Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is nestled in 52 acres of beautifully maintained grounds. Visitors are invited to explore the diverse flora that each season has to offer. Springtime is lush with tulips, magnolias, and fragrant lilacs, while autumn features the vibrant color changes of trees from around the world. For those whose horticultural curiosity runs deeper, the garden offers a variety of classes and workshops for kids and adults.

Parking and public transportation at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is easily accessible via public transportation. Daily parking is available for a fee.

Best and worst time to go to Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Cherry blossom season kicks off in April, when thousands of cherry trees bloom into brilliant pink canopies. The stunning Cranford Rose Garden is in full bloom in June. Spring and summer weekends, especially during cherry blossom season, are especially crowded. The cherry blossoms peak over a span of several weeks, so consider letting the initial rush die down, and go on a weekday.

Admission to Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for seniors and students over 12. Members and children under 12 enter for free. Prices vary for festivals, and visiting hours change seasonally; check the website for updates. Admission is free on Tuesdays, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and winter weekdays (November-February). The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is closed on Mondays, except certain holidays.

Must see/do at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden transports visitors to another place with its koi filled pond and Shinto shrine. Shakespeare's Garden is a charming collection of the herbs and flowers mentioned in the beloved writer's verses. Inside the Steinhardt Conservatory, don't miss the desert and tropical pavilions, the world-class orchid collection, and the Bonsai Museum.

Other places to visit near Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Museum has an extensive collection of art and antiquities from around the world. Prospect Park is a lovely green space to relax in, and also has a carousel, a zoo, and a water play area for kids. West of Prospect Park is the historic neighborhood of Park Slope, worth exploring for its brownstone-lined streets, and its abundance of restaurants and boutiques.

Insider tip for visitors to Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The unpredictability of Northeastern winters can delay certain blooms, especially cherry blossoms. Check the website or follow them on Twitter for real-time updates on plants in bloom.

Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City. She appreciates all urban garden spaces, from flower boxes to botanical gardens. Follow her on Twitter @MicheleDeBella.