Seasons of Fun and Beauty at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Kids/Family
May 01, 2013 to Oct 31, 2013
Official Site
On a recent sunny Tuesday, I took a quick break from deadlines to swing by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. And wow, was I glad I did—this is a fantastic time to visit. The bountiful cherry blossoms are still around (many trees are now losing their blooms, creating showers of pink petals); the heaven-scented lilacs are starting to open; and the tulips are looking amazing as well. Plus, as it turned out, Tuesdays are free at the garden!
This wonderful local space features gorgeous trees and plants year-round and flowers throughout the spring, summer, and fall. In addition to its gardens, which of course change as the seasons progress, there are some special events and activities to keep in mind in the coming months. For instance, there's the new expansion of the Native Flora Garden, opening June 12th. This space, which consists of native plant species collected from the wild, showcases the beauty of our regional landscapes. A photo exhibit titled "Locally Sourced: Rare Plants, Rare Places," featuring photos by Uli Lorimer, curator of the Native Flora Garden, will be on view at the garden till Sept 22. Another new sight is the "Sandy Remix" tree house, which opened to the public on April 6th. Designed by noted tree-house architect Roderick Romero, it was constructed from local trees felled by Hurricanes Sandy and Irene, some of which had stood on the garden's own grounds.
Day by day, the garden has a ton of activities in progress or planned. Spring Weekend Discovery Workshops (free with admission; Saturdays 11-1, Sundays 1-3; till June 2) provide families with garden-based story time and craft activities. Seasonal Highlights guided tours, led by trained guides, will take place on many days throughout the spring and summer (free with admission; see the garden's website for details). The family-friendly "Cool City, Cool Trees!" tour will be held on select Thursdays at 1 through August, exploring the garden's amazing tree collection (also free with admission; see website for details).
If yoga's your thing, gather at the garden's Cherry Esplanade on chosen Sundays through the summer (June 16, July 14, and August 11; 9:30 AM). You'll get the chance to stretch your limbs to the sky while the trees around you do the same. Free with admission.
Some great-sounding one-day-only workshops and tours, all free with garden admission, should be added to your calendar. On Tuesday, June 11, from 6-8 PM, enjoy the Edible Native Plants workshop, which will help you identify edible roots, fruits, nuts, and leafy greens of our area and learn how to grow some of them yourselves. On Sunday, June 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, join the Native Flora Garden walk and look for regional birds, mammals, and insects that may be spending their season in the space (bring binoculars if possible). On Saturday, July 13, from 8 to 9:30 PM, take the tour called "Bats!" to learn about and look around for these summer garden inhabitants, who actually do gardens a lot of good during their stay. And on Sunday, August 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, a walk focussing on butterflies and dragonflies will help you identify these beautiful creatures in the field without having to trap them (again, bring binoculars if you can). And later this Fall, it's the annual Chile Pepper Fiesta.
It's local, it's affordable, it's beautiful, and it's unforgettable. What's more, it supports local and global environmentalism. Get thee to the garden; you'll wonder why you don't go every day.
Till October: Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. See website for Fall/Winter hours. Closed Mondays, but *open* Memorial Day and Columbus Day,10 AM to 6 PM. Closed Labor Day.
Members, free; Adults, $10; Seniors 65 and over, $5; Students with ID, $5; Children under 12, free. Tuesdays free for all; see website for other free hours.
Author: Pamela Grossman; May 16, 2013
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Parks
Flatbush
1000 Washington Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11225
(718) 623-7200
Site
Map
All events and times are subject to change.
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