Everything you need to know about visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225).
Those searching for a little peace and quiet would do well to spend a few hours at this verdant oasis. The garden—which abuts two other neighborhood gems: the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park—was founded in 1910 and features thousands of types of flora, laid out over 52 acres.
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What are the most popular things to see here?
Each spring, crowds descend on the space for the Sakura Matsuri Festival, during which more than 70 trees bloom along the Cherry Esplanade. But equally impressive are serene spots like the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the first Japanese-inspired garden built in the U.S., and the Shakespeare Garden, brimming with plants (such as primrose and crocuses) mentioned in the Bard’s works. Start your journey at the Visitor’s Center, an eco-friendly portal (it has a green roof filled with 45,000 plants) that opened in May 2012.
What else should I do?
Eat at the recently opened, veggie-focused Yellow Magnolia Café (or the more casual canteen). Shop for trees, shrubs, flowers and more at the Garden Shop next to the visitors center, and ask for help with your green thumb. There's also daily guided tours of seasonal flora, and the garden is a perfect place for families (but no picnics allowed, sadly).
What to do nearby:
You can walk to all of these spots in thirty minutes or less!
-Stroll through nearby Prospect Park (all 526 acres of it) over to the Prospect Park Zoo.
-Go roller skating (or ice skating) at Lakeside at Prospect Park.
-Visit the sprawling cultural and arts center at the Brooklyn Museum.
-Peep the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch at Grand Army Memorial Plaza.
Classes at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Although the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is primarily known for its acres of beautiful outdoor space, it’s also home to some excellent adult education courses. Students with a love of all things botanical may be interested in BBG’s many flower-arranging classes. The Flower Arranging (Beginners) class takes place over two four-hour sessions. Students will learn basic techniques to make simple but stunning floral arrangements. Students interested in attending this course should bring a floral toolbox containing supplies like a pruner, stem tape, wire, and wire cutters; a fully stocked toolbox is also available for purchase if needed. Brides-to-be may be interested in the DIY Wedding Flowers course, which teaches participants how to create a custom bridal bouquet, matching boutonniere, and small table centerpiece. Students will also learn more about where to purchase floral supplies and tips on how to care for their finished arrangements.
Those who prefer working with paint to working with soil can check out one of the many botanical watercolor classes instead. Here, students will learn to achieve distinct colors that don’t blend together and become muddy. They will also explore tips and tricks for color correction, as well as education on some of the best tools for watercolor painting. Since this class is focused on the particular skill of creating watercolor flowers, it is a great choice for beginners or more advanced watercolor students looking to expand their techniques.
In addition to its numerous classes related to flowers, BBG also provides additional creative programs across a diverse range of hobbies. Some of the other available topics include cooking, perfume blending, and fitness. There are also several classes available for youths, including a nine-month garden apprenticeship program for students wanting to learn more about urban agriculture and its impact on the environment. BBG is also proud to partner with other community agencies in important sustainability initiatives, such as their numerous workshops on creating community gardens.
People who have participated in BBG’s adult education courses have provided mainly positive feedback. The instructors are reportedly patient, helpful, and professional. Many students shared being surprised at how much they were able to learn and accomplish in a short time. Several reviewers specifically mention wanting to take multiple classes or wishing there were more available.
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