Brooklyn Botanical Garden Visit (2-21-09)

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Yesterday I got to go the Brooklyn Botanical Garden for a couple hours. Granted, its a weird time of year to be going, but like I said about my QBG visit, its time to search for spring. I’m over ‘winter’. Plus, its nice to get out and see some plant life. (Besides those half living rose shrubs in my buildings 5×5 ‘front yard’)

I went with one of my really good friends from work, a fellow lover of all things capable of photosynthesis.

Overall, I thought it was great. We got there a little early so we walked around the outside and ended up at the Prospect Park entrance. Which is right where the childrens discover garden is. Its sort of depressing this time of year.. no kids running around, no crazy colors (technically there were some colors, but its not the same as in summer), and consequently no trash (always left by the parents… ironically of course)… haha.

The GAP garden plots were looking a little barren as well. Just stalks and remains from last seasons hard work. But its also exciting to think about all the gardening and learning that will happen in just a few short months. (If that even.) Thats one of the reasons I love winter so much, its the anticipation of spring. It makes me appreciate spring all that much more. I can’t imagine not having my four seasons.

We also spent a bit of time at the Steinhardt Conservatory, but can you blame us? Even the more arid bonsai house was at least shielded from the wind! It was of course beautiful, with lots of different flowers blooming and all the lush plantings. I actually loved the aquatic room. My friend said it was her least favorite, but I ended up spending a lot of time in there. It was very very humid though, so I wasn’t able to get any photos that weren’t half white from steam on the lens, haha.

And of course I had to stop in the gift shop… I’m not a big shopper generally, but I love love LOVE garden shops! All the plants, and seeds, and oh my goodness the books! haha. They had a great gift shop actually. I got pretty spoiled when I was interning at Kew (especially with discounts and all), but I was really pleased with all the fun things they had. And to prove that these are indeed tough economic times… I didn’t buy any seeds.. haha

(Adorable Leftover Valentines Day Gifts)

We spent some time at the cherry esplanade too. As much as the blistering wind would afford anyway. Not its best time of year of course, I’m really excited for it blossoms! I didn’t see it last year, so I really want to make sure I get there this time.

We ended in the Japanese Garden, which was actually quite fun to see in winter. It was still great in my opinion. Very serene. And not bustling with people like it usually does.

Overall, I’d highly recommend heading out to one of the great public gardens in NYC before the spring rush. Its sort of liberating to spend time in them when its not the ‘in’ time of year, haha.