City-Kid Review:

(Slightly in awe) It’s pretty.

There are many times of year to visit the New York Botanical Garden.

Spring is probably one of the most spectacular times to visit. Between the daffodils, the Azalea Garden, the cherry trees and the Magnolias, there is a splendid rolling and ongoing orchestra of dynamic pinks, sunny yellows and vibrant reds. The Thain family forest trees are sprouting their vibrant green leaf shoots, which they have been doing since before the American revolution. This is the largest expanse of original, first-growth New York woodland still in existence today.

And, by way of enhancing all of that natural beauty, they have a wonderful exhibit by the glass and ceramic artist, Dale Chihuly. The pieces blend and contrast with the beauty of the Garden with surprise, elegance and whimsy.  It is quite something to see a large blue flower type sculpture standing proudly within the horticultural setting. The garden has worked artistically with their plants to perfectly enhance the artistic pieces.

I am not confident enough to recommend the conservatory or the library for younger and more physically curious city kids. These are look-and-don’t-touch pieces, despite their stunning beauty. However, the installation in the pond of the conservatory is beautiful and worth everyone seeing. Don’t get me wrong – the pieces in the Conservatory are vibrantly stunning and must-sees for those who won’t reach out and try to touch them. I particularly loved the series in the far left wing, with the many colored bowl shapes.

The Family Adventure garden, however, has a solution for City Kids with busy hands.  They have many artistic and gardening activities to compliment the artist’s work.

There is something for everyone at this exhibition.

Need to Knows:

Location: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458. You can get the Metro-north train to Botanical Gardens from Grand Central or Harlem 125th street, at Park Avenue. The journey takes about ten minutes. It costs $6.50 off peak, one way.

Entry to the NYBG is free with your NYC-ID card if you have not held a garden membership since 2012.

Ticket prices vary according to the day. All-access Admission: Weekdays: Adults $23, Children: $10. Weekends: Adults $28, Children: $12. If you purchase a ticket and decide to join, cost of the ticket is taken off membership. Part of the membership fee can go towards taxes as a charitable donation. Membership has a reciprocal relationship with other gardens such as Wave Hill and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. NYC residents may also purchase a grounds-only pass. More details here.

The garden is FREE on Wednesdays and 9-10am on Saturdays.

Food Situation: The main cafe sells pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads. A little over-priced but good quality. The gingerbread cafe is set up behind the main glass house and has a variety of over-priced junk food options. I did not see any evidence of their delicious taco truck when we were there, but that doesn’t mean they won’t bring it out on busy days.

For this exhibition, they do have an additional burger van near the Mosholu Gate entrance, with tables and umbrellas. This is similar to the taco truck they had during the Kahlo exhibit. And they do have a vegetarian option.

Exhibition ends October 29th, 2017

Top-Tip

I do think this will be a very popular exhibition. Cloudier days attract fewer visitors.

Take a trip to the edible academy at the far side of the garden. It is much smaller this year, at it is in its temporary location. However, it is always great, and it will be interesting to see the new additions as they finish updating the garden. For example, I noticed a brand new walking bridge.

Any thoughts or questions? Please post in the comments below.

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