If you are moving to the Bronx, movers can be helpful in telling you where the hottest nightclubs, best food trucks, and delicious restaurants are. Don’t get discouraged though if they can’t point you in the direction of the beautiful Bronx gardens where you can get a dose of nature. Just because someone does not know of some of these magical places, does not mean that they don’t exist! The Bronx has so much more to offer than most people realize. Below are some recommended places to visit where the fragrance from the flowers and song from the birds will just carry you away.
New York Botanical Garden
This is by far one of the most popular gardens in all of the five boroughs. There are more than 100 post-doctoral researchers, scientists, research associates and volunteers here dedicated to creating a better understanding of the relationship plants have with one another, people and the environment. This is a place where people from any age can visit and either learn something new or just enjoy the beauty.
- Family Fun – The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden offers a natural wetland, themed outdoor galleries, mazes, guided activities, and seasonal changing program. Also, April through October, there are hands-on gardening activities, allowing visitors to come to play in the dirt. Additionally, throughout the year, there are family concerts, winter and summer camps, gardening programs and more.
- Exhibitions – There are always new exhibits to explore. Just a few either going on now or planned for the future over the next couple years include Monet’s Garden, The Edible Garden, Green Market, The Haunted Pumpkin Garden, Plants and Fungi, Holiday Train Show and The Orchid Show.
Van Cortlandt Park
As the fourth largest NYC park, this 1,146-acre park has a lot to offer. Here you will find:
- 18 tennis courts
- 2 golf courses
- 1 riding stable
- Running tracks
- 4 playgrounds
- 18 softball fields
- 7 basketball courts
- 7 football/soccer fields
- 17 handball courts
- 13 cricket pitchers
- 1 nature center
- The largest freshwater lake in the Bronx
- Van Cortlandt house, the oldest building in the Bronx
Roberto Clemente State Park
Nestled on the banks of the Harlem River, Roberto Clemente State Park is not a garden, but it is still a place where you can enjoy the outdoors. Opened in 1973, residents and visitors now enjoy an Olympic-sized pool, water park, picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball courts, and baseball fields. Also, all summer long there are concerts and other special events. Of course, you don’t have to participate in any sports or water fun; you can simply enjoy the lovely waterfront promenade.
Wave Hill
This is where you will find some of the prettiest gardens in the area. A rustic cedar fence surrounds a lovely flower garden that seems to unfold to something more exciting with each passing month. Wave Hill has a lot to explore, including:
- Monocot Garden – Grasses, yucca and tara pay homage to the monocots
- Notable Trees –Striking trees to offer shade for wildlife, and act as a backdrop to the gardens
- Paisley Bed – Named for its shape, this whimsical garden changes every year
- Pergola – A tropical oasis is created in this pergola as tender plants and colorful seasonal containers open up for jaw-dropping views of the Hudson River
- Shade Border – Escape the hot day and be shaded and surrounded by ferns
- Herbs and Dry Gardens – Where an old greenhouse once stood, this garden is created in its foundation
- Abrons Woodland – Take a casual stroll and walk along this ½ mile trail for some wonderful photo opportunities
- Conservatory – Rainforest cacti, bromeliads, ferns, and many other plants from around the world are here to be enjoyed
There is a very good chance that if you ask your Bronx movers about Wave Hill, they will have something exciting to say. There are also guided tours, a sunset bat walk, gardeners woodworking and more!