What used to be an ash dump in the late 19th century, is now a 52-acre urban oasis known as the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. The garden is located in the heart of Brooklyn, and welcomes and inspires more than 700,000 locals and visitors every year. Guided tours, seasonal programs, and educational workshops provide are available to the public.

Stroll around the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and you’ll find yourself transported to another world. Continue on through the Herb Garden, Cherry Esplanade, Cranford Rose Garden, and you might just spend the rest of the day wandering through the plant family collection. Speaking of which, you’ll find a truly extensive indoor plant collection inside the Steinhardt Conservatory; the Bonsai museum, aquatic house, and desert, tropical and warm temperate pavilions are among the attractions.