Queens Botanical Garden

The Basics:

• 43-50 Main Street in Flushing, Queens; 718-886-3800.
• Public transportation: Subway — 7 Train to Flushing, walk south on Main Street; Garden will be on the right. Bus — Q44 bus stops at the main entrance.
• Car: Long Island Expressway to Main Street exit northbound.  Proceed north on Main Street approximately 1 mile; Garden will be on the left.

The Details:

An island of green along hectic Main Street, Queens Botanical Garden offers a tranquil chance to catch a breath amid the hustle and bustle of Flushing.

Growing from the “Gardens on Parade” exhibit from the 1939 World’s Fair, QBG straddles 39 acres between Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Kissena Park.  In recent years, the Garden has become focused on sustainability, green building and promoting ecological gardening practices.

Start a visit by checking out the green roof topping the eco-friendly Visitor and Administration Building.  Bees, dragonflies, and butterflies (like Monarchs) dance about colorful Purple Coneflower and Butterflyweed blooms.  These, along with several other native plants, continue around the entire building and lead to other gardens built around themes like herbs or roses.

Of course, birds certainly appreciate a green patch in the midst of this developed area.  Watch for American Robins bathing in the biotope and Mallards feeding in the constructed wetlands.  Other avian residents and visitors include White-throated Sparrows, Gray Catbirds, and Red-tailed Hawks seen in the Pin Oaks along the allee.

Probably owing to its very urban environment, other animal life is rather limited.  Still, Eastern Gray Squirrels leap through the lawn to the delight of children, and Italian Wall Lizards – a non-native species whose origins in Queens revolves around a few theories – scurry around plants in sunny locations.

While the Queens Botanical Garden is somewhat dwarfed by its larger counterparts, these acres play a very important role by providing green space for people, plants and animals. Besides enjoying a visit, consider helping the Garden by becoming a member – or volunteering!

References:

• Queens Botanical Garden, accessed at http://www.queensbotanical.org/

(Please note that while we make every attempt to list accurate information and directions, NYCNatureNews does not assume responsibility.)

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