The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is 250 acres of living collection, and it’s the kind of place that reminds you how big nature actually is. I’ve been here in every season and it’s a completely different garden each time — cherry blossoms in spring, roses in summer, brilliant foliage in fall, and the quiet beauty of winter branches against snow.
History
The New York Botanical Garden was founded in 1891 on the grounds of the Lorillard Estate, a tobacco family’s former property in the Bronx. The garden was established with the help of botanists from Columbia University and modeled after the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London. Its original 50 acres of old-growth forest, the Thain Family Forest, has never been logged — it’s the largest remaining tract of original forest in New York City, with trees over 200 years old. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a stunning Victorian-style glass greenhouse, opened in 1902 and remains the garden’s centerpiece. The garden received National Historic Landmark status in 1967 and today holds one of the world’s most comprehensive botanical libraries and a herbarium with over 7 million plant specimens.
Features and Highlights
- The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory — a 19th-century glasshouse with tropical rainforest, desert, and seasonal flower shows
- The Thain Family Forest — 50 acres of old-growth woodland with trails through the original NYC forest
- The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden — over 650 varieties of roses planted in a formal arrangement
- The Native Plant Garden — a 3.5-acre landscape celebrating the plants of the Northeastern United States
- The Home Gardening Center — demonstration gardens packed with practical ideas for home gardeners
- The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden — interactive plant science exhibits for kids
- The LuEsther T. Mertz Library — one of the largest botanical and horticultural libraries in the world
Visitor Tips
Spring and fall are the most spectacular seasons here. The cherry blossoms peak in mid-to-late April along Daffodil Hill. The Holiday Train Show from November to January is a family favorite and sells out early. The garden is large — plan at least three hours to see the highlights. The tram tour is a good way to orient yourself first. Pack a picnic or eat at the Pine Tree Cafe on the grounds. Take the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central directly to the Botanical Garden station for the easiest access.
Cultural Impact
The NYBG has been at the forefront of American botany for over 130 years. Its researchers have discovered and named thousands of plant species. The garden’s conservation programs have protected endangered plants from around the world. The Holiday Train Show, featuring model trains running through replicas of New York landmarks made from plant materials, has become a beloved annual tradition for families. For travelers who’ve visited Central Park in New York, the Botanical Garden shows how much more diverse a cultivated landscape can be. A trip here pairs with Grand Central Terminal – New York City‘s Metro-North connection, making it surprisingly easy to reach from Midtown. And if you’ve explored Manhattan, New York City‘s urban forests, the Thain Forest offers a glimpse of what the island looked like before the city was built.
Location and Contact
- Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458
- Coordinates: 40.8624° N, 73.8773° W
- Garden Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Official Site: Visit NYBG
- Wikipedia: NYBG on Wikipedia
CONTACT US
For more information or to visit us, here are our branch addresses:
- Branch 1: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Branch 2: Sobrecary Street (In front of Velox Gas Station), Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Email: gracezelguerra22@gmail.com
- Phone: 09460480491
- Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PH Time)
- Facebook Page: Visit our Facebook Page