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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
City Gardens & Floral Shops
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"In like a Lion, out like a Lamb," is the best description for March as we inch towards spring.
With the snow melting and sunshine on our minds, my Special Feature highlights local urban gardens and distinctive flower shops to prepare you for the blooms of the season ahead.
Norma Knows New York City
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Cultural Pursuits...  
EVENT:
Celebrate Asian Art at multiple museums and cultural institutions throughout New York City.
CLOSING THIS WEEK:
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through March 15
The first exhibition of paintings, drawings, and watercolors by Paul Cézanne.SEAN KELLY GALLERY (475 Tenth Avenue)
Alec Soth Songbook
Through March 14
A black and white photographic exhibit by Alec Soth.
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
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Jeff Koons: Kim Beam - J.B. Turner Engine and six individual cars
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ARSENAL GALLERY (Central Park - 64th Street and 5th Avenue) Conserving Our City of Nature: The Artwork of Alan MesserThrough April 23 Messer's detailed paintings, illustrations, and field sketches of New York City's avian wildlife and habitats.
CRAIG F. STARR GALLERY (5 East 73rd Street)
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(Central Park West at 79th Street)
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.
THE DRAWING CENTER (35 Wooster Street) Through March 22 Tomi Ungerer is best known as the award winning author and illustrator of children's classics like The Three Robbers and Moon Man. But he also made a name for himself with witty advertising campaigns for the New York Times and the Village Voice. ELLIS ISLAND
Unframed - Ellis IslandOngoing Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street) Through April 5
Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late 18th century. Their sculptures are shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges.
GAGOSIAN GALLERIES In the StudioThrough April 18 In one location (980 Madison Avenue), photography... in another (522 West 21st Street), paintings by artists like Picasso and Jasper Johns. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue) Kawara's works are known for the rise in Conceptual art.
INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM
(Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue) Hubble@25
Through September 15 Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exhibition showcases the history of this project and its scientific achievements. View artifacts, photographs, and Hubble-produced images .
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Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural Rediscovered
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THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 5th Avenue) Helena Rubinstein: Beauty Is PowerThrough March 22 The first exhibition to explore the ideas, innovations, and influence of the legendary cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue) Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural RediscoveredThrough April 19 A captivating exhibit of 1920s America in New York City.
THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) Lincoln Speaks: Words That Transformed a NationThrough June 7 This exhibition focuses on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of language and how his words changed the course of history. MNUCHIN GALLERY (45 East 78th Street) Kazuo ShiragaThrough April 11 Kazuo's exhibit of 18 pieces of work traces his signature foot paintings throughout his career.|
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Richard Estes: Painting New York City
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MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle) Richard Estes: Painting New York CityThrough September 20 Photorealistic painter Richard Estes exhibits his works. MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (7th Avenue at 27th Street)
Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s
Through April 18
A tribute to two iconic fashion designers.
Lauren Bacall: The Look
Through April 4
Ten of the legendary icon's best fashion pieces from the 60s and 70s will be on display. I plan to watch Casablanca before I visit her collection!
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Björk
Through June 7
Retrospective of her canvas drawings from 20 years ago as a musician and visual artist.
Scenes for a New HeritageThrough March 31, 2016 Exhibition of past three decades of 30 international artists whose works range in their approach to political, social, and cultural flux of our global landscape.
Modern Photographs from the Thomas Walther Collection, 1909-1949 Through April 26
This collection captures the time period between the First and Second World Wars.
The Forever Now: Contemporary Painting in an Atemporal World
Through April 5
The work of 17 artists with 17 different approaches to painting, the exhibit centers on the timelessness of painting today, exploring the issues of originality and subjectivity.
This Is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good
Through January 31, 2016
Digital age design encompassing fashion and furniture.
NATIONAL ARTS CLUB (15 Gramercy Park South)
National Arts Club Exhibiting Artist Members Exhibition
Through March 29
An annual tradition celebrating the diverse talents of selected artist members, including the work of Toni Silber-Delerive.
THE NEW MUSEUM (235 Bowery)
2015 Triennial: Surround Audience
Through May 24
NYC's only recurring international exhibition devoted to the early careers of artists from around the world... 51 artists from 25 countries.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography
Through September 4
The first-ever retrospective survey of photography organized by the Public Library. How have we been engaged over time? Are we risking our privacy in pursuit of a more public photography? The exhibit explores these questions.
Sinatra: An American Icon
Through September 4
A tribute to the life of the legendary actor and singer, Frank Sinatra. A multimedia exhibit showcasing memorabilia never before seen.
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Isamu Noguchi: Variations
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PACE GALLERY (32 East 57th Street) Isamu Noguchi: VariationsThrough March 21 First solo exhibition of Isamu Noguchi. PRATT MANHATTAN GALLERY (144 West 14th Street) Performing Franklin FurnaceThrough April 30 Martha Wilson's exhibition. Consider attending the performance series February 26th through March 1st.
THE ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) Brian Pearson Through April 12 A photographic exhibition by Brian Pearson, a medley of black and white images split between the figurative and the architectural. THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART (150 West 17th Street)
Through March 23 French photographer Marc Riboud's photographic journals through Asia in the 50s and 60s...a time of both political and cultural transition.
SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Ten Tops
Through September 13
Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher. A perfect exhibit for this museum!
ON THE RADAR:|
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Latin American Construction: Architecture 1955-1980
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THE METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street)
March 25 through 29 Affordable Art Fair New artists, thousands of contemporary artworks, hands-on workshops, talks, and tours with fellow art lovers. Thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs ranging from $100-$10,000.
THE MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle)
March 31 Ralph Pucci: The Art of the MannequinA display of thirty works taking you on a journey of his ever changing fashion. Through August 30th.
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street) March 29 Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955-1980An examination of the positions, debates, and architectural creativity from Mexico and Cuba to the Southern Cone between 1955 and the early 1980s. NEUE GALLERY NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
April 2 Gustav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in GoldView the original painting that inspired Helen Mirren's role in her new movie by the same name. Through September 7th.
BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn) April 3 Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks
View the large scale works of this illustrious painter along with sketches from his personal notebooks. Through August 23rd.
THE ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) April 22 Pelican Finn An exhibition of photographs by Gesi Schilling illustrating the relationship between individual and environment while specifically capturing a Cuban American woman's relationship to the Florida Everglades. Through May 31st with opening reception on April 22nd .
THE WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
May 1 America is Hard to See Premiering at the downtown opening of the Whitney Museum. View this inaugural exhibit of over 650 pieces from 400 artists through September 27th.
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Curtain Up...
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie... 3-course meal followed by a viewing of The Theory of Everything starring Academy Award Winner Eddie Redmayne.
Film Society of Lincoln Center (144 West 65th Street) and The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street)
Dedicated to the discovery and support of emerging artists, visit the website for the schedule of films.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
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Rockettes New York Spring Spectacular
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Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz NightsThe Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
March 12 Rockettes New York Spring Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas) A new show inspired by the magic of NYC in the spring; a musical celebration of the energy, places, people, passion and promise that make this city spectacular. Limited engagement through May 3rd.
March 13 The New York Pops with Sutton Foster
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
One night only, Broadway star Sutton Foster performs with the NY Pops .
March 14 La Donna del Lago
Metropolitan Opera (30 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Romantic tragedy set in the Scottish highlands during medieval times.
March 14 Sarah McLachlan Kings Theatre (1027 Flatbush Avenue - Brooklyn) After 40 years this renowned theater has been restored; bringing top quality entertainment to this state of the art venue.
Through March 14 Maureen McGovern
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Two fabulous female performers... Maureen McGovern this month and Patti LuPone will perform next month April 1st through 14th.
Through March 15 Jason Moran & Bandwagon
Village Vanguard (178 Seventh Avenue South) The iconic Village Vanguard is celebrating its 80th birthday! Purchase tickets to celebrate.
Fourth annual festival - a celebration of improvisation from all across the world.
Through March 21 Herb Alpert & Lani Hall
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
Grammy Award Winner and trumpeter Herb Alpert and his wife Lani will be performing. I just purchased tickets to see this vibrant duo.
Through March 22 Harkness Dance Festival 92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue) Five dance companies perform... including the Martha Graham ensemble.
Through March 28 Lincoln Center's American Songbook Lincoln Center Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings. 
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
One of the greatest modern dance companies.
Through June 16 LIVE from the NYPL
New York Public Library (11 West 40th Street)
Spring Speaker Series - mark your calendar for David Blaine on March 16th and Diane von Furstenberg on May 6th!
THEATER:
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
March 19 Gigi
Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street) Tony Award winning musical returns to Broadway starring Vanessa Hudgens. Previews begin March 19th, opens April 8th, through October 4th.
ONGOING PRODUCTIONS:
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war. Now in previews, opens April 12th, through November 22nd.
The Audience
Helen Mirren stars in an electrifying performance as Queen Elizabeth. Sixty years, twelve prime ministers, but only ONE Queen!
Through September 13
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
Big LoveThrough March 15 Signature Theatre (480 West 42nd Street) A modern remake describing the shapes and sizes of love as 50 brides and 50 grooms take refuge in an Italian villa!
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, a mysterious and witty play about the potential of a first encounter.
Cabaret
Through March 29
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
Sienna Miller, as well as the incomparable Alan Cumming are show-stoppers; the Kit Kat Band is superb.
Churchill
Through May 31 New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) An extraordinary one man show at New World Stages.
Through September 6
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) The lead actor, a recent graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets.
Through April 5
Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street)
Crisp and witty dialogue pays tribute to the highest standards of Irish tradition set in Dublin in the 1960s.
The Events
Through March 22
New York Theatre Workshop (79 East 4th Street)
The play revolves around characters that survive in the aftermath of a tragedy, depicting what it is that makes us human.
Through March 29
Barrow Street Theater (27 Barrow Street)
Brilliant and uplifting though the subject is a bit daunting. A poignant story of a son's challenge to help his mother through depression by listing things in life that she should be thankful for.
Through June 7
Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street) Funnyman Larry David focuses on 15 characters as each deals with a death in the family. Now in previews, opens March 5th, through June 7th. Currently all tickets are sold out, but show may be extended. Ghost QuartetThrough May 18 The McKittrick Hotel (542 West 27th Street) Home of the popular Sleep No More, the show blurs the line between theater and contemporary music performance. It is staged in the round in an intimate setting with the musicians seated amongst the audience.
Through May 3
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
The creative team from the Tony Award winning "In the Heights," has produced another show stopper. An inventive new musical about the young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton.
The Heidi Chronicles
Through August 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Starring Elisabeth Moss and Jason Biggs, it's a coming of age story of three iconic decades of culture... the 60s, 70s and 80s. Now in previews, opens March 19th, through August 9th.
Through March 15
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM - Brooklyn)
Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy return to the stage for this revival of Eugene O'Neill's trenchant portrait of hope and disillusionment.
Through March 22
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
Idina Menzel of Wicked stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide.
Through April 12
The Laura Pels Theatre (111 West 46th Street)
Roundabout Theater Company presents a Sondheim masterpiece, inviting us back into the world created by the Grimm brothers.
 Josephine and I
Through April 5
Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street)
After a critically acclaimed run at London's Bush Theater; a show about the fearless life of Josephine Baker, the first African American performer who rose to international prominence.
The Lion
Through March 29 Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street)
An original downtown musical experience using six guitars that add to the gripping performance of one man's coming of age story. Little Children Dream of God
Through April 19
The Black Box Theatre (111 West 46th Street)
A drama about learning to start a new life by facing the one you left behind.
Through March 14
Irish Arts Center (553 West 51st Street)
A funny play about a man who walks five miles from his little cottage to town, tracing all of the things he encounters along the way... it explores the aging that we all face and how people deal with it. 
Through April 26
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street) The story of four individuals whose lives remain inextricably intertwined over time... starring one of my favorite actresses, Diane Lane!
The Nether
Through March 29
The Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street)
A virtual wonderland crime drama that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Through March 29 New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) Theatrical musical play of the life and mysterious death of legendary writer, Edgar Allen Poe. The Nomad
Through April 6 The Flea Theater (41 White Street)
A World premiere musical production. On the 20th Century Through July 5
American Airline Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) Love, lust, and mischief collide in this musical comedy starring Broadway showstopper, Kristin Chenoweth. In previews now, opens March 12th, through July 5th.
On the TownThrough September 1
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
The feel good play of the season. Broadway's largest orchestra and cast make us fall in love with the city again. A story of sailors on a whirlwind NYC tour.
Through April 5
Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42nd Street)
World premiere drama by Melissa James Gibson, writer on FX's show The Americans. The show examines the space where truth and lies begin to blur as a scientist is doing placebo testing for a new female drug.
Posterity
Through April 5
Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street)
World Premiere of this intense play at Atlantic Theater Company that explores the nature of artistic success and the feat of being forgotten. Through April 5th.
Through June 14
Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street)
Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy star in the sold out London engagement of a sentimental love story. Now in previews, opens April 2nd, through June 14th.
Verite
Through March 15
Claire Tow Theater (150 West 65th Street)
A new comedy by Nick Jones about a struggling writer and his commitment to honor his mother with her life's memoirs.
The World of Extreme Happiness
New York City Center (130 West 56th Street)
Through March 29
A story about Sunny, determined to escape her life in rural China and forge a new identity in the city.
ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP:  March 27 HamletClassic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) "To be, or not to be? That is the question." With Peter Sarsgaard as the lead, the answer is definitely to be! Through May 10th. March 27 Doctor ZhivagoBroadway Theater (1681 Broadway) One of the most romantic stories of our time. Previews begin March 27th, opens April 21st, through April 3rd, 2016. March 31, April 1 and 2 Glacier at The JoyceThe Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue) Liz Gerring Dance Company presents an evening length choreographic work for eight dancers based on composer Michael J. Schumacher's work. April 1 Living on LoveThe Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) The world's most famous opera singer Renée Fleming plays the world's most famous opera singer. It's a "glamorous romp through the world of music, marriage and celebrity." Also starring Jerry O'Connell. Through August 2nd.  April 7 GroundedThe Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street) Tickets on sale now for this spellbinding play starring Academy Award Winner Anne Hathaway. This new play is about the complicated consequences of waging war without leaving home. Through May 17th. April 15 through 26 Tribeca Film FestivalVarious locations Tickets are now on sale for this always anticipated annual festival.
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For the Foodie...
NEW OPENINGS: DOWNTOWN
Next week I'll highlight my new on the scene uptown picks.
Dirt Candy
86 Allen Street
Lower East Side - Vegan/Vegetarian Cuisine
The latest hip addition to the LES. Chef and owner Amanda Cohen prepares cutting edge vegetarian food. Even if you're not a vegetarian, you will taste vegetables like you never have before! Sleek décor, inviting bar, and outstanding wine list add to the exquisite flavors of the dishes prepared by Amanda and her team.
Little ParkThe Smyth Hotel (85 West Broadway) Tribeca - New American Cuisine I have always been a fan of Andrew Carmellini. Locanda Verde and Lafayette are two of my favorite restaurants in the city. Carmellini's newest establishment has recently opened in the Smyth Hotel. Expect to savor global inspired fare, organic vegetables, and grass fed meats. Afterwards, enjoy custom libations at the restaurant's Evening Bar.
Santina
820 Washington Street
Meatpacking District - Italian Cuisine
The Torrisi team of Carbone and Torrisi continue to amazing me.
Their new spot, Santina, is named after Carbone's Sicilian grandmother, offering a menu featuring healthy coastal Italian dishes. The trendy setting on the High Line adds to the appeal of their new addition.
EVENTS:
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Annual tasting event will feature over 50 handpicked NYC restaurants. Sample the best dishes from participating restaurants along with complimentary craft beer pairings, wine, and liquor.
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Taste vegetarian delights from local vendors. I'm always surprised at the amazing tastes available.
March 18 Good Cider
Three Sixty (10 Desbrosses Street)
Edible Manhattan's 1st annual event celebrating cider. Meet local vendors and taste their ciders.
ON THE RADAR:
March 24 Missy Robbins Guest Chef
Tasting Table Test Kitchen (495 Broome Street)
Robbins will be a Guest Chef, cooking a feast full of seafood, free-flowing cocktails and, pasta. Purchase tickets... get a sneak peak of her new restaurant, Lilia, opening in Williamsburg this summer.
March 25 Wine & WishesPier 60 (23rd Street & Hudson River) Wine tasting and fundraising event supporting the Make-A-Wish Metro New York. Taste wines from around the world with delicious local cuisine and take part in silent and live auctions.
69th Regiment Armory (68 Lexington Avenue) Taste hundreds of new wines, Wine Riot has reinvented "wine tasting" for the thirsty and curious.
March 28 NYC Craft Distillers Festival
The Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery) Sample of 60 specially selected spirits while a 1920s style jazz band keeps the party lively. April 11 & 12 New York Culinary ExperienceInternational Culinary Center (462 Broadway) Enjoy the festivities as the event pays tribute to chef David Bouley. Hands-on cooking classes and discussions with 30 renowned chefs including Lidia Bastianich, Jacques Torres, and Alex Guarnaschelli.
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Special Feature... City Gardens & Floral Shops
EVENTS IN BLOOM:
Through April 19 The Orchid Show
The New York Botanical Garden
Much-anticipated annual show opens at The New York Botanical Garden. Check out Orchid Evenings as well on March 14, 21, 28, and April 4, 11, 18.
March 22 through April 4 Macy's Spring 2015 Flower Show Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street)
This year's theme, Art in Bloom, will take spectators into a multi-dimensional floral wonderland featuring incredibly landscaped gardens that celebrate the deep connection between art and nature.
Spring Cherry Blossom Festival
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Once the blossoms are in bloom, visit on a Wednesday and take a tour. Or on Saturdays and Sundays, take a tour of the seasonal highlights of the garden. Then, as part of the festival, visit April 25 & 26 for the Sakura Matsuri, a weekend celebrating Japanese culture.
CITY GARDENS:
In addition to Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The New York Botanical Gardens listed above, below are the most beautiful spots to view the blooming floral in this eye-inspiring city.
6BC Botanical Garden
601 East 6th Street
One of the East Village's carefully maintained and lovingly cared for community spaces.
The 91st Street Garden
Riverside Park - between West 90th and 91st Streets
A community garden blooming from early spring until late autumn; all flowers and plants are maintained by volunteer gardeners, known as The Garden People. Also the site of the final scene of You've Got Mail!
Atrium at the Ford Foundation
320 East 43rd Street
Entrance through the Vanderbilt Gate -Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th Streets
6-acre floral garden divided into three smaller gardens, each with a distinct style: Italian, French, and English.
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Gardens at The Frick Collection
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The Creative Little Garden
530 East Sixth Street
It's a "community backyard," maintained by volunteers from the surrounding neighborhood. There are no plots tended by individual gardeners, instead members collaborate on the landscaping of the whole park. Open to the public.
Gardens at The Frick Collection
1 East 70th Street
Water lilies, tulips, magnolia trees, and a lovely Garden Court.
Saint Luke's Gardens
487 Hudson Street
Behind the walls of this West Village garden, find peace and serenity among quiet.
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Sutton Place Park
East River between 56th and 57th Streets
A secluded park by the United Nations, accessed by a stairway down to the water from Sutton Place, behind a row of townhouses.
Wave Hill
The Bronx
A spectacular 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River.
West Side Community Garden
West 89th Street
An 89,000 square foot plot of tranquility.
TOP FLOWER SHOPS:
My picks for top shops throughout the city.
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