Bear with me here--I do indeed mean that Bronx, which as it turns out is a place that is simply full of surprises!

Why else would it be a stop along the way on our upcoming Gardens of The Hudson Valley trip, offered in partnership with Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden?

Yes, we will be in the Bronx when we visit the glorious and vast New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). And the fact that the NYBG is there is no historical accident...

The Bronx is one of the most densely populated county’s in the United States and yet about a quarter of its 42 square miles is open space, including not only the NYBG, but Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park and the Bronx Zoo to mention a few treasured green spaces. Much of this land was intentionally reserved in response to a burgeoning awareness of the value of urban planning by New York's late 19th civic leaders.

So rural was this area at BYBG's creation that an astounding 50 acres of old-growth virgin forest including a pristine section of the Bronx River was incorporated into its design and is preserved to this day. (I'm not sure I even knew there was a Bronx River...and pristine I wouldn't have guessed...).

See what I mean, though? The Bronx is full of surprises...

And while we are on the NYBG, this 250-acre treasure simply has to be seen to be appreciated. The thumbnails above give but a hint of its glory. If you are ready for more then naturally we hope you sign up to come along with us this summer on our trip. But what if you can't come--or can't wait? Well, then here’s a link to an utterly charming and very watchable video on the NYBG.

Treasures of New York: The New York Botanical Garden

At 27 minutes it is a bit of a commitment I have to admit but I think I can promise that you will not regret this investment of time.

It gives a rewarding look at this sea of tranquility in a complex world--and, after all, isn't that what a great garden should be...a sea of tranquility in a complex world?

I think so but I hope you will come along to see for yourself--with us or on your own--this is not to be missed...