With spring officially sprung on March 20, many people want to spend their time outdoors. There are various green spaces and community gardens in New York City, ranging from parks to botanical gardens to museums.
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is located right across the street from Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. This convenient location allows Fordham students to visit for free. The NYBG consists of vast plant collections to see. There are also plant-related events, such as “The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism,” available to see until April 27. This show features a vibrant orchid display inspired by the architect Luis Barragán. Another event you can attend at NYBG is “Women Leaders of the Garden,” which celebrates women who have contributed to horticulture, education and discovery at the NYBG.
Another one of my favorite green spaces is the Highline, located in Manhattan’s West Side. This elevated park was built on a former railway line and offers exquisite Hudson River and NYC skyline views. The Highline has various permanent and temporary art installations to view. Along the 1.5-mile walk, you can also see a variety of plants, greenery and gardens. There are also interactive events at the Highline, including art lessons and stargazing. The Highline is a great place to escape if you want to enjoy the city outside.
An underrated outdoor spot in the city is the Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art focuses on medieval art and architecture. The museum also overlooks the Hudson, and you can walk outside around the beautiful grounds. Throughout the museum, there are three different gardens you can visit. The Met Cloisters are inspired by medieval monastery gardens, as it combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. You can also go to the Trie Café, which has outdoor seating by the gardens. Since the Cloisters are conveniently located in Fort Tryon Park, you can explore this exquisite park, too.
New York’s iconic Central Park is the perfect place to explore during the spring. In the heart of the busy city, Central Park is the ideal green space to visit. It serves the public for recreation, leisure, events and tourist attractions. One appeal of the park is the Conservatory Garden. You can see everything from vibrant flowers to greenery, sculptures and fountains here. This tranquil environment is perfect for a relaxing walk in the park. Another garden in Central Park is the Shakespeare Garden, which consists of plants mentioned in his plays. Here, you can explore a replica of a traditional English garden and enjoy the scenic atmosphere.
There are various community gardens near Fordham’s campus. One example is Bathgate Community Garden, which is part of New York’s Restoration Project’s (NYRP) network. This garden focuses on restoring open green spaces for the public and making them available for use. Also located in the Bronx, Clay Avenue Community Garden is another part of the NYRP network. Many of the community members cultivate vegetables, fruit and flowers here. This public garden also hosts community events, including picnics, block parties and gardening workshops. The garden serves three neighborhood schools and aims to encourage students to learn about outdoor green spaces.
Communal outdoor spaces are vital for community members in NYC. Public spaces, like parks and community gardens, serve as gathering spaces for residents. These outdoor spaces allow them to strengthen their relationships and social interactions within the community. Communal outdoor spaces are also important for community members’ overall health and well-being. Green spaces promote opportunities for recreation, exercise and leisure from city life. They also help the environment’s well-being by contributing to the overall biodiversity of NYC.
The city should foster more community gardens since they contribute to health and environmental benefits. Community garden initiatives can help NYC residents access fresh and local produce, especially in underserved areas. The most extensive urban gardening program that has supported hundreds of community gardens across the city is NYC Parks GreenThumb. This program has provided resources, workshops and education programs to maintain thriving green spaces in the city. Community members could benefit from green space initiatives if the city created more programs to foster public green spaces.
With spring already here, you should explore these green spaces and community gardens in the city! Having an escape from the busy city life is essential, and green spaces offer opportunities for relaxation, mindfulness and reconnection with nature.