NY Botanical Garden Bronx New York
Occupying more than 250 pristine acres in an urban setting, the New York Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful landmarks in New York City. Roses, tulips, oak trees, magnolias, and an array of other plant species line the stunning grounds of this world-class attraction.
Garden Highlights
Upon entering the Bedford Park Gate of the New York Botanical Garden, visitors can follow trails leading to the Seasonal Walk and Home Gardening Center. The Ross Conifer Arboretum, Peonies, and Perennial Garden conveniently lead to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Built in the Victorian style, this glass-covered landmark is home to a variety of plants that are sensitive to slight climate variations. Tropical plants and cacti are some of the highlights inside the conservatory. Open on a seasonal basis, the conservatory’s courtyards have ponds with water lilies and other aquatic plants.
The eastern part of the New York Botanical Garden includes Daffodil Hill, Crabapple Collection, and Azalea Garden. All of these picturesque areas surround the Mitsubishi Wetland that’s home to some local waterfowl and birds. Additionally, the Children’s Adventure Garden is located at the south banks of the pond. The Reflecting Pool, Native Plant Garden, and Rock Garden make up the central portion of the garden.
Conveniently accessible through the Moshulu Gate, the Tulip Tree Alley gently guides visitors to the Mertz Library. Having a stunning Beaux-Arts facade with columns, statues, and other decorative elements, the library has a growing collection of literature and multimedia resources on botany and other relevant topics.
Other notable features of the New York Botanical Garden include the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, Nolen Greenhouse, and Cherry Collection. The Bronx River gently separates these regions from the southern and central parts of the garden. Dining areas, restrooms, gift shops, and other resources or amenities are located in the Leon Levy Visitor Center.
History
After visiting the Royal Botanic Garden in England’s capital city during the late 1880s, Nathaniel Lord Britton and his spouse wanted to establish a similar venue in New York City. In 1891, the ambitions and efforts of these botanists turned into reality as the state of New York granted an official charter for the opening of a botanic garden in NYC.
Home to an elegant estate that was owned by the tobacco tycoon, Pierre Lorillard, a scenic and picturesque plot of land was chosen in the modern-day Bronx for the development. In the middle of the 1890s, Calvert Vaux was hired to design a world-class botanical garden. Having participated in the design of the famous Central Park in Manhattan, this prominent landscaper architect was the ideal candidate for the new project.
Since its initial days in the early 20th century, the New York Botanical Garden has gradually expanded with funding and support from botanists, scientists, philanthropists, and ordinary citizens from all over the United States of America.
Visiting the Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is centrally located in the Bronx, which is one of the five boroughs of New York City. Conveniently situated at the property’s northwestern edge, the Botanical Garden Station is served by the Harlem Line of the Metro-North Railroad, which is a commuter train service.
The nearest NYC subway service is available at the Bedford Park Blvd station. The B, D and 4 lines directly link this busy part of the Bronx with Manhattan. It’s also worth noting that the New York Botanical Garden is situated just north of the popular Bronx Zoo. Fordham Road literally bisects these two large green spaces in the heart of the borough. In fact, this busy road leads to large parking spaces that accommodate visitors to both attractions. Additionally, the Bronx River Parkway provides a convenient route to the neighborhoods surrounding the garden and zoo.
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10458
Click here to visit New York Botanical Garden website.