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The verdant oasis that is the New York Botanical Garden reopened on Tuesday, July 28, for the first time since the pandemic hit New York City.
Visitors are now allowed back in to see its heavenly collection of roses, daylilies, hydrangeas, water lilies, and lotuses, among its one million plants, walk its paths and trails that cross the garden, see its outdoor collections and bask in natural features like its Native Plant Garden and the Bronx River, which runs through the 50-acre Thain Family Forest.
Its Pine Tree Café has a limited menu and outdoor seating, and its other food commissaries as well as the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions are also open. The "My Day at the Garden" kids and family activity guide, the self-guided audio tours are still available and the NYBG Shop is open (with social distancing protocols.)
While the 250-acre site is open to nature-deprived New Yorkers for the first time in four months, there are some changes. Tram Tours, public programs, and group tours are suspended temporarily and The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, LuEsther T. Mertz Library, Edible Academy, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and Hudson Garden Grill will remain closed.
The garden has added new wayfinding signs and pavement markings to help visitors keep their distance at admissions points and where queuing is necessary. Some of its paths through the garden will also be one-way only to stop congestion. There are also hand sanitizer stations across the grounds and touchless restroom appliances for guests.
Of course, staff and visitors must also wear face coverings, and there will be daily health screenings for staff. Staff is also going to be sanitizing points across the garden frequently. And like many other attractions across the city, there are limited, timed-entry admission so that visitors' arrivals are staggered to avoid crowding. Tickets have to be purchased in advanced, otherwise visitors won't be given access.
Make sure to check its website each day to see if tickets are available since capacity is lower.
In the meantime, enjoy these beautiful photos from the NYBG:
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