The New York Botanical Garden planted the seeds for a beautiful season of fundraising last night at the enchanting Orchid Dinner.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: (L-R) Martha Stewart and Sharon Jacob attend as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

The Plaza Hotel was the grounds for a magical moment that scented the air with true beauty and whimsical touches of New York uniqueness. Hundreds marched in from the snow outside and into a greenhouse of glorious warmth and joy all in the name of giving back.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: Jennifer Bernstein speaks as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

Known for its curated display of floral artistry, this year’s event celebrated NYBG’s beloved The Orchid Show, which was experienced through the eyes of Mr. Flower Fantastic. The visionary designer and New York native is known for blending floristry with pop art, street culture and fine art.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: (L-R) Anne Vyalitsyna and Emily Wheeler attend as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

He transformed NYBG’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a breathtaking orchid tribute to the spirit and style of New York City.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: (L-R) Daisha Griffith and Naeem Crawford-Muhammad attend as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

“The Orchid Dinner is one of those quintessential New York evenings where philanthropy, artistry, and community come together to create inspiration and impact. New York City has long been the epicenter of philanthropy, and this night embodies that spirit beautifully,” stated Jennifer Bernstein as Chief Executive Officer. “We celebrate creativity through spectacular orchid displays, we honor the city’s deep commitment to culture and nature, and—most importantly—we raise essential support for this great New York City institution, a place that belongs to everyone.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: A view of atmosphere as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

The evening’s Lead Chairs were Susan and George Matelich.  The evening’s Chairs are Sara Arno and Kevin Cornish, Allison and Trent Carmichael, Maureen K. and Richard L. Chilton, Jr., J. Barclay Collins II and Kristina Durr, Ravenel Curry and Jane Moss, Gillian Hearst, Sharon and Bill Jacob, Mary and Garrett Moran, Susan and Greg Palm, Steve and Tina Swartz, Tracy Tang, Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Weld. The evening’s Vice Chairs were Naeem Crawford-Muhammad, Isabel Leeds, Anita Saggurti. The evening’s Design Chairs were Marc Hachadorian, Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids, NYBG and Rachael Burrow Rummel, Style & Market Director, VERANDA.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: Daica Skrobala (L) attends as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

Proceeds from The Orchid Dinner support NYBG’s mission and work. From fundamental research on plants and fungi, to education, outreach, and capacity-building around the world, NYBG advances nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises – helping realize a greener future for us all.

The evening’s sponsors included Emily P. Wheeler, Hearst, and VERANDA.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: Christopher Griffin aka Plant Kween (R) attends as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

Designers and companies who generously donated their time and resources to The Orchid Dinner’s table decorations included: Joseph Augello of JSA Studio NYC, Kelsie Hayes Fine of POPUPFLORIST & HOUSE OF THREE, NYC Flower Project with Gus Tsintsifas, Ace Berry of Ace in Full Bloom, Hilzy Pereira of Flower Girl NYC, Bottega de Flores, Molly Ford and Flowers by Ford, Autumn Pochiro with Autumn Dawn Design, Brian Bowman and Dan Dahl of Bowman Dahl, Floral & Event Design, Gatherings Floral Design, Romane Recalde with Le Jardin Flower Farm, JL Goodman, Katherine Carothers with Entriken NY, Justin Reis with Justin Reis Designs, Cynthia Humphrey with Via Amendola Botanical Designs, Sarah Ruberto of Pomona Floral, Robin Cheasty of House of Westbrook, Tara Khattar of Maison Tara New York, Brittany Cooper of Rathell Designs and DRL FLWRS, Crystal Kotei of Crystal K Events, Tiffany Skilling – Owner and Principal Designer of Tiffany Skilling Interiors, Crecimiento Studio, Daica Skrobala of Polycarp Flowers, Janine Carendi MacMurray, AREA Interior Design and Studio Jones, Anna Dementieva of Luxury Flowers Miami, Shannon Toal Designs, Canaan Marshall with Canaan Marshall Design LLC, Starbright Floral Design, Jacqueline Elfe, Founder of Stellar Style Events, Floral & Event Design, Nadia Watts Interior Design, Beyond Merritt Design, Marc Eliot of Fleurish NYC, Carlos Muiña of Petal Productions, Pennylyn Woosley with Blossom and Bee, Floral and Event Design,  Keiko Ellis with Botanique K by Cloud, Brandy Ferrer of AIFD CFD TMF, and Bloom with Brandy.

The NYBG floral wall welcoming guests into the event was designed by Marc Eliot of Fleurish NYC.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 26: Isabel Leeds attends as The New York Botanical Garden hosts The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The New York Botanical Garden)

Tickets are on sale now for The Orchid Show and for Orchid Nights on select evenings – a perfect way to continue the magic of the night.