Similarly, in another borough not so far away, the tranquil Queens Botanic Garden (43-50 Main St. at Dahlia Avenue, 718-886-3800, www.queensbotanical.org; free) lies in bucolic contrast to the surrounding urban bustle of Flushing's Main Street, with its overflowing ethnic markets, restaurants and bakeries. (The international neighborhood seems fitting, since the 39-acre garden, which includes a spacious arboretum, originated at the 1939 world's fair.)
But the garden itself -- currently undergoing a $12 million renovation -- has the intimate feel of a small-town square, with benches galore filled with people of all ages smiling at the colorful arrays. The varied paths ramble through an impressive number of interlinked garden beds, including several devoted to hands-on projects by children, senior citizens and other members of a community that is clearly devoted to cultivating this splendid space.
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the nation's largest Victorian glasshouse, is a main attraction of the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
(Joseph De Sciose)
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The 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden (900 Washington Ave. at Eastern Parkway, 718-623-7200, www.bbg.org; $5, but free at varied times) is next door to the Brooklyn Museum of Art and Prospect Park. At the start of spring, head to Magnolia Plaza, planted with 17 varieties of the tree, where blossoms in white, ivory, pink, and purple abound. In June and throughout the summer, the rose garden rivals the collection in the Bronx.
But for a sense of exquisite calm, no place beats the Japanese hill-and-pond garden. A stunning red-orange torii, or gateway, lies at the far edge of the pond. On my most recent visit, I spied what looked like a blue heron perched atop it, enjoying the view of gentle hillsides, footbridges, waterfalls and miniature trees and shrubs beyond.
To complete the illusion of being in Japan, come in May, when the magnificent white, pink and purple blossoms of the Cherry Esplanade appear in all their splendor. (The garden's annual Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival is April 30-May 1, with many family-friendly events scheduled.)
And to keep the peace, don't even think of suggesting to a Brooklynite that you might prefer the display along the Potomac River. The landscape may be green, but it's still New York.
-- Diane Cole
For general info on travel to New York City: NYC & Co., 212-484-1222, www.nycvisit.com.
