Set on remarkably beautiful terrain that includes 50 acres of old growth forest-the largest remaining expanse of original wilderness that once covered all of New York City- and a fresh-water river rolling through a rock cut gorge, this fabulous display of 50 living plant collections arranged in glorious gardens and natural landscapes, ever-changing seasonal shows, gardens and special exhibits had its illustrious origins during the civic movement of the nineteenth century to create in New York City a cosmopolitan “world capital” experience. The mission of the garden has always been three-fold: ongoing participation in plant research and conservation, maintaining/improving the gardens at the highest horticultural standard and using the garden itself as an educational venue, where visitors can learn about plant biology, horticulture and the natural world in general. Late-Winter blooms along garden paths make way for drifts of sunny daffodils that herald the arrival of Spring, when azaleas and rhododendrons burst with
vibrant pops of exotic color all through the grounds and the scent of lilac and cherry blossom fills the air; come Summer the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is a fragrant, award-winning, wonder. Relax for a bit on a warm bench in the lush and delightful Nancy Bryan Luce Herb Garden; wander the three acre Rock Garden or the naturally diverse Native Plant Garden; visit the Edith Haupt Conservatory-a Victorian Style glasshouse, where you and your group will take a fascinating world eco tour through 11 distinct habitats –roam a cacti-filled desert and lose your cares in a lush tropical rain forest! The Conservatory is gracious host to all the Garden’s seasonal shows and exhibits-the Holiday Train Show is a favorite of young and old alike, and the annual rare Orchid show in Summer is a celebrated event not to be missed! Year-round the park is alive with growing, blooming things and a wondrous display of quietly artful to exuberantly magnificent seasonal change-give yourself the gift of a day at the Botanical Gardens!
