Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is pleased to announce its spring 2018 calendar of festivals, exhibitions, and other special events. Kicking off the spring gardening season on March 10 is Making Brooklyn Bloom, the Garden’s popular all-day symposium for home gardeners and greening enthusiasts. Opening March 22 is Pondlife, a new multimedia exhibition by Sally Warring that combines art and biology in an exploration of the microbial multitudes living in the Garden’s water features. Sakura Matsuri, BBG’s annual celebration of Japanese culture and the cherry blossom season, takes place this year on April 28 and 29. This New York City rite of spring presents the best in traditional and contemporary Japanese culture in homage to one of the most diverse collections of flowering cherry trees in the country. Now in its 62nd year, BBG’s annual Plant Sale takes place May 10 (Members’ Preview, May 9) and offers one-stop shopping for plants, expert advice for gardeners of all levels, and free talks by BBG curators. The Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest will for the 29th year reward beautification and greening of the borough’s communities this summer—residential and commercial blocks can enter the contest through June 1.
There is always something new to see at the Garden: Throughout the spring, visitors can join free daily Seasonal Highlights tours, follow one of BBG’s suggested itineraries, or take a class or workshop. For the first time, visitors can enjoy more of the peak bloom season at the Garden After Hours, with evening access every Tuesday in April and May. Brooklyn Botanic Garden continues to grow, with exciting new garden spaces and amenities under way. Read more about these new projects and the Garden’s renewal efforts at A Garden for the Next Century, online.
Further information on these and other 2018 programs at BBG can be found below or by contacting communications@bbg.org. For high-resolution images, please visit bbg.org/press.
SPRING 2018 FESTIVALS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Spring Hours and Free Friday Mornings Start in March
Starting March 1, Brooklyn Botanic Garden introduces free admission for all visitors every Friday from 8 a.m. to noon! The Garden’s longer spring and summer hours also return on March 1.
Spring Hours:
Tuesday–Friday | 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Kids under 12 are always free.
Free admission every Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Admission is charged at all other times.
For more information, please visit bbg.org/visit.
Garden After Hours
Tuesdays 6–8:30 p.m., April and May
The spring at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is not to be missed—and for the first time, the Garden will keep extended evening hours for visitors to take advantage of peak bloom season! After an evening stroll among the Garden’s vibrant daffodils, peonies, azaleas, and more, visitors can enjoy dinner, cocktails, and sunset views of Lily Pool Terrace at Yellow Magnolia Café. Tickets are $20. Learn more.
Hanami: Cherry Blossom Season
Spring 2018, pending budburst
Hanami, the season of cherry blossom viewing, is one of the most magical times of year at BBG, when the Garden’s iconic collection of more than 200 Japanese flowering cherries buds, blossoms, and finally creates an exquisite pink carpet as the petals fall to the ground. Visit CherryWatch for the latest on the blossoms.
Sakura Matsuri: Celebrating Japanese Culture at BBG
Saturday, April 28 & Sunday, April 29 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m
BBG’s legendary cherry blossom festival, Sakura Matsuri—NYC’s rite of spring and the nation’s largest event in a public garden—is a thrilling tribute to the Garden’s astonishing spring botanical display. The two-day festival features over 60 performances, demonstrations, and exhibits that highlight the best of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors/students with ID, and free for children under 12 and BBG members. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Plant Sale
Thursday, May 10 | Cherry Esplanade
BBG’s annual benefit Plant Sale offers the largest selection of affordable, high-quality plants in the metropolitan area, along with expert help from seasoned gardeners. A Members’ Preview takes place Wednesday, May 9. Learn more.
Spring Gala
May 31 (by invitation only)
BBG’s annual Spring Gala takes place in late spring on BBG’s famed Cherry Esplanade, with catering by Patina Restaurant Group, the Garden’s exclusive food partner. Late-night revelers can also join the popular Spring Gala After Party for dessert and dancing. Learn more.