(This is actually the reflecting pool....but the perfect place for a Christmas Tree!)
When I arrived at The New York Botanical Gardens, I saw so many folks carrying their children and pushing strollers as one of the more popular holiday events was taking place. Inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory was the awesome Holiday Train Show featuring trains that flowed past replicas of NY landmarks that have been created from plant parts. Yes - plant parts. You can even get a look at how this was done if you visit the Artist's Studio onsite. The smells...oh the smells of the season as well as the smells from the New Holiday Dining Pavillion, appropriately called "Streets of New York.
The Dining Pavillion is in a tent behind the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory where you can wander down tree lined paths to get to the interesting and creative menu stations. Amongst the Victorian and historical street scenes, the opportunities for families, groups and couples alike, to pause and grab a bite, take a photo or just take in the feel of Christmas are endless. From fried chicken (representing Harlem) to homemade cookies and pies (representing Greene Street Sweets) there were options to please most - Arthur Avenue and Chelsea Market were also fantabulously represented. However....it was not the food that I came for......it was the garden.
Yes......was cold....but with my I do not ski - ski jacket, it was not too cold to deter this avid gardener. Once I calmed down (like a child on Christmas morning, I was extremely excited to visit this garden of note) I spotted the gift shop...that is always the first thing I do....after all, one must have a momento of the journey. Perennial Garden Way called my name, so that is where I started the journey. There were placards with poetry referencing nature as well as historical fact boards, that made you think as you walked past not only perennials in their winter state of dormancy, but large evergreens that stood guard over the plants at their feet. I am an admirer of the natural garden, where plants can reach out to touch you, as if to greet you into their sphere.
Wandering past the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, I had to pause. I absolutely love a traditional herb garden with elements that speak to the symmetry of the space. From seating at the corners to the walkways to the boxwoods that caressed the wrought iron gate, the Luce Herb Garden was simply beautiful.
I will not spoil it for you BUT....I will share one more area of interest that I just had to visit. Resisting visiting the native plant area was not in the cards. I love native plants for their beauty, simplicity and ease of care. So one might understand how I was captivated by the Red Osier Dogwood 'Cardinal' and 'Artic Fire'..........I just could not get enough of it throughout the different gardens rooms - not only in the Native Plant garden......
There are so many more exciting moments that I experienced while visiting The New York Botanical Garden, but it is one of those places that you must experience for yourself to really enjoy. When I look at the garden map, I realize that I only covered a small portion of this 250 acre gift to those who enjoy beauty. It is open year round, Tuesday through Sunday and on Federal Holidays that fall on a Monday. There is a Tram, most areas are wheelchair accessible and a cell phone tour for those who like to wander and enjoy at their own pace. Make time to see this garden of note and experience all things beautiful. I shall return as there is so much more to explore, at a different time of the year........ok...maybe this winter again.......250 acres...........oo lala!
Can you believe I have not been to the Botanical Gardens in more than 30 years. You make me feel guilty and I want to go.
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