It was a beautiful weekend and my son convinced me to get out of the house to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and I was glad I did. We grabbed some snacks from the kitchen, packed up our picnic gears and headed out to our favorite place,
The New York Botanical Garden.

Nicolas introducing the Native Plant Garden
The New York Botanical Garden just opened its
Native Plant Garden on May 3rd. I was so fascinated with its beautiful landscape and contemporary garden design.

Beautiful landscape of the Native Plant Garden
The Native Plant Garden is sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Locally-sourced, and recycled materials are used in many parts of this garden. The center of the garden featuring a pool that is fed by recycled storm-water captured on site and filtered by aquatic plants. Benches and buildings are constructed of salvaged, recycled, and sustainably harvested materials and boardwalks are made from black locust, a native hardwood. Secluded small paths lead us through the shaded woodland to the dry, open meadow, and lush wetlands. The Native Plant Garden features almost 100,000 plants; heritage oak trees, shrubs, wild flowers, ferns and meadow grasses.

Path through the Native Plant Garden
After we walked through the garden, my son and I sat on one of the wooden benches and watched 2 green-headed ducks swimming in the pool. The wind was blowing gently for the meadow to dance to. The clear blue sky complimented the landscape of the garden. I closed my eyes, leaned back, and enjoyed the peace in this busy city. Who would have thought that the city could be so peaceful …

Residents at the Native Plant Garden

Me, enjoying the beautiful day-- Nicolas took this photo.
Did I mention that the Native Plant Garden is "wifi". So you can bring your tech- gear and come hang out here.
Don't forget all day Wednesdays and before 12noon on Saturdays is free ground admission and the Native Plant Garden doesn't require additional ticket!
Get your ticket www.nybg.org/visit/tickets.php
Purchase your ticket online during May 18th through September 8th, 2013 and save 20% on all-garden pass tickets use code 9944.