Nestled in the heart of downtown Brooklyn lies a century old true horticultural hideaway from the bustle of NYC, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Aside from its charm of providing frantic New Yorkers with flora and fauna rather than a sea of cement, BBG offers culturally relevant collections and events. There's the Shakespeare garden that houses over 80 plants mentioned in his works, the famous rose garden with almost 1,000 varieties, and of course the annual cherry blossom festival that brings out everyone from young children to Bill Cunningham. After having once lived just a train ride away from the park, it's crazy to think I never went as a Brooklyn resident. But on a recent trip to the city I finally took the chance to visit the garden, and instantly regretted that I waited so long! Even though I was able to catch that last bit of summer lush, the gardens are so well curated there's never really a lack of lush. With the hidden trails it's easy to spend hours wondering the 52-acre grounds of the garden. The real challenge is to see all 10,000 different plant species spread throughout BBG. Most of the photos below were taken in their three climate-controlled plant pavilions, as part of the Steinhardt Conservatory.
So next time you're in New York City, if the weather is willing, I highly recommend a trip to Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. It's worth the trip and your time- even if it requires a venture off the ol' island.
-Sarah