Our Cultivators to the East

‘Twas the First Week of Summer And all through the city,
Suitcases were neatly packed. Then quick, a sprint to the jitney!

Indeed, the race to the beaches of Long Island has launched. And as it turns out, the Hamptons & other LI hot spots are not only a preferred weekend haven for us city dwellers—they are also a common breeding ground for some of our favorite flowers, trees and other decorative vegetation.

While the above may not come as a surprise, what’s perhaps more compelling is that the very first commercial nursery in a land that would later be named the U.S.A was first built in Long Island. Established in 1738 in Flushing, Queens, then a robust farming commune, Prince’s Nursery was said to have been a favorite stop-off for horticulture lovers all along the Atlantic Seaboard. While the nursery was born off of only 8 acres, its popularity in turn fueled an expansion of up to 100 acres by the time of the Civil War.

Other nurseries popped up along Long Island proper in the mid to late 18th Century, and by the turn of the 19th Century, as wealthier folk began flooding to the island to build lux homes, the Hicks Nurseries in Westbury launched the industry into the era of modern flower nurseries and landscaping.

Today, certainly, floral design and landscape decorating are one of the most cherished pastimes, (or worthy expenses, as the case may be!) of homeowners and renters alike. So, too, is horticulture education an enjoyable way to spend time when out on the island. So, when you get off the jitney on your next Long Island excursion, keep these Ovando picks in mind:

The Long Island Orchid Society undoubtedly shares in Ovando’s unconditionally love of orchids. With monthly lectures and events, participants can learn everything about the different species of orchids (some 30 thousand!), planting different breeds, and even digital technique for photographing these lovely blossoms.

We’re also smitten with the annual “House and Garden Tour” organized by Jitney Jaunts. It’s a great opportunity for Long Island visitors to explore some of the gorgeous homes on the island and learn about the cultivation, landscaping and design techniques. Chin-dropping, we’re quite sure.

Enjoy the summer flowers and the summer weekends!

A Tribute to Dad

Unfortunate but true, flowers are often times considered the classic surprise for mom. And, alas, dad’s desk meanwhile remains neglected. This Father’s Day, it mustn’t be overlooked that dad, too, has great style. In fact, he was wearing Espadrilles long before mom decided to slip them on.

A few of dad’s favorites:

Succulents, orchids and curly willow branches come together in this exotic arrangement.


This floating flower sphere defines chic, modern and clean design. A beautiful compliment to any modern living space or office.

Happy Father's Day from Ovando!

Summer Weddings are Upon Us...

Since as far back as she can remember, she’d spend hours upon hours dreaming about the day when she’d be robed in white from head to toe. Girlfriends and loved ones would gather around to tenderly admire her, indeed a beautiful bride. And, finally, she’d walk out into the picture perfect sunset, down a sandy aisle lined with white rose pedals, until alas she reached her groom. Beach weddings, and hence summer weddings, were always the weddings of her childhood reveries.

Today, in the mists of June’s warmth, summer weddings are indeed upon us! Our leading lady has grown up and perhaps even outgrown her attachment to the idea of a beach wedding. Luckily, there are several other ideas for spectacular summer weddings that Ovando would like to propose!

As passionate urban dwellers, Ovando is quite enchanted with New York City rooftop weddings. Hidden up above the skyscrapers, a rooftop wedding offers the allure and energy of our city while simultaneously acting as an intimate oasis for the bride and groom to be. An arch or chuppah is the perfect way to powerfully frame the bride & groom, all the more stunning against a dramatic city skyline. Choosing bamboo or other heat-resistant materials is a smart choice in form and function: the bamboo incorporates gorgeous yet delicate color, and it’s also less maintenance-heavy when battling against high summer temperatures. The bamboo chuppah proposes an open and airy feel that’s absolutely perfect for an outdoor, summer ceremony.

If, however, you’re weary of the old adage, rain on the wedding day brings good luck, then put yourself at ease and bring the summer feel indoors! We’re not taking sides, but we can offer a few ideas on how to bring the al fresco feel indoors. Something as simple as using a summer fruit in your centerpiece arrangement is the perfect way to go. Mint leaves, lemons, strawberries, lychee nuts, and blueberry branches all add bold color and brilliant texture while also offering a seasonal and summery feel.

If you prefer earthier tones or smaller weddings accoutrements, herbal boutonnières are unquestionably elegant, fairly adorable, and wonderfully aromatic. Their subtle scents imbue the room with a sensation of summer…and one that your guests can take with them as a little keepsake of your special day!

Happy One Year Anniversary to our friends at the High Line

June 9, 2009 marked the grand opening of the High Line, the beloved west side park that forever changed the city scape of New York. The elevated park, which runs from Gansevoort Street up to 34th street, between 10th and 11th avenues, truly is the quintessential New York hot spot: a perfect blend of bucolic and industrial chic. And, in only one year, the park has indubitably become a favorite stop off and meeting point for New Yorkers as well as a must-see stop for out of town visitors.

The above said, Ovando would just like to say thank you to the High Line for making our city a more beautiful place. And, again, Happy Anniversary!

JUNE 5th marks the 2010 World Environment Day

“Many Species. One Planet. One Future.” Such is the overarching theme of the June 5th World Environment Day conference, the annual international event meant to spur environmental awareness as well as political and public action. It was the recognition of the devastating depletion of our world’s biodiversity which first gave rise to the international symposium, officiated in 1972 by the United National General Assembly. From tiny ocean creatures to mythical jungle lurkers, scientists currently estimate that an astounding 150 to 200 living species become extinct every day…a modest three digits with infinite and truly shocking impact.

Again and again we hear how our irresponsible and unsustainable methods of production and consumption are directly responsible for the collapse of the world’s biodiversity. Now, in the wake of the tragic BP catastrophe, this June 5th is perhaps more personal than ever. By the same token, June 5th reminds us that we can all take little steps to neutralize our own carbon footprints and ultimately halt this terrifying downslide. While this year’s event will be hosted in Rwanda, here are a few ways of celebrating and getting involved at a local level:

Quintet of the Americas Celebrates World Environment Day on June 5th
The woodwind ensemble, Quintet of the Americas, will be performing “Mannahatta,” an environmentally themed concert and panel discussion:
Saturday, 6/5 @ 2:00 PM at the Waterfront Museum
290 Conover Street, Pier 44 in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York
718-624-4719

Tote your tots over to the Wild Woods Ramble!
Your kids will get to gallop through our local woods and marshes in search of friendly creepy crawlies to play with and precious plants to learn about.
Saturday, 6/5 @ 11am – 1 pm at the Alley Pond Environmental Center
228-06 Northern Boulevard, Queens, New York
(718) 229- 4000

Ovando also encourages you to check out a few tips from WED2010 on how to Easily Green Your Daily Routine. Our personal favorite, plant a tree!

Ovando's 7th Anniversary crawls quickly upon us!