New York is a state widely known for bustling city life, but it also has many beautiful botanic gardens that offer an escape from the urban frenzy. Located throughout the Empire State are gardens that embrace horticulture from all over the world. Here are just a few examples:
Sonnenberg Mansion Gardens State Historic Park. Photo Credit: visitfingerlakes.com
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Staten Island offers group travelers a garden experience mixed with history, museums and theaters. The gardens reflect different time periods and cultures. The Chinese Scholar Garden, a visitor favorite, embodies Chinese art and philosophy through an arrangement of shrubbery, rocks and ponds. Designed after the Villa Gamberaia in Florence is the Tuscan Garden, where topiaries, formal water elements and a vineyard give tourists a glance into Italian culture. Throughout the year Snug Harbor hosts various events and concerts. (718-448-2500, snug-harbor.org)
New York Botanical Gardens was named by the New York Times a “New York Masterpiece.” Located in the Bronx, NYBG is recognized as a classical botanical garden where plants are studied and exhibited. Its 250 acres contain over one million plants in 50 gardens, including one of the most beautiful rose gardens in the United States. The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden displays over 600 species of roses, which are in bloom six months out the year. Groups visiting NYBG in spring will enjoy the vibrant colors and fragrance of lilacs and tulips. Apart from flower gardens, guests can also explore the native forest, comprised of trees up to 200 years old, along the Bronx River. (718-817-8700, nybg.org)
