Queens Botanical Garden History & Gardens
The Queens Botanical Garden was founded in 1939 as part of the New York World’s Fair which was held in Queens. After the fair, the garden was expanded to form part of Flushing Meadow Park and moved across the street to a location near the stream bed of Kissena Creek when construction began for the 1964 World’s Fair. A new Visitor Center was built in the Garden in 2007 and was the first building in the city to receive the "Platinum" LEED rating, making it one of New York's greenest buildings.
Gardens and Collections
The Queens Botanical Garden features an array of thematic gardens and historic plantings that range from gardens planted for the first World Fair to new gardens showcasing native species and sustainable practices. Gardens include an Annual Garden, Backyard Gardens, a special Bee Garden, a Circle Garden, a Compost Demonstration, a Fragrance Walk, a Herb Garden, an Ornamental Grass Garden, Perennial and Rose Gardens, and a beautiful Wedding Garden.
The unique Bee Garden features a collection of plants and trees that attract honey bees or flavor honey and is popular with the education classes that the Garden holds for learners. The Wetland and Wonderland Garden highlights wetland and woodland environments with a variety of habitats such as marshes, bogs, forests and swamps that attract birds, fish, and wildlife.
The Bioswales garden features planted depressions that collect storm and drain water that runs off surrounding areas that give rise to a variety of species that have the ability to tolerate both wet and dry conditions. The Fragrance Walk is a favorite with visitors who can stroll through the garden and soak up the wonderful scents emanating from the shrubs, perennials, and bulbs that grow here.
The Cherry Circle & Four Seasons Border forms a central component of the Garden’s overall landscape design and is striking in all seasons. Cherry trees, several which have been adopted in honor or memory of a loved one, line a curved walkway and boast beautiful blossoms in spring, while the Four Seasons Border provides color and interest throughout the year.
Another favorite of the QBG is the beautiful Wedding Garden, which features brightly colored flower beds filled with blooms from March through November, along with spectacular fall foliage displays. The Wedding Garden has been modeled as a Victorian-style garden and features a little stream with a footbridge and a charming gazebo, all of which form a beautiful backdrop for many wedding couples on their happy day.
Education, Programs and Events
The Queens Botanical Garden offers a range of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, classes and more. Professional Learning Program for Teachers are available for both individual teachers as well as for groups, and the NYC Compost Project offers certificate courses, workshops, and other programs that educate people about the importance of composting. The QBG Farm and Compost Site is an exciting venture that teaches visitors about urban farming, healthy soils, and looking after the environment.
The Queens Botanical Garden presents an array of events and programs for the whole family throughout the year, ranging from an Arbor Festival and Rose Gala to Music in the Garden and Art in the Garden. Other events include Christmas in the Garden and Tree Lighting, Gardening Programs for Kids, Craft Groups, Forest Explorers, Members Picnics, Winter Family Programs, Tulip Time and Storytime and Crafts.
QBG’s Gardening Programs for Kids offers seasonal, hands-on learning and gardening experiences year-round for children of all ages. Young gardeners learn how to prepare soil, select seeds and plants, and care for and later harvest their vegetables, flowers, and herbs, as well as explore the horticultural concepts of ecological balance, conservation, and sustainability.
Visitor Information
The Queens Botanical Garden is located on Main Street in Flushing and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (November through March) and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (April through October). The Queens Botanical Garden Shop offers a selection of books, toys, jewelry, scarves, and other exceptional gifts.
Back to: Queens things to do
43-50 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355, website, Phone: 718-886-3800, Map
Conclusion
The Queens Botanical Garden in Queens, NYC is an arboretum and urban oasis which features beautiful gardens and offers innovative educational programs to inspire and educate the public about horticulture and environmental conservation and stewardship. Spanning 39 acres, the Garden features herb, rose and perennial gardens, as well as a unique bee garden and provides stunning locations for wedding photography sessions and other special celebrations.
