Hit the great outdoors — well, as much of it as we have, anyway — to take sight of some beautiful blossoms.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
In April, wander through the cherry blossoms that will be in bloom during Hanami season, when, per Japanese tradition, all aspects of the tree are celebrated. On April 28 and 29, the Sakura Matsuri festival — the country’s biggest outdoor garden event — pays tribute to the blossoms. Come May, see the urban oasis’ new visitors’ center, which boasts a living roof. 900 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, www.bbg.org
Queens Botanical Garden
Opening days aren’t until March 31 and April 1, but you can check out a winter poetry reading and workshop on Saturday at the former 1939 World’s Fair exhibit. On April 29, catch the Arbor Festival, offering garden tours, bird walks and free admission. Through April, the garden is exhibiting “Vignettes from the Queens Project,” a look at the different cultures that call Queens home, as documented through the lens of photographer Audrey Gottlieb. 43-50 Main St., Flushing, 718-886-3800, www.queensbotanical.org
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
The Harbor in Bloom spring festival, taking place May 5 and 6, will feature free admission, garden tours, music and workshops on themes like how not to kill a houseplant (wouldn’t we all love to know?). Island Sounds, an interactive, multimedia exhibition on the diverse types of music based in Staten Island — from the Lenape Indians to Lady Gaga — kicks off the following week, on May 12.
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, 718-448-2500, www.snug-harbor.org
New York Botanical Garden
The Orchid Show returns for its 10th year through April 22, this time highlighting vertical gardens from French botanist and artist Patrick Blanc. But orchids aren’t the only celebrated flower here — the collection also features a multitude of ferns, epiphytes and exotic plants. On Orchid Evenings, you can take in the exhibit with a signature cocktail. 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, 718-817-8700, www.nybg.org
Garden art
Fifth Annual Sprout Exhibition of NYC Children’s Art
“From Apples to Zucchini” showcases tote bags hand-painted by New York City public school children in conjunction with The Horticultural Society of New York. After the exhibition, (on display through March 23), the children will take the bags home as a way to encourage their parents to buy fresh foods from local markets. 148 W. 37th St., 13th floor, 212-757-0915, www.thehort.org
