Explore The New York Botanical Garden: A Nature Lover’s Sanctuary In The City
From the name it would be easy to imagine that the NYC Botanical Garden only hosts an incredible range of biodiversity. But visiting this nature’s paradise will expose you to a host of family-friendly activities including art shows, on-site dining, horticultural exhibitions and much more. You actually get to experience the city through the vast collections of fauna and flora. Covering over 250 acres, the botanical garden, or NYBG as locals would refer to it is a much-loved escape for those looking for tranquility amidst the urban jungle.
Background on the NYC Botanical Garden
The premier NYBG came into existence in 1891, thanks to a group of prominent New Yorkers who drew inspiration from London’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. At the forefront were botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife, Elizabeth Gertrude Britton. Since then, the botanical garden has become a National historic landmark, a home to an extensive collection of fauna and flora, a center of scientific research and conservation activities. Beyond that, it offers visitors a place to enjoy nature, arts, culture, history, and so much more.
Where is the NYC Botanical Garden, and how can you get there?
The NYGB is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. If you are coming from the Grand Central station, you are about 20 minutes away. Hop onto the Metro-North Harlem line to the NYBG garden station. Alternatively take the MTA bus lines Bx19, Bx9, Bx12, or Bx17, which will drop you right near the entrance. If you are driving there the Major Degan Expressway and Bronx River Parkways offer the most convenient routes to get to the destination. Don’t worry about finding parking space as there’s plenty. The garden also encourages using bikes, as it is a more sustainable environmentally friendly option that’s why they have thrown in free bike racks at all the entrances.
There are several entry points, including the Main Entrance at 2900 Southern Boulevard, the Mosholu Entrance at 2950 Southern Boulevard, the Everett Garden Gate, which is ideal for school group entries, and the East gate at the corner of Waring Avenue and Bronx Park East.
What to Expect When You Visit the NYC Botanical Garden?
The NYBG holds the title of premier botanical garden for a reason. When you step into this magical paradise, get ready to experience the best of nature within the 250 acres. There are over 50 unique gardens featuring plants from all over the world. Depending on the season, they are a sight to behold. In summer, there’s an explosion of color from the roses, daffodils, tulips, and lilies. In autumn, the plants seem to be ablaze in a fiery plume. A winter visit is made more exciting by the Holiday train show.
Get your Tickets to Visit the New York Botanical Garden
The curated shows like the Orchid Show are major attractions and don’t forget checking out the glasshouse with cactus and rainforest displays. The New York Botanical Garden is truly a magnificent site and one worth visiting when in New York.
What else can you do when you Visit?
There are plenty of activities to indulge in at the NYBG. These include the tram tour, hiking, family festivals, guided tours, concerts, and plant sales. Educational programs targeting specific ages starting 3 years are also available. If you’d rather relax, the serene garden and magnificent lawns will give you an ideal space to do just that. If you get hungry try out the on-site dining facilities, or bring some food for a picnic at the designated Picnic Pavilion.
FAQs
What makes the New York Botanical Gardens famous?
NYBG has a renowned collection of plants from all over the world. It is also a place to get an immersive botanical experience, learn botany, enjoy fantastic exhibitions, or just relax in the sprawling gardens.
What are the opening hours?
The Bronx Gardens are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 pm every Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays, it is only open on federal holidays.
How much time does it take to explore the NYBG?
A tour of the botanical garden takes about 3 hours. But we recommend that you free up the day’s diary because there’s plenty to see and experience. Other popular venues nearby are the United Palace, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Empire State Building.
When is the best time to visit the Bronx Botanical Garden?
Any time of the year is a good time to visit NYC Botanical Gardens. From May to October, the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is in full bloom. In the fall, visit the Thain Family Forest to see its full splendor. Between November and January, catch the Holiday Train Show.
The NYBG is a must-visit location when you visit the Bronx. It’s amazing that, within an urban setting, you can come across an amazing collection of flora and fauna. To top it off are art exhibitions, learning opportunities, sculptures, and fantastic shows, featuring musical performances, night shows, and interesting lectures.
NYBG: All-Garden Pass
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