Welcome to the Neighborhood

Did you know that Rose Hill, the original Fordham University campus, is adjacent to the New York Botanical Garden? I recently found out that Fordham and the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) have been neighbors for over 100 years. It's one of the top-ranking botanical gardens in the United States and through Fordham you can get four free grounds admission passes. Why is it one of the top-ranking botanical gardens in the United States? Because not only is it a museum of plants, an educational institution, and a scientific research organization, it is also a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the largest in any city in the United States, well known by the beauty of its diverse landscape and wide-ranging collections and gardens.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the New York Botanical Garden with some friends, and it turns out the day we went they were holding a green market. On the pavement in front of the NYBG Mertz Library there were about half a dozens tents full of fresh fruits and veggies and various baked goods and quiches. We of course took advantage of the ability to grab some treats for walking the trails. We picked up raspberry almond bars, a tiny banana nut loaf, some golden delicious apples and then began our exploring!

  

We started down Daffodil Valley then turned onto Magnolia Way, were we saw the Oak Collection by the East Gate and the Howell Family Garden. Then we looped down towards Waterfall Trail to check out the Goldman Stone Mill, a beautiful three-story venue that NYBG uses for various activities. After we went up Bridge Trail across the Hester Bridge and went to see the Rockefeller Rose Garden, a member we ran into told us that a few roses were still in bloom and it was definitely worth seeing! Finally we made our way back towards the Mertz Library and went into to see the four sculptures of the seasons. Four amazing sculptures made up of various items from each season like wheat, vines, vegetables, acorns, leaves, flowers, fruits, and twigs! My favorite was the winter sculpture.

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Winter

Visiting the NYBG was an unforgettable experience! I suggest you check it out whenever you're in the area. To get your free ground passes through Fordham all you have to do is got to the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development to obtain your pass. Then you’re only a two-minute walk away from The New York Botanical Garden that offers major exhibitions and flower shows throughout the year, bringing in countless visitors.

For more information, visit:
http://www.fordham.edu/student_affairs/student_leadership__/rose_hill/information_desk/services_28608.asp