Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Founded in 1910, the Garden welcomes almost one million visitors a year to enjoy the many specialty gardens, plant collections and the Steinhardt Conservatory, which houses the Bonsai Museum, three climate themed plant displays and a glass aquatic plant house. Near the conservatory, you can find a café and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden gift shop selling bulbs, plants, and gardening books.

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is famous for its collection of blossoming cherry trees and Hanami, its annual spring cherry blossom festival. With more than 42 species, the collection is one of the foremost cherry blossom sites outside of Japan that began with a few trees gifted by the Japanese government after World War I.

Completed in 1915, the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden was the first of its kind in America. Blending ancient and modern styles, the landscape incorporates traditional Japanese architectural elements: arching wooden footbridges, stone lanterns, a torii gateway and a Shinto shrine. In keeping with the tradition of Japanese gardens, depending on where a visitors stands, they will experience a different perspective on the landscape, so be sure to allocate plenty of time to make the most of this award-winning garden. A favourite among children, the garden's 3 acres contain hills, waterfalls and a "secret" passageways to explore. The viewing pavilion offers little ones the perfect vantage point to see the fish and turtles living in the ponds.

Nearby attractions: Prospect Park, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Bridge

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