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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
City Gardens & Floral Shops
"In like a Lion, out like a Lamb," is the best description for March as we inch towards spring.
With the snow melted, temperatures rising, and sunshine on the horizon, 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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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors,
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 GENERAL EVENTS |
Through March 12 Japan Week
Grand Central Terminal
An annual promotional event aimed at encouraging travel to Japan. This year, discover Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku, home to natural and man-made wonders that even seasoned travelers miss.
March 13 Daylight Savings Time
Spring Ahead! Set your clocks forward at 2am on Sunday.
Many events are going on this month in celebration of women...check out the New York Public Library's month-long series of posts highlighting the many amazing women they've discovered.
ON THE RADAR:
March 20 First Day of SpringFinally, the official first day of Spring... and it's starting to feel like it! Time to shed our layers and heavy coats for light jackets. March 25 New York International Auto Show
Javits Center (655 West 34th Street)
The largest auto show, I make it a point every year to attend. It's exciting to see (and sit in) upcoming releases from car companies... plus concept cars which feel like stepping into either a Science Fiction or James Bond movie! Through April 3rd.
April 2 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. If you really like Craft Beers, the NYC Craft Beer Festival is March 25th & 26th.
April 4 New York Yankees Home Opener
I always know it's spring when baseball is back on the calendar; buy tickets for the first game of the season vs the Houston Astros.
April 6 through 8 Seventh Annual Women in the World Summit
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
This annual summit centers on live storytelling with inspiring women and men from around the world. This year's participants include Meryl Streep, Former First Lady Laura Bush, Diane von Furstenberg, Mindy Kaling, Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, and Fox News anchor and journalist Megyn Kelly.
Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue)
Over 200 American and international dealers will exhibit, bringing a selection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts.
Various Locations $50 treatments at spas throughout the city; recommendations to come soon.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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Drawing Then
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DOMINIQUE LEVY GALLERY (909 Madison Avenue)
Through March 19
Innovation and influence in American Drawings of the Sixties.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Asia Week
March 10 through 19
Celebrate Asian Art at multiple museums and cultural institutions throughout New York City.
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue)
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART(11 West 53rd Street)
Through March 20
A live installation! Dancers perform throughout the museum during opening hours.
Through March 20
The 30th anniversary features 19 artists from 14 countries.
Through March 20
Range of artistic responses focused on human figures.
THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Ten Tops Through March 13 Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher. A perfect exhibit for this museum! 
UNIX GALLERY (532 West 24th Street)
Through March 20
Peter Anton's exhibit elaborates on the connection between art and our emotional needs.
Through August 14 The exhibit takes visitors on a tour of the human body.
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean
Ongoing
Take a breathtaking journey around the underwater world as Cousteau introduces 30 species shown for the first time on film.
The Butterfly Conservatory
Through May 29
The butterflies are back! Enter a room filled with beautiful butterflies of many different species... great for all ages.
View the cast of a 122-foot-long dinosaur. This species is so new that it has not yet been formally named by the paleontologists who discovered it!
CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART (421 Broome Street)
Giorgio Morandi
Through June 25
An annual installation dedicated to one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century, focuses on the artist's rarely seen 1930s works.
CHEIM & READ (547 West 25th Street)
Al Held: Black and White Paintings
Through March 26
Captivating exhibition of black and white paintings by Al Held, known as the painter of ideas.
COOPER HEWITT (2 East 91st Street)
Through August 7
Pixar fans will enjoy this exhibit, which traces the creation of the rarely seen sketches, paintings, and sculptures of Pixar's popular characters.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
Through May 30
With all of the craze about Star Wars, it's the perfect time to see the exhibit of memorable costumes from this incredibly iconic film series.
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Peopling of America Galleries
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ELLIS ISLAND
Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.
Ongoing
Tells the story of immigration to America before the processing station opened.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Through March 27
Over seventy works by ten artists examining an important new development in contemporary photography. Peter Fischli David Weiss: How to Work BetterThrough April 27 A survey of sculpture, photography and video that questions everyday life with humor and sincerity.
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue)
Unorthodox
Through March 27
Showcases the impact of unorthodox concepts on orthodox systems.
Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History
March 18 through August 7
The first museum survey devoted to the American designer who makes clothing, hosted a television show, and performed his own cabaret act.
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Teresita Fernandez
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MADISON SQUARE PARK
Through Winter
500 feet of sprawling sculptures made of golden canopies suspended above the park's pathway. An eye-catching exhibit.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through May 15
Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France
This is the first retrospective of Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, one of the most important of all women artists.
THE MET BREUER (Madison Avenue & 75th Street)
Opening Weekend
March 18 through 20
Modern and contemporary programs are expanding to the landmark building designed by Manuel Breuer. Open to members this weekend. Excited for the inaugural exhibits and the gallery talks!
MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) Wagner's Ring: Forging an EpicThrough April 17 An intimate look at the creation of Wagner's masterpiece, including original music manuscripts. |
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Warhol by the Book
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Warhol by the BookThrough May 15 A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist.
Through April 10Exhibition of past three decades of 30 international artists whose works range in their approach to political, social, and cultural flux of our global landscape.
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
Silicon City: Computer History Made in New York
Through April 17
There is sure to be plenty of interest in this exhibit with all of the buzz about the Steve Jobs movie.
PIER 92 (12th Avenue at 55th Street)
Architectural Digest Design Show
March 17 through 20
Shop the latest in furniture, accessories, lighting, art, kitchen, and bath products; attend seminars by leading talent from the world of design.
Dining by Design
March 17 through 21
Brings together internationally renowned and local talent to create dining installations to raise money for DIFFA's work fighting HIV/AIDS.
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
ROOSEVELT HOUSE (47-49 East 65th Street)
Women Take the LeadThrough April 2 The newly remodeled historic Roosevelt House recently opened showcasing the first special exhibit featuring relics from women of the suffragette movement... from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Eleanor Roosevelt, Suffrage to Human Rights.
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Rick Meyerowitz in the
National Lampoon
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SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS (128 East 63rd Street)
Tuesdays & Thursdays For those that have a talent for sketching, stop by Tuesday or Thursday evenings for sketch night and see the latest exhibit. While there, check out Rick Meyerowitz in the National Lampoon, an archive of original artwork created by illustrator and author Rick Meyerowitz.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
FlatlandsThrough April 17 Pairings by five artists conjuring a sense of space that is dimensionless.
METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street) Affordable Art FairMarch 30 through April 3 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.
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CURTAIN UP
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FILM:
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie. A 3-course meal is followed by a viewing of this Oscar winning movie!
Through March 13 Rendez-Vous with French Cinema
Film Society of Lincoln Center (70 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The best in French film under one roof. March 16 through 27 New Directors/New Films
Film Society of Lincoln Center (144 West 65th Street) & 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. Two iconic groups together for one night only! March 20 TalkCinema
The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street)
General admission or season passes available; film series features new independent films... you won't know what you see until you arrive, but you'll be able to discuss the movie afterwards with directors, producers, distributors, critics and each other.
MUSIC & DANCE:
Mondays Rainbow Room
Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza) Don't miss Max Weinberg for dinner seatings on Mondays in November. Also, I l ove that they are serving a special Sunday brunch and dinner & dancing on Friday nights. It's an iconic spot and a must-see! |
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The Regency Bar & Grill
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Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
Friday Nights Friday Nights to Remember
The Regency Bar & Grill (Loews Regency Hotel - 540 Park Avenue)
Quincy Jones recording artist, Michael Fredo performs every Friday at 7:30pm... get the feel of old school New York jazz with a new twist.
Ongoing New York Live Arts
New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street)
Chelsea based programs feature the most innovative movements. Check out Lear through the 20th... Shakespearean tragedy with a deeply personal performance in the role of the riveting Lear.
Winter Season New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.
March 11 The New York Pops - 42nd on 57th: Broadway Today
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
The New York Pops brings the best of Broadway uptown.
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Snow White
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Through March 12 Snow White
Minetta Lane Theatre (18-22 Minetta Lane)
Company XIV, known for its unique blend of choreography, music, opera, circus, burlesque, ballet, and costume, performs this classic tale.
March 12 Ana Gasteyer: "I'm Hip"
Schimmel Center (3 Spruce Street)
A saucy selection of tunes from a sultry vocalist.
March 12 Whoopi Goldberg
Kings Theatre (Brooklyn)
An evening with Whoopi - who could resist?
Through March 13 Shen Yun
The David H. Koch Theater At Lincoln Center (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
A celebration of 5,000 years of Chinese music and dance in one evening.
March 15 Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
They will perform two premieres by Paul Taylor - Sullivaniana and Dilly Dilly, plus 14 Taylor classics and (for the first time ever), a work by Martha Graham - Diversion of Angels. Through April 3rd.
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Joan Osborne
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Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
An incredible performer... and don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.
March 18 through 22 NYC Improv Festival
Peoples Improv Theater (123 East 24th Street) Annual festival celebrating improvisation from all across the world.
March 19 The Temptations & The Four Tops
Kings Theatre (Brooklyn)
Two iconic groups together for one night only!
Through March 19 Flamenco Festival
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue), New York City Center (131 West 55th Street),
The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street)
An Andalusian festival taking place in three NYC locations.
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Harkness Dance Festival
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Through March 20 Harkness Dance Festival
92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue)
Five weeks of choreographers and performers presenting powerful innovations of contemporary dance. Through March 27 Bargemusic Winter FestivalFulton Ferry Landing - Brooklyn Bridge Bundle up to hear exceptional chamber music presented on a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge!
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
 Through June 16 LIVE from the NYPLNew York Public Library (11 West 40th Street) Annual Spring Speaker Series... check out the calendar.
THEATER:
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war.
Through September 4
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.
Blackbird Through June 12 Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street)The star-studded cast includes Michele Williams and Jeff Daniels; they will perform one of the most powerful dramas of the century. An uncomfortable relationship reunites between an older man and a younger woman.
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Bright Star
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Bright Star
Through October 9
Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street)
I have followed Steve Martin's career as an actor and banjo player for many years. I'm delighted that he has expanded his talents as the songwriter of this musical (with Edie Brickell's talents at work also). As he said in an interview, he wanted to create music that would be an anthem to optimism, writing songs that would bring joy to the audience. Buried Child
Through April 3
The New Group at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street)
Sam Shepherd's play will star Ed Harris and Amy Madigan (among other familiar faces) and is the first revival in two decades. The play focuses on the family's economic troubles as seen through the lives of an Illinois farming family.
Cagney
March 16 through July 3
Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street)
How exciting - this musical follows the life of James Cagney from the streets of New York to vaudeville, then to a Hollywood tough guy. Previews start March 16th, opens April 3rd through July 3rd. Through August 14
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) A Tony Award Winning play! The lead actor, a graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets. Daddy Long LegsThrough January 2017 Davenport Theatre
(354 West 45th Street)
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.
Dry Powder
Through April 24
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
John Krasinski, Claire Danes, and Hank Azaria star in this funny new drama. Tickets are currently sold out, but they may release additional tickets.
Through July 3
The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
Through October 9 Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play about seeing your parents through adult eyes.
Hamilton
Hold On To Me DarlingThrough April 3 Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street) Atlantic Theater Company's outstanding new play from acclaimed playwright Kenneth Lonergan examines the cost of fame, fortune, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Hughie
Through June 12
Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street)
Oscar winner Forest Whitaker makes his Broadway debut in Eugene O'Neil's theatrical masterpiece which investigates the themes of loneliness and redemption.
The King and I Through September 4
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara.
Mike Birbiglia: "Thank God for Jokes"
Through March 13 Lynn Redgrave Theater (49 Bleecker Street) Comedian, writer, and actor, Mike Birbiglia stars in a one-man-show of modern day joke telling. |
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Noises Off
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Nice Fish
Through March 27
St. Ann's Warehouse (45 Water Street)
Three time Tony winner and now Academy Award Winner, Mark Rylance, stars in a play about two fisherman waiting for the one last catch of the season!
Noises Off
Through March 13 American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) A Broadway revival of comedy chaos and embarrassing hi-jinks... starring one of my top performers, Megan Hilty.
Through November 20
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
Prodigal SonThrough March 27
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Oscar nominated director John Patrick Shanley hits it out of the park once again in an explosive portrait of a young man on the verge of salvation or destruction. Ruthless
Through June 18
St. Luke's Theatre (308 West 46th Street)
Called "the mother of all musicals," I've seen it and can attest... it's a hilarious show starring 10-year old Tori Murray.
School of RockThrough October 2 I'm a fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber and I'm sure there will no exception to the quality of his newest musical based on the film starring Jack Black. Shuffle Along
March 15 through October 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra MacDonald returns to Broadway. Previews begin March 15th, opens April 28th through October 9th.
Tappin' Through LifeThrough March 13
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) A song and dance musical starring Broadway legend Maurice Hines.
ON THE RADAR:
 March 20 The Father
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
The infamous Frank Langella stars in Florian Zeller's new play. I've always been mesmerized by him since his role as Dracula. Previews begin March 20th, opens April 14th through June 12th. March 24 American PsychoSchoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street)
American Psycho returns to Broadway as a musical... a carnal carnival of song and dance. Previews begin March 24th, opens April 20th.
March 25 54 Celebrates David Bowie
Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Some of Broadway and cabaret's top talents come together to pay tribute to the icon.
March 27 Sondheim Unplugged
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Annual event features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only, honoring the work of Broadway's master composer.
March 30 through April 3 1776
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
As part of Encores! Great American Musicals In Concert. Other shows through May 15th.
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Tuck Everlasting The Musical
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March 31 Tuck Everlasting The Musical
Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street)If you could live forever, would you? Take a journey you'll never forget in this new musical about love, family, and living life to the fullest! Previews begin March 31st, opens April 26th through January 1st.
April 5 through 9 Paulo Szot
Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
One of my top Broadway performers, Paulo Szot... Tony Award winner and former star of South Pacific sings songs from Gershwin and Lerner and Lowe. Tickets sell out; order early!
April 8 The New York Pops The Music of John Williams: From Spielberg to Star Wars
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
Celebrate the career of John Williams, from his 40-year long collaboration with Steven Spielberg to the recent success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
April 11 Mobile Unit: Romeo & Juliet
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette)
The Mobile Shakespeare Unit brings this classic tale to the stage! The Mobile Unit presents free Shakespeare to prisons, homeless shelters, centers for the elderly, and other community venues throughout the five boroughs. They then present the show at The Public Theater, providing New York audiences with low cost tickets to world-class Shakespeare.
April 13 through 24 Tribeca Film Festival
Various locations
Ticket packages are now on sale for this always anticipated annual festival. Individual tickets go on sale March 29th.
April 14 Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Try to grab tickets for any of the upcoming monthly performances in 2016. April 14 through 18 Martha Graham Dance CompanyNew York City Center (131 West 55th Street) One of my favorite dance companies returns to New York City Center celebrating its 90th anniversary season. April 18 through 21 Art of the RealFilm Society of Lincoln Center ( 10 Lincoln Center Plaza) Third annual festival featuring boundary-pushing nonfiction film.
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FOR THE FOODIE
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March 11 Choice Eats
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.
March 18 Sixth Annual New York International Pairing Series
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Part of a series of dinners showcasing the wine and food of a specific region. This event focuses on Argentina.
ON THE RADAR: 
April 6 Taste of the Lower East Side
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Unlimited tastings and open bars from 50 of the most acclaimed NYC restaurants.
April 16 & 17 New York Culinary Experience
The International Culinary Center (462 Broadway)
Hands-on cooking classes and discussions with 30 renowned chefs including Amanda Freitag, Carla Hall, and Gabriel Kreuther, to name a few.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: CITY GARDENS & FLORAL SHOPS
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Through April 17 The Orchid Show
The New York Botanical Garden
Much-anticipated annual show is now open at The New York Botanical Garden. Check out Orchid Evenings as well on March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16.
March 20 through April 3
Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street)
This year's theme, America the Beautiful, celebrates our country's vast and varied landscapes and tells the story through fabulous flora indigenous to each of our nation's regions.
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.
601 East 6th Street
One of the East Village's carefully maintained and lovingly cared for community spaces.
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!
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. 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. 1 East 70th Street Water lilies, tulips, magnolia trees, and a lovely Garden Court. 487 Hudson Street Behind the walls of this West Village garden, find peace and serenity among quiet. 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.
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Wave Hill
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The Bronx A spectacular 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River. West 89th Street An 89,000 square foot plot of tranquility.
TOP FLOWER SHOPS:
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Jane Packer Flowers
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My picks for top shops throughout the city.
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