Learn English with the News: “Welcome, Spring!”

It’s Thursday today!

How are you?

With all the rain and cold of winter almost behind us (in the northern hemisphere!), seeing this beautiful summer garden has made everyone here at ABA English very happy.

Ready?

1. Read the text
2. Understand the vocabulary
3. Watch the video

Text

A virtual rain forest has sprung up inside New York City. Starting March 2nd the New York Botanical Gardens will host its 11th annual Orchid Show.

Galleries at the Garden’s conservatory showcase a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors. Used for centuries for everything from fragrance to perceived medicinal powers, the fantastical blooms attract everyone from mere admirers to veteran growers.

– The legend and lore surrounding orchids, this idea that they have this mystique, this really complicated and elaborate history and celebration of this particular flower I think not only sort of adds to their status their cache and a little bit of their mystery as well.

Solitary and in clusters, the 7,000 storied flowers housed here represent the country’s largest curated orchid exhibit. And one that frequently changes.

– As certain flowers will fade, we’ll replace them with new ones and throughout the duration of the show the color palate, the types of orchids that are here will actually change and evolve.

Garden staff will have their hands full tending to the lush spectacle that will run until late April.

Vocabulary

Sprung up – to grow or appear suddenly.

Conservatory – a room or building with glass walls and a glass roof that is used for growing plants.

Showcase – an event, occasion, etc., that shows the abilities or good qualities of someone or something in an attractive or favorable way.

Kaleidoscope – a changing pattern or scene.

Perceived – to notice or become aware of (something).

Blooms – flowers.

Mere – used to say that something or someone is small, unimportant, etc.

Elaborate – made or done with great care or with much detail : having many parts that are carefully arranged or planned.

Cache – a group of things that have been hidden in a secret place because they are illegal or have been stolen.

Clusters – a group of things or people that are close together.

Fade – to lose strength or freshness.

Palate – the sense of taste.

Tending – to give your attention to and take care of (something or someone).

Lush – having a lot of full and healthy growth.

Video