and good will for the upcoming year. Thank you for over 30 great years of business in the New York Metropolitan area. Here's to 2009!!!

The Plants that Keep You Healthy in the Office

Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Trichloroethylene. Everyday toxins from paper products, carpeting and plastics that infect offices and homes, often causing side affects like drowsiness, respiratory infection, and in extreme cases, contributing to liver cancer!

Living plants and flowers can actually filter-out these pollutants and make the air you breath safer and healthier. Here are some examples of toxins and the plants that can save your office:

The Peace Lilly:

The Peace Lilly is native to the tropics of Latin America and Southeast Asia. and known as a great deterrent in combating Benezene, a carcinogen often found in office areas. The side-effects can range from drowsiness and headaches, to nervousness and loss of appetite.

Many other plants combat this toxin, including the Warneckei and English Ivy.

The Golden Pothos:

The Golden Pothos, or Epipremnum Aureum, is another plant native to Southeast Asia.

The Pothos is best known to combat the toxin formaldehyde, which is can be found in floor coverings & carpet backing, with side effects like eye, nose and throat irritation, upper respiratory tract irritation and headaches.

Golden Pothos isn't the only option. Formaldehyde in the air can become dramatically reduced by introducing plants like the Corn Plant and the Philodendron.

The Dracaena Marginata:

This tropical plant is native to Madagascar, an island off the southeast coast of Africa, and is otherwise known as the "Madagascar Dragon Tree."

The Marginata is extremely helpful against Trichlororoethylene, a colorless, odorless, volatile liquid frequently used in chemical manufacturing and dry cleaning. It has also been directly linked to liver cancer by the National Cancer Institute.

Fighting this bad guy isn't as difficult as one might think. Introducing a plant like the Marginata into your office environment will add the defense you need against this harmful agent.

Other plants that combat Trichlororoethylene include the Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy and the Peace Lilly.

These plants have a two step solution. Introduce the plant in the office to reduce stress, and allow the plant to take in the atmosphere, absorbing the bad toxins while releasing the good karma.

Make Your Arrangements Last Longer

Let's say you just received a beautiful new floral arrangement. It's just the right colors, you love the design, and want it to stay stunning as long as possible.

There are four easy steps to keep your arrangement looking fresh and vibrant. Consider:

Clean Water

-Change the water every other day. Flowers absorb fresh water faster than stagnant water. It's easy to remember: fresh water means fresh flowers!

Cutting the Stem

Make sure the end of the flower stems are cut on a wide angle. An increase in the stem's surface area will allow the flower to absorb as much water as it needs. 

Keep it Cool

Most people already know this, but it never hurts to add: keep your flowers in a cool, dry place. Flowers love a room temperature of 68 Degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. Anything more will speed up the wilting process. 

No Sunlight, No Cry

While most plants love the vitamin D goodness from the sun, a floral arrangement can die quickly from too much sunlight. Office and home lights are fine, and don't worry if you have a room with some sun. Just make sure your arrangement avoids any direct exposure. 

If you follow the above advice, you can increase the life expectancy of your beautiful floral arrangement, by up to 2 weeks! 

(*Thanks to reader Joni for the question)

Planting the Seed of Blogging Greatness

Welcome to The Nutrient, the official blog of Interior Foliage Design!

Our mission is to provide you with cool, informative stories about everything green. We will also post regularly on answers to your most frequently asked questions.

We want this to be a site for and about you, our customers. This means covering topics on everything green, from outdoor to office care, types of flowers and orchids, IFD specials, climate news and more. If you have ideas for our blog, don't be shy! Shoot me an email or post a comment below. We want to know your ideas to make this site your own.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the site.

Sincerely,

Matthew Schechter

Matthew@interiorfoliage.com