Conservatory Garden

The Conservatory Garden is the Park's six-acre formal garden, divided into 3 smaller gardens.

The quiet, calm atmosphere of the Conservatory Garden, officially designated a Quiet Zone, free from runners and bicyclists, makes it an ideal spot for relaxing afternoon walks or an escape with a good book. Along with Conservatory Water, Conservatory Garden was opened in 1937 to replace the original but quickly deteriorating structure that had been a part of the Park's initial plan. Comprised of three smaller gardens, each one has a distinct style: Italian, French, and English. The Garden's main entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate, on Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th Streets. This magnificent iron gate, made in Paris in 1894, originally stood before the Vanderbilt mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street. The Italianate center garden is composed of a large lawn surrounded by yew hedges and is bordered by two exquisite rows of spring-blooming pink and white crabapple trees. On the walkway are medallions inscribed with the names of the original 13 states. The northern, French-style garden showcases spectacular seasonal displays of spring tulips, and Korean chrysanthemums in autumn, all within an oval of Japanese holly. To the south is the English-style garden. There are five mixed borders of trees, shrubs and perennial plants, and five seasonal beds featuring spring bulbs that are followed by annual flower displays. A slope of woodland plants lines the western edge of this garden.