Native Plant Garden

For New Yorkers passionate about sustainable living, local ecology, and connecting with the authentic natural heritage of our region, the Native Plant Garden at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is an essential destination. This isn't just another beautiful garden; it's a meticulously designed 3.5-acre landscape that celebrates the diversity and ecological importance of plants native to northeastern North America. It offers a vital glimpse into the flora that truly belongs here, demonstrating how these indigenous species thrive, support local wildlife, and contribute to a healthier urban environment.

Opened in 2013 and designed by the renowned landscape architecture firm Oehme van Sweden, the Native Plant Garden is a contemporary masterpiece that seamlessly blends horticultural beauty with ecological functionality. It aims to inspire New Yorkers to embrace native plants in their own gardens, highlighting their aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and the crucial role they play in local ecosystems, from providing food and shelter for wildlife to managing stormwater. For any New Yorker looking for inspiration, education, or simply a tranquil space to appreciate the beauty of our local flora, the Native Plant Garden offers a unique and enriching experience, serving as a powerful reminder of nature's resilience right here in the Bronx.

The Native Plant Garden is located within the vast grounds of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), which is situated at 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA. While the provided address "Bronx Park Rd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA" is a general location within Bronx Park, the Native Plant Garden is a specific, modern exhibit within the NYBG's extensive collections. Visitors should plan to enter through one of the main NYBG entrances to access this garden.

Accessibility to the Native Plant Garden, as part of the New York Botanical Garden, is highly convenient for New Yorkers utilizing various public transportation options. The NYBG is well-connected and easily reachable from across the five boroughs and beyond.

Metro-North Railroad: One of the most convenient ways to reach the NYBG is via the Metro-North Harlem Line. The Botanical Garden station is located directly across the street from the Garden's Mosholu Entrance, making it an incredibly easy and scenic journey.

Subway: The NYBG is accessible via the New York City Subway system. The closest subway stations include:

• B, D, or 4 trains: To Bedford Park Blvd Station. From there, it's approximately a 15-minute walk east along Bedford Park Blvd to the Garden's Mosholu Entrance. Alternatively, take the Bx26 bus east to the Garden.
• 2 or 5 trains: To Allerton Ave or Pelham Parkway stations. From these stations, it's roughly a 20-minute walk west to the Garden's East Gate. You can also take the Bx12 bus to Southern Blvd and then walk a short distance.

Bus: Several MTA bus lines serve the area around the New York Botanical Garden, providing extensive connectivity. The Bx12, Bx26, BxM4, and BxM10 are among the bus routes that have stops conveniently located near the Garden's various entrances.

The New York Botanical Garden, including the Native Plant Garden, is designed to be accessible. Pathways are generally paved and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though some naturalistic areas may have varying terrain. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the Leon Levy Visitor Center and Mosholu Entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid parking is available on-site for those who choose to drive, but public transportation is highly encouraged for convenience and environmental sustainability.

As a key collection within the New York Botanical Garden, the Native Plant Garden benefits from the comprehensive services offered by the NYBG, which are designed to enhance the visitor's experience, provide educational opportunities, and support the Garden's mission of plant science and conservation.

Key services and offerings accessible to visitors enjoying the Native Plant Garden include:

• Guided Tours: The NYBG frequently offers guided tours of the Native Plant Garden led by knowledgeable docents, providing insights into the plants, design, and ecological principles. These tours are often included with an All-Garden Pass.
• Informational Signage & Interpretive Displays: Throughout the garden, detailed signage provides scientific names, common names, habitats, and ecological benefits of the native plants.
• Educational Pavilion: An entry and education pavilion at the garden's entrance often serves as a starting point for learning, potentially housing interactive displays or serving as a meeting point for tours.
• Digital Resources: The NYBG website and mobile app often provide digital guides and information about the Native Plant Garden, enhancing the self-guided exploration.
• Horticultural Advice: NYBG's Plant Information Service (via the LuEsther T. Mertz Library) can provide expert advice on growing native plants for home gardeners.
• Continuing Education Courses: The NYBG offers extensive continuing education in gardening with native plants, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the subject.
• Restrooms & Amenities: Access to public restrooms, dining facilities (Pine Tree Café is nearby), and retail shops within the broader NYBG grounds.
• Accessibility Services: Wheelchair accessibility on primary pathways, as well as the availability of borrowed wheelchairs and accessible tram tours throughout the Garden.

The Native Plant Garden is a contemporary masterpiece designed to highlight the beauty and ecological value of plants indigenous to northeastern North America. It boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for New Yorkers.

Key features and highlights include:

• Diverse Habitats: The 3.5-acre garden meticulously re-creates multiple microclimates found in the Northeast, including shaded woodland, open meadow, and wetlands. This allows visitors to observe a wide range of native plants thriving in their appropriate environments.
• Extensive Plant Collection: Home to nearly 100,000 plants representing 454 native taxa (species and cultivated varieties), showcasing the vast beauty and diversity of the region's flora.
• 230-Foot-Long Water Feature: A central and innovative element of the garden is its serene, 230-foot-long water feature. This feature serves as a sophisticated stormwater management and biofiltration system, fed by captured stormwater and purified by aquatic plants before being recirculated over a series of stone weirs.
• Black Locust Promenade: A beautiful promenade constructed from the native hardwood black locust runs along the length of the water feature, providing an elegant pathway and showcasing sustainable material use.
• Wildlife Attraction: Designed to provide shelter and sustenance for local wildlife, the garden is a magnet for squirrels, chipmunks, frogs, and a colorful array of native birds and butterflies, demonstrating a thriving ecosystem.
• Four-Season Interest: Plants were selected for their beauty and diversity throughout all four seasons, ensuring that the garden offers visual appeal and educational opportunities year-round, from spring ephemerals to fall foliage and winter structure.
• Sustainable Design Principles: The garden embodies cutting-edge sustainable landscape design, including water filtration, erosion prevention, and biodiversity support, offering practical inspiration for homeowners and professionals.
• Collaborative Design: Designed by Sheila Brady of Oehme van Sweden, the garden combines a contemporary aesthetic with naturalistic plantings, creating a balanced and visually striking landscape.

As an integrated part of the New York Botanical Garden, the Native Plant Garden is accessible through the Garden's general admission and membership policies. While there aren't specific "promotions" exclusive to the Native Plant Garden, New Yorkers can take advantage of various NYBG-wide offers to experience this remarkable exhibit.

Common promotions and special offers that include access to the Native Plant Garden are:

• NYBG Membership: Becoming a member of the New York Botanical Garden is often the most advantageous way for New Yorkers to enjoy unlimited free admission throughout the year, including access to the Native Plant Garden during its bloom seasons. Memberships also typically provide discounts on programs, events, and gift shop purchases.
• Bronx Neighbors Program: Bronx residents often receive complimentary Grounds Access Passes, allowing them to experience the outdoor gardens and collections, including the Native Plant Garden, free of charge on specific days (Tuesday-Sunday and holiday Mondays) with valid proof of residency.
• NYC Resident Grounds Access Pass: On Wednesdays, Grounds Access Pass is free to NYC residents all day and to all other visitors between 10–11 a.m. On other days (Tuesday, and Thursday–Sunday), a Grounds Access Pass is available for purchase to NYC Residents only (proof of residency required, purchase onsite). This pass includes daytime access to outdoor gardens and collections, including the Native Plant Garden.
• Culture Pass: The New York Botanical Garden participates in the Culture Pass program, providing complimentary Grounds Access Passes on weekdays to eligible library cardholders who reserve online in advance.
• Military Discounts: The NYBG offers complimentary All-Garden Pass access to active duty military personnel and veterans, along with up to five family members, from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day.
• Student/University Programs: Students, faculty, and employees of Fordham University, for example, receive one free Grounds Access Pass per visit with a valid ID.
• Group Rates: Discounted admission rates are available for organized groups, making it an excellent option for school trips or community outings focused on native plants.

New Yorkers are strongly advised to check the official New York Botanical Garden website (nybg.org) for the most current information on admission prices, free days, and any ongoing special offers, as these can vary seasonally and based on availability.

For specific inquiries about the Native Plant Garden or the New York Botanical Garden, the following contact information is most relevant:

Main Address of New York Botanical Garden (where the Native Plant Garden is located):
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA

General Information & Ticketing for NYBG:
Phone: (718) 817-8700 (This is the primary general information line for the New York Botanical Garden, which can assist with inquiries about the Native Plant Garden and general garden services.)

Mobile Phone: +1 718-817-8700 (This number is the same as the main phone number, indicating a direct line.)

Website for New York Botanical Garden (for up-to-date information, hours, events, and ticket purchasing):
https://nybg.org

For specific questions about native plants or gardening, the NYBG's Plant Information Service (part of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library) can be reached at (718) 817-8681 or via email at plantinfo@nybg.org.

The Native Plant Garden at the New York Botanical Garden is an exceptionally suitable and valuable destination for New Yorkers, offering a unique blend of ecological education, inspiring beauty, and practical insights. In a city increasingly focused on sustainability and green infrastructure, this garden provides a powerful demonstration of how native flora can thrive in urban environments while supporting biodiversity. For local residents, it's not just a scenic escape; it's a living classroom that teaches the importance of choosing plants that are adapted to our regional climate, reducing the need for excessive watering and chemical interventions.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener looking for inspiration, a homeowner interested in creating a wildlife-friendly backyard, or simply someone seeking a tranquil space to connect with nature, the Native Plant Garden offers something for everyone. Its diverse recreated habitats, from woodlands to wetlands, provide a rich tapestry of plant life throughout all four seasons, making it a year-round attraction. The innovative stormwater management system is a tangible example of sustainable design in action. Furthermore, the Garden's extensive accessibility via public transportation and its numerous community access programs and discounts ensure that this vital educational and beautiful resource is available to all New Yorkers, fostering a deeper connection to our local ecosystem and inspiring a greener future.

Native Plant Garden

Bronx Park Rd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA