| It all
started in an ash dump in Brooklyn when the New York State Legislature in
1897 approved the reservation of this 39 acre wasteland for an botanical
garden.
By 1911 the Garden had laid out the native flora
followed four years later by a complete Japanese garden featuring a Viewing Pavilion, Waiting House,
Japanese shrines, bridges, stone lanterns, waterfalls, pond, and miniaturized landscape.
This green oasis in the middle of this huge city
grew and grew. Though specializing in urban gardening - which was
especially useful for 'Victory' gardeners during World War II - the Garden
has accomplished some very noteworthy research and accumulated several
plant patents.
The Garden now contains over 12,00 botanic
specimens. Special attractions of great popularity include:
- the aforementioned Japanese Garden
- a Bonsai collection
- the famous Cranford Rose Garden
- Daffodil Hill
- Cherry Esplanade
- Osborne Garden
- Conifer Collection
- a fragrance garden for the blind
- Shakespearean 'Knot Garden'
- several herb gardens
Their Children's Garden program was the first
ever created in a botanic garden and has served as an example for many
other botanic gardens around the world. |
The
Garden's $25 million Steinhardt Conservatory is a wonder in itself. It is
divided into realistic environments such as:
- the Tropical Pavilion, a 65 feet high
structure within which is a complete re-creation of a rain forest
complete with waterfall and streams.
- the Helen Mattin Warm Temperate Pavilion which
the central China environment has been recreated.
- Trail of Evolution which traces the
development of the natural world over 3-1/2 billion years.
Other environments include Mediterranean,
Australasian, southern African, and our own western United States.
Each year over 750,000 visitors come to enjoy
viewing as well as becoming more acquainted with the world's flora and
environmental concerns. Self-guided tours have been designed for and
individuals and families. Classes are also scheduled through the year in
such subject areas as:
- Botany
- Landscaping
- Horticulture
- Composting
- Herbs
- Crafts
- Flower Arranging
- Art and Photography
You may view their
web site at:
www.bbg.org
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