The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)
The NYBG is a renowned botanical garden in the Bronx borough of New York City. It is a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States. Here's what you need to know to plan a visit:
- Location: The New York Botanical Garden is at 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458. It covers an area of 250 acres, including 50 specialty gardens and the historic Haupt Conservatory.
- Hours of Operation: The garden is generally open from 10 am to 6 pm every Tuesday through Sunday. It may have extended hours during special events or seasonal exhibits. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website or call ahead to confirm the operating hours.
- Admission: The NYBG offers both general admission and special exhibition tickets. The general admission ticket grants access to the gardens, collections, and exhibits. Special exhibitions may require separate tickets and specific time slots. The pricing details can be found on the NYBG website.
- Highlights: The botanical garden offers numerous attractions and features. Some notable highlights include:
Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden - Haupt Conservatory: A Victorian-style glasshouse housing various tropical and subtropical plants.
- Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Courtyards: These themed courtyards showcase a variety of plant collections, such as palm trees, desert plants, and aquatic plants.
- Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden: A beautiful rose garden featuring over 650 varieties.
- Native Plant Garden: Showcasing the diverse flora of northeastern North America.
- Everett Children's Adventure Garden: A hands-on interactive garden designed for children.
- Tram Tour: A narrated tram tour overviews the garden's landscapes and collections. You will need a full ticket, which includes the Haupt Conservatory, but I recommend it. TIP: Walk up to the Rose Garden and take the tram back to avoid waiting too long at the beginning.
- Seasonal Events: The NYBG hosts various special events and seasonal exhibitions annually. These include the Orchid Show, Holiday Train Show, and various art installations. Check the garden's website for current and upcoming events during your visit.
- Amenities: The NYBG offers several amenities to enhance your visit, including multiple dining options, a gift shop, and plant shops where you can purchase plants and garden-related items. I really liked this gift shop and found the dining option better than most.
- Tips for Visiting: Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the extensive garden requires a fair amount of walking.
- Consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent, especially during summer.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit and plan accordingly.
- Photography is generally allowed but may have restrictions during special exhibitions.
- Be mindful of the garden's guidelines, such as staying on designated paths and not touching or removing plants.
Remember to visit the official NYBG website (www.nybg.org) for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, and additional guidelines or requirements for the botanical garden.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG)
The BBG is a stunning botanical garden in the Brooklyn, New York City borough. It is a popular attraction known for its diverse plant collections, beautiful landscapes, and educational programs.
We were lucky to visit during the cherry blossom season. The Cherry Esplanade is a stunning sight, with rows of flowering cherry trees that create a breathtaking canopy of delicate pink and white petals. It's the perfect spot to relax, have a picnic, and soak in the beauty of nature.
I recommend you start your journey by strolling through the various gardens of this beautiful botanical haven. From the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden with its peaceful water features and picturesque bridges to the Shakespeare Garden, where you can discover plants mentioned in the Bard's plays, there is a world of natural wonders to explore.
Here's what you need to know to plan a visit:
- Location: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is at 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225. It covers an area of 52 acres and is adjacent to Prospect Park.
- Hours of Operation: The garden is generally open from 10 am to 6 pm every Tuesday through Sunday. However, it is closed on Mondays, except for select holidays. It's recommended to check the official website or call ahead to confirm the operating hours, as they may vary during special events or seasonal changes.
- Admission: The BBG offers general admission tickets, and there may be separate fees for special exhibitions or events. The admission prices vary based on age and residency status (New York residents, non-New York residents, seniors, and children). Detailed pricing information can be found on the BBG website.
- Highlights: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden boasts several notable features and gardens. Some key highlights include:
- Cherry Esplanade: A prominent area with over 200 cherry trees that bloom spectacularly during the annual Sakura Matsuri festival.
- Rose Garden: A fragrant garden with over 1,000 types of roses showcasing a beautiful array of colours and scents.
- Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden: An authentic Japanese garden featuring a pond, bridges, and a Shinto shrine.
- Cranford Rose Garden: One of the largest rose gardens in North America, housing a vast collection of roses.
- Shakespeare Garden: Inspired by the plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works, it offers a serene atmosphere and literary charm.
- Discovery Garden: An interactive garden for children, encouraging hands-on exploration and learning about plants.
- Seasonal Events: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts various events and exhibitions annually. These include the Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival, plant sales, garden tours, and cultural celebrations. Check the garden's website for the latest event updates during your visit.
- Amenities: The BBG offers amenities to enhance your experience, including a café, a gift shop, and a plant shop where you can purchase plants and garden-related items.
- Tips for Visiting: Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as the expansive garden offers many paths to explore.
- Consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent, particularly during summer.
- Check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly.
- Photography is generally permitted but may have restrictions during specific exhibitions or events.
- Respect the garden's guidelines, such as staying on designated paths, not touching or removing plants, and keeping a safe distance from wildlife.
Remember to visit the official Brooklyn Botanic Garden website (www.bbg.org) for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, and any additional guidelines or requirements specific to your visit. Enjoy your time exploring the beauty of the garden!
