I was fortunate to visit the New York Botanical Garden for the first time on Mother's Day – and on a day when the weather was sunny and gorgeous. (Special thanks to my Westchester friends for driving us out there on one of the busiest days of the year).
The Garden's sprawling 250 acres offer an oasis of peace and beauty in the midst of a frantically-paced, overly-congested metropolis.
Comprising 50 different gardens, I only had time to visit a few, but I was so impressed by what I saw. One of the highlights was the impossible-to-miss Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
Completed in 1902, this "crystal palace" style structure was designed by the greenhouse architectural firm of Lord & Burnham. At the time, Americans were obsessed with traveling abroad and intrigued by exotic cultures. This extravagant greenhouse gave citizens of all economic classes the opportunity to view plant life from around the world.
I viewed some unusual and colorful flowers in the rainforest section:
I also enjoyed the water lily garden, which would be especially soothing on a really hot summer day.
Also interesting and decidedly less soothing – the desert plant garden.
Of course, Mother's Day wouldn't be complete without lilacs, and they were in full bloom.
My favorites – and the most fragrant – were the deep purple lilacs.
Like all great gardens, this one flourished with creativity and whimsy, exemplified in this botanical insect sculpture.
Finally, after a long nature walk, it was time to bug off.
Happy Spring!
