Hello, New York!

We’ve officially made it through ‘fake spring’ and ‘mini-spring’ which are legitimate seasons here in New York City. As I peer out my window, it seems as though REAL spring is here to stay (here’s hoping.) Feeling like you need to see some green (and pink…and purple…and yellow…) after being quarantined inside all winter? Here’s some places to get out and enjoy the bloom!

Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Is it me or did everyone just find out that cherry blossoms are a thing this year? Well, whether you’re a die hard fan or you’re just learning about the fairy tale flora for the first time, head to Brooklyn Botanic Garden to stroll beneath the pale pink petals as they cascade down like snow at even the faintest whisper of wind in the air. To feel like you’re out of New York City altogether, stroll within the Japanese Garden and take in the site of the beautiful cherry blossoms. 

But, cherry blossoms aren’t the only star this season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Be sure to check out the star magnolias — white, dainty, flowers that are the envy of flower crowns everywhere. If you’re searching for bright colors to lift your spirits, you won’t be disappointed. Also on display are daffodils, Korean azaleas, crabapples, grape hyacinth, and halehaven peach. This of course, is not an exhaustive list — just the prettiest ones. For everyone with the maturity level of a middle schooler, don’t fret because PUSSYWILLOWS are here for your viewing pleasure as well. 

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a number of conservatories and gardens. My favorite, due to my being a total nerd is the Shakespeare Garden. In the English style garden, more than 80 varieties of flower mentioned in The Bard’s works are planted including dwarf irises and tulips.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

This park in Queens is an absolute wonderland in the springtime. You’ll think that you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale as your walk beneath the towering Cherry Blossoms at full bloom. 

This park is also home to the World’s Fair and you can still stroll beneath the giant globe that was left behind from the international event. If wandering aimlessly isn’t your thing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park also offers kayak and canoe rentals, soccer fields, barbecue grills, tennis courts, and just about every outdoor activity that you can conjure.

Also, don’t forget to check out this zoo while you’re in Queens! 

Wave Hill Garden.

It is more than worth the boogie down to the Bronx to explore these dreamy views. Not only doesWave Hill Garden offer a greenhouse and an herb garden, there is also an art center on site that hosts workshops and lecture series. 

Right now, forest bathing is set for the end of April. It’s a traditional Japanese practice in which people seem to “take in” and be present within nature and is said to boost your immune system and reduce stress. If you thought that ‘forest bathing’ meant that you get naked in a tub with strangers…I’m very sorry to disappoint. 

Meander through the wild garden for some breathtaking sights of the Hudson River. If you tire of flower finding, check out the 19th and early 20th century historical mansions on the premises. 

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.

Snug Harbor boasts some of the most interesting and unique concepts for gardens in the five boroughs. Their white garden gives off all of the idyllic English Garden vibes, and its design is inspired by an actual English Garden owned by Virginia Woolf’s bestie, Vita Sackville-West. After visiting the white garden, you can hop over to the rose garden if you’re feeling romantic. 

Take a look in the reflecting pool which features a bronze heron drying its wings. If you’re dreaming of being in Italy, there is a Tuscan style garden which houses olive and lemon trees, water fountains, and intricate stone work. Speaking of visiting far flung places, Snug Harbor is home to one of the only two authentic, classical, Chinese outdoor gardens. Wander through bamboo forest paths and pavilions as you marvel at the bubbling fountains and East Asian spiritual paintings of monks. 

Snug Harbor Botanical Garden most importantly hosts healing for its community. The ‘Healing Garden’ is a, “living memorial to the 267 Staten Islanders who perished on September 11, 2001.” The thematic concept of the garden is examining new life by being among plenty of trees which are symbolic of renewal.

New York Botanical Garden.

The New York Botanic Garden boasts over one million plants on its premises, so you might need a whole day here. It can be a dizzying feat to determine which flowers to admire first, but there’s plenty to choose from here. 

Some fan favorites include the perennial garden, magnolias, azalea garden, and of course, the cherry blossoms. If you’re an aspiring botanist, the New York Botanic Garden has you covered. Take one of their many classes in gardening, and learn from an expert plant doctor (online or in-person) how to best care for your plants and re-plot them.