Spring is officially here and summer is coming around the corner, which means the flowers have bloomed and the sun is radiating! 🙌 🌷
If you’re like us, you’re probably already starting to plant your garden visits already—cherry blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden are wrapping up, Macy’s Flower Show just debuted indoors, and a special Van Gogh’s Flower exhibit is coming to NYBG in May.
But what about something free, and that’s off the beaten path?!
We introduce you to one of Central Park’s most underrated nature spots, the Central Park Conservatory Garden.
The garden dates back to 1937 and stands out as Central Park’s only formal garden.
It’s incredible serene and takes up about six acres of land, divided into three distinct sections varying in design—the French-style North Garden, the Italianate Center Garden, and the English-style South Garden.
The Italiante Center Garden is located in the center of the lawn with symmetrical designs and a wisteria covered pergola.
At the French-style North Garden, you’ll be able to find the Untermyer Fountain and thousands of stunning tulips.
The English-style South Garden features bulbs, annuals, and perennials in concentric planting beds. Find the Burnett Fountain in this section of the garden at the edge of a calming waterlily pool.
Equally eye-catching is the main entrance marked by the Vanderbilt Gate, which once adorned the mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street.
What kind of flowers will I see in the Conservatory Garden?
As of right now, The Conservatory Garden is now in full bloom, and the garden has burst into color thanks to more than 20,000 blooming tulips, daffodils, lilacs, chrysanthemums, and crabapple trees. Here’s a slight breakdown of what you’ll see in each place:
- Italiante Center Garden – Crabapple trees, wisteria
- French-style North Garden – Tulips, chrysanthemums, lilacs
- English-style South Garden – Heirloom roses, peonies, oakleaf hydrangeas
Is the Conservatory Garden free to enter?
Yes! New Yorkers can visit the Central Park Conservatory free of charge all year round.
The best way to access the garden is by entering the East Side of the park between 104th and 106th Streets.
Are there guided tours available in the Conservatory Garden?
Yes! Guided tours are available and led by The Central Park Conservancy at select days throughout the year.
The expert guides offer an insider’s perspective on the garden’s seasonal plantings, history, and design and is a more “immersive” way to take in all of the flowers around you.
Full details are available online, but the next scheduled walking tours are on June 14, 18, and 28.