Kiku - The Art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum

Get your senses ready for "Kiku: The Art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum," a large display of Japanese flowers and cultural activities at the New York Botanical Garden. Opening Saturday, October 20 and continuing through Nov. 20, the exhibition will feature elaborate shapes of "kiku” (chrysanthemum in Japanese) grown in the Imperial style. The elaborate flower styles featured at the show include the ogiku or "single stem" plants (pictured here) that can reach six feet tall with one perfect bloom on top. Ogiku are arranged in diagonal lines that decrease in height from the back to the front of the bed and presented in color patterns that resemble traditional Japanese horse bridle reins called tazuna-ue. Other events included with the flower displays will feature traditional dance and music, bonsai and more events including kids programs. The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sunday.