Good news New York: Spring has sprung! And that means spending time outside.
Personally, one of my favorite things to do on a nice day is spending time in the Botanical Gardens, conveniently located across the street from Fordham. Even more convenient is that Fordham students have free admission to the grounds.
But what is unfortunate is that we don’t get access to the shows. Currently, there is an Orchid Show. I splurged—ok my mom bought them not me—and went with my family over the weekend.
Even though it isn’t the cheapest event, I highly recommend it. Basically, the show is split into two parts: rainforest and desert. The flowers are beautiful and kept in true conditions. I learned that these flowers are actually poached and over half of the orchid species are endangered.
But it makes sense! They’re beautiful but hard to maintain. They have very specific watering instructions. But the Botanical Gardens preserves them for everyone to admire. The staff of the Botans spends time collaborating with artist and experts in the field to create an amazing experience. They time all the time to get every detail right, and audiences of all ages can appreciate it.
Going to school right next to the Botanical Gardens means I have easier access to it than most New Yorkers. But I still say it is worth the trip. It is a great place for a picnic and a long walk. The shows, like the Orchid Show, are truly worth it. It’s a different world than the city: the perfect escape for the New Yorker looking for fresh air.
The Botanical Gardens can be a whole day or an hour, it is exactly what you make it. I recommend going to the show early—especially if it’s a nice day—the lines will get long quickly.
In the spring, the Rockefeller Rose Garden opens, along with all the other flowers that are coming in bloom. I also recommend the Azalea Garden, which is along the way to the Rose Garden.
Now is the perfect time to make your way to the Bronx and appreciate its beauty!