Brooklyn may be a busy city with tall buildings in New York, but this doesn't mean that residents aren't spoiled with green and lush spaces to relax in nature and enjoy walks, picnics, and all the outdoors has to offer. With spring in full swing and summer on its way, here are 10 gardens and secret spaces for you to enjoy.
1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Spanning 52 acres, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a haven of tranquility in the heart of Brooklyn. It features numerous themed gardens such as the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Cranford Rose Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden. Visitors can explore lush greenery, blooming flowers, serene ponds, and winding pathways. The garden also hosts educational programs, seasonal events, and plant exhibits.
2. Brooklyn Heights Promenade Gardens
Situated atop the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Along the promenade, hidden gardens provide a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban landscape. Visitors can admire carefully landscaped flower beds, shrubs, and trees while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 Gardens
Nestled within Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 Gardens offer a serene escape from the park's bustling recreational areas. Visitors can meander through winding paths lined with native plants, grasses, and flowers. Benches and seating areas provide spots to relax and soak in views of the East River and Lower Manhattan. The gardens also feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and waterfront promenades.
4. Green-Wood Cemetery
More than just a final resting place, Green-Wood Cemetery is a historic landmark and a peaceful oasis in Brooklyn. Its verdant grounds encompass rolling hills, tranquil ponds, and picturesque pathways shaded by mature trees. Visitors can explore Victorian-era mausoleums, sculptures, and monuments while enjoying the tranquility of nature. Guided tours and events offer opportunities to learn about the cemetery's history and significance.
5. Prospect Park Ravine
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Prospect Park, the Ravine is a secluded woodland area characterized by lush vegetation, rocky outcroppings, and cascading streams. Visitors can follow winding trails that lead through dense forests, past babbling brooks, and under verdant canopy trees. The Ravine's natural beauty provides a peaceful retreat for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude in the heart of the city.
6. Marine Park/Salt Marsh Hiking Trails
Marine Park in southern Brooklyn is a beautiful coastal park, home to many species of birds, crabs, fish, and other wildlife that rest, nest, and feed in its preserved wetland and grassland areas. There are two sets of walking trails on either side of Gerritsen Creek. Start at the nature center to learn all about the animals and you won't believe you're in the city as you gaze at Jamaica Bay.
7. Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farms
Perched atop industrial buildings in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farms are urban agricultural spaces that combine greenery with stunning skyline views. Visitors can explore rooftop gardens filled with rows of vegetables, herbs, and flowers cultivated using sustainable farming practices. The farms also host workshops, events, and farm-to-table dinners that showcase the bounty of the urban harvest.
8. Gowanus Canal Conservancy Gardens
Along the banks of the Gowanus Canal, the Gowanus Canal Conservancy has transformed vacant lots and neglected spaces into vibrant community gardens. These green spaces feature native plants, rain gardens, and art installations that beautify the urban landscape while promoting environmental stewardship. Visitors can participate in volunteer activities, educational programs, and community events that foster connections between people and nature.
9. Narrows Botanical Gardens
Situated near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Narrows Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem overlooking New York Harbor. The gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants, including native species, ornamental flowers, and exotic specimens. Visitors can explore themed gardens, water features, and scenic overlooks that offer panoramic views of the bridge and the surrounding waterfront. Educational programs and gardening workshops engage visitors of all ages in the joys of horticulture and conservation.
10. Weeksville Heritage Center Gardens
Amidst the historic houses of Weeksville Heritage Center, lush gardens provide a tranquil oasis in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood. These gardens feature medicinal plants, heirloom vegetables, and ornamental flowers that reflect the cultural heritage of the African American community. Visitors can learn about the history of Weeksville, a free Black community founded in the 19th century, while enjoying the beauty and bounty of the gardens. Special events, workshops, and performances celebrate the legacy of Weeksville and its contributions to Brooklyn's cultural tapestry.
