Last month I made a visit to our local Botanical Garden here in New York. It is truly an oasis in the middle of the city and close to my home.
I’d like to share a bit of the magic that goes on around here with you today.
A warning, this also happens to be a long photo essay, but I believe if you stick with me till the end it will be worth your time. And you will see why I consider it to be the greatest botanical garden in the world.
I should start by explaining the location of this most beautiful of gardens. It is in the Bronx, the northern of the five NYC boroughs. It is surrounded by apartment buildings, congestion, highways and noise. This is why I think of it as an oasis.
When we first walked in I was greeted by this unusual lamp-sculpture.
The NYBG was founded back in 1891 and is a National Historic Landmark.
The NYBG is at 250 acres, the largest garden in any city in the United States, with a huge variety of natural habitats to see. There are many winding roads and lots of trees.
But my favorite part is the flowers which grow all over the gardens. And there are many gardens with an abundance of flowers to see.
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At the start of our trip we encounter this long “U shaped road with towering trees, named “the Tulip Tree Allee”.
It leads us to this grand building and a water fountain named “The Fountain of Life” and created by Charles E. Tefft.
The Mertz Library, which is the most important horticultural and botanical library in the world, also houses an Art Gallery and a research center.
Past the buildings, we find picturesque scenes such as this; it even comes with its own rustic fence.
The Twin lakes are just beyond the library.
Visitors can get around the gardens by walking, which is what we did, or by taking a tram that travels all along the roads and drops you off at various gardens. The tram also has a tour guide.
Yes, there are many types of gardens here. A rock Garden, a Native Plant garden, an azalea garden and so much more. It is well worth your while to come back at different times of the year and admire the changing beauty.
Past the Magnolia trees, which were not in bloom at the time of our visit, we reach the Howell Family Garden which provides hands-on gardening experience for those who want to learn.
It is also child friendly. encouraging the young ones to get their hands dirty. I remember this green caterpillar from the days when I used to bring my boys here over 25 years ago.
Let’s take a seat and look over to the lilac collection. And beyond that is the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. I’ll be showing you photos from this extraordinary garden next time.
The NYBG is much more than just gardens. It is a major educational center where people come to learn at the Continuing Education Center.
Walking along the Cherry Collection, we took a path which led us down to the river.
The waterfall, an oasis within the oasis.
We walked up the path that led us to a bridge.
On the bridge overlooking the Bronx River which runs the length of the NYBG. It is 24 miles in length and is the only fresh water river in New York City.
Past the river is the Thain Family Forest. A side note here, when I first came to the NYBG many years ago I was left speechless by the scope of this forest located in the middle of the oasis. It is “the largest remaining tract of original forest that once covered New York City.” You can read more about this magnificent forest here.
Next to the Native Plant Garden is a cascading waterfall.
From a distance we see the Haupt Conservatory. It is what I consider to be the Jewel of the gardens. I was going to talk about it here, but after a while I had added so many photos it became too much. I’ll be sharing these with you soon. After all this special place deserves a photo essay of its own.
There is also a conifer forest but it was such a long walk that we gave up and decided we’d come back in the fall again when the fall foliage is at its best!
And to end this long photo essay, we go to where we started, with a light.
By looking at the photos it may not necessarily be very impressive but when you consider where this oasis is located, well then it puts things in perspective. I have come here many times to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and have found peace and happiness.
This is why it is the greatest botanical garden in the world, just a stones throw from the maddening city streets.
Next time I will share the beauty of the rose garden.
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It was nice to see the NY Botanical Garden again through your eyes and lens, Mary. My husband and I had memberships there and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and often visited. The Train Show at Christmas at the NY Botanical Garden at Christmas time was always a delight as well as the orchid show.
A lot to discover and I like that fruit lamp on the first photo. Really appropriate for a garden.
Unfortunately both my physical and financial health tend to rule out travel at this point, but you have allowed me to see a place I never would have been able to visit otherwise through your amazing photos.
That was an amazing tour Mary, and beautiful photo’s. I would love one day to be able to go see the botanical garden.
What a beautiful place! I have heard of the gardens, but this is the first time I have ever seen pictures. Such a great post! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!
What a beautiful and tranquil place. Thanks for sharing your trip at #HomeMattersParty
The photo tour is so breathtaking. I had no idea how large the botanical garden was and all of the different gardens. I am looking forward to the other posts that you are planning.
Thank you for the wonderful tour and your photos that made it so good. So interesting about the remaining forest.
We will feature your post on the next Blogger’s Pit Stop to show off your lovely gardens. So nice that you live near them.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
OMG Mary! This is a paradise on earth!!!! It is huge! Thank you so much for travelling me 🙂
Mary, I absolutely loved your tour of the NYBG. You shared great info and beautiful photos. The forest is particularly interesting to me. I can’t wait to see the rose garden. Thank you for linking to Gardens Galore.
It’s been years since I’ve been to NYBG. Thank you for this great photo essay – after reading it, I told my husband we need to get there soon. I’ll be featuring your post at Best of The Weekend on Friday!
Your pictures are beautiful. I hope to visit New York this fall. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Amazing looking park
Lovely clear photos of such an iconic place =)
#mysundayphoto
It must have been so lovely to walk through those gardens. I’ve only been to one botantical garden in California, but love to see more. It’s always so peaceful.