This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx after many, many years. When I was a child my parents brought our family to the garden for mother’s day, for special exhibitions (like the Holiday train show and the Chihuly show), and just because. I remember the garden being massive and now that I’ve gone back as an adult I instead see them as a manageable and fun way to spend a half day (i.e. they were not as big as I remember).
The occasion for this visit was the stunning Orchid show! I love orchids and have taken care of them myself for going on three years and numerous bloom cycles. There is something so special about seeing them in mass quantities. While it’s fun to go to the garden for a special event, it is also enjoyable to see the standard garden and today I want to share tips for your visit.
Take into account seasonality
This is especially important when you are going for a general visit and not for a specific exhibition. There is always something to admire, regardless of the season, but if you’re expecting to see certain flowers in bloom it’s important to check the What’s On section of the NYBG’s website. When I visited in mid-April the daffodils were in all their glory!
Allocate a half day
It took us about an hour/hour and a half to do the main loop. We stopped periodically and focused on the areas in bloom. For example, there wasn’t anything going on in the rose garden, but the magnolias had more in bloom. When you factor in the loop plus the conservatory, general wandering and stops for rest and food, a half day is the perfect amount of time.
There is a tram that you can hop on and off of, but we didn’t find it necessary. The line was also so long that it really didn’t seem worth it.
Plan transportation/tickets in advance
It is easy to get to the NYBG via subway + bus and there is ample (paid) parking if you want to drive. It’s recommended to get your tickets in advance, plus it just saves time when you get there. I’m a morning person, so if you want to beat the crowds you can get there right as they open. Be sure to check the details on what ticket you are getting because you need special tickets for certain exhibitions.
Stop and smell the flowers
A quick note on the Orchid show in case you are able to catch it before the end of the month – it is phenomenal! I really love orchids, but even if you don’t consider yourself an orchid fan, it is a marvelous, colorful sight to behold. There is a wide variety to see and they are artfully arranged throughout the conservatory, keeping the entire exhibition interesting and engaging.
The NYBG is such a peaceful and beautiful place. Take your time to enjoy it all and move at your own pace. If you’re interested in learning about the history of the garden, check out this podcast episode from the Bowery Boys.
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