Last week I set out to do something off my beaten path. I hoofed it up to 105th Street to take in one of the loveliest gardens in Manhattan that’s not hidden behind a locked gate. (I’m looking at you, Grammercy Park.)

Conservatory Garden is in the upper right-hand corner of Central Park, and it’s free for all to enjoy. The garden is actually three gardens on six acres, each representing a different style.

The weather was perfect with not a cloud in the sky. I had some areas of the garden all to myself. I ended at the Harlem Meer under the shade of an elm. Well worth the trip!

 

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Crabapple trees in bloom. Image via Wikicommons.

Vanderbilt Gate

Vanderbilt Gate at the main entrance to the Conservatory Garden. These gates once stood at the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue. When the mansion was torn down, the gates were moved here.

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The Vanderbilt Mansion. The magnificent carriage gates opened onto 58th Street — photo NYPL Collection

 

 

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This shaded colonnade overlooks the main fountain in the center garden.

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This reflecting pool commemorates the children’s book The Secret Garden. In the springtime, you can find water lilies in the pond.

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Love this archway and the white roses entwined. There are four of these archways. This section of the garden has rows of hedges clipped into complicated patterns.

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All archways lead to the Untermyer Fountain. The sculpture is called Three Dancing Maidens.

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Can someone please tell me the name of these flowers?

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The Harlem Meer. This pond widens out from this point at the northern edge of Central Park.

 

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These juvenile mallard ducks say thanks for stopping by.

 

Hope you enjoyed the tour. Have a great weekend, everyone! 

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