Queens Botanical Garden | Queens

The Queens Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are separate botanical gardens in New York City, each offering unique experiences but with some similarities. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Location:

Queens Botanical Garden: Located in Flushing, Queens, at 43-50 Main Street.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Situated in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, at 990 Washington Avenue.

Size:

Queens Botanical Garden: Covers 39 acres.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Spans 52 acres, making it slightly larger.

History:

Queens Botanical Garden: Founded in 1939 for the New York World’s Fair and relocated to its current location in 1963.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Established in 1910 and has a longer history of development and community involvement.

Garden Features:

Both gardens feature:

Extensive plant collections and themed gardens such as rose gardens, Japanese gardens, and perennial gardens.

Sustainability efforts and environmentally friendly initiatives.

However, they each have their own unique gardens:

Queens Botanical Garden features special attractions like the Bee Garden, Fragrance Walk, and Victorian Wedding Garden.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is known for its Cherry Esplanade, Cranford Rose Garden, and the Steinhardt Conservatory with its tropical, desert, and aquatic plant collections.

Sustainability:

Queens Botanical Garden: Has a strong commitment to sustainability with features like a LEED Platinum Visitor Center and green initiatives.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Also incorporates sustainability efforts, including a rainwater harvesting system and educational programs focused on environmental conservation.

Events and Programs:

Both gardens host a variety of events throughout the year, such as:

Queens Botanical Garden: Celebrates events like Luminosa: A Festival of Lights, Harvest Fest, and cultural exhibitions.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Known for its Cherry Blossom Festival, Botanical Garden Tours, and seasonal celebrations like the Autumn Moon Festival.

Admission:

Queens Botanical Garden: Has an admission fee, though it offers free hours (e.g., Wednesdays from 3 PM to 6 PM and Sundays from 9 AM to 11 AM).

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Also charges an admission fee, with free entry on Tuesdays and during winter months.

Overall Experience:

Queens Botanical Garden: More community-focused, with an emphasis on local educational programs, cultural events, and sustainable gardening practices.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Often regarded as a more touristy destination with a variety of specialized gardens and large-scale exhibitions, but also deeply involved in community outreach and environmental education.

In summary, while both offer beautiful, tranquil settings with stunning plant displays and sustainable initiatives, each garden has its own distinct character and attractions, making both worth visiting depending on your location and interests.