13 Beautiful Botanical Gardens Around NYC

Lisa R:  The oldest waterfront NYC park has 240,000 square feet of perennial gardens, plus lawns and woodland, a splash fountain, one of NYC's best playgrounds and the unique Sea Glass carousel.

Nancy L.:  Stop into this hidden gem on Hudson Street in the West Village for an escape. It's beautiful, quiet, and free. St. Luke's Church was built in 1821 and the first planting occurred in 1842. Over the centuries the garden has been expanded numerous times. It's now two-thirds of an acre and features a mix of "garden standards, rare hybrids, and native American flora."

Nancy L.:  Follow the brick path that circles the garden to see the Koi pond or observe what's seasonally in bloom. Sit on the benches and enjoy the roses.

Lisa R:  Stepping off the street into this volunteer-run community garden is like stepping into another world. Lush plantings and narrow paths open into tiny stages where you might find local musicians practicing their craft. The garden includes a 2 1/2 foot waterfall and koi pond and small lending library.

Lisa R:  BBG is a welcome respite from the city focused on understanding and conserving regional plants. Multiple themed gardens and indoor conservatories leave plenty to discover all year round. The Children's Garden is a one acre vegetable garden tended by kids as part of BBG's educational programs. The Discovery Garden for kids includes one acre of interactive exhibits covering a variety of habitats.

Lisa R:  This volunteer-run community garden has benefited from the attention of many NY artists and designers over the years. The site includes flower and vegetable plots, a greenhouse and a flower-strewn amphitheater for public performances. Regular pot-lucks hosted in the garden are a great way for local residents to build community and meet their neighbors.

Lisa R:   The Conservatory Garden includes formal French, Italian and English designs in an impeccably maintained setting . Officially designated a Quiet Zone, it's the perfect spot for a nap-time stroll. A central sculpture serves as a tribute to the classic children's bookThe Secret Garden.

Lisa R:   The wide array of free public events, festivals and learning opportunities hosted on this NYC gem make Randall's Island a great destination for families. A walk or bike ride down the eight miles of meandering, car-free paths takes visitors by an urban farm, numerous public gardens, and waterfront natural areas.

Lisa R:  Surrounded by gardens and looking out over the Hudson River, the Met Cloisters offers a welcome change of pace in NYC. The building, constructed from four French monasteries, houses an impressive collection of Medieval European art.

The Cloisters maintains a garden that includes fruit trees and medicinal plants known to monks in the Middle ages. The landscaped park outside the gates provides ample space to run around (or relax) after your visit.

Lisa R:  This public garden and cultural center, with views over the Hudson, celebrates the artistry of gardens and natural landscapes. Regularly scheduled public events and programs seek to explore and advance human connection to the natural world. Be sure to check out the Family Art Project, a drop-in family program encouraging creativity by making art using natural and upcycled materials.

Lisa R:  Just outside Belevedere's castle, visitors will find Shakespeare Garden, filled with herbs and flowers mentioned in his work. Although it is one of the smaller gardens in Central Park, its location in the middle of the park makes it a perfect stopping point between other popular destinations. Informative plant labels and plaques with quotes from Shakespeare's plays add an educational element.

Lisa R:  As the largest Botanical Garden in the United States, NYBG has an unparalleled collection of plant specimens. Expertly curated educational displays guide visitors through topics ranging from evolution to plant identification. NYBG regularly hosts classes, performances, and special art exhibitions.

Lisa R:  QBG is a peaceful retreat in one of NYC's busiest neighborhoods. Many of the gardens, such as the Bee Garden, Cleansing Biotope, and Backyard Garden teach visitors about sustainability and provide inspiration for growing plants at home. In addition to numerous gardens, the art gallery hosts four exhibits a year.