By Marjorie Flannigan MacLachlan, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Upper East Side Expert
Spring has sprung, and for Upper East Siders like myself, this is the perfect time to enjoy our “backyard,” Central Park, and all the natural beauty it has to offer. There are multiple gardens, trails, and ponds to explore. Whatever your heart is calling for—be it a weeping willow to read a good book under, a rowboating adventure, or an outdoor concert—you will find it here.
Like Dorothy says in The Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home.” And everyone is welcome to feel “at home” on the UES during arguably its best season.
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Let’s start at the northern end of Central Park at the Conservatory Garden, where a newly restored and charming English Garden is in full bloom. From there, enter the 40-acre North Woods, the Park’s largest woodlands where winding paths, charming waterfalls, and soft birdsong will refresh and restore.
Nearby at 103rd street, lay the North Meadow’s Butterfly Gardens. Further south, you will see the cherry trees in full bloom encircling the Reservoir.
Just west past Turtle Pond is the magical Shakespeare Garden near 79th Street, a four-acre garden resembling one from the 16th Century-and inspired by the great Bard.
Other top floral oases include: Wisteria Walk, Azalea Walk, and of course, the flowers and greenery surrounding around the big pond, where you can rent a rowboat to sail!
There are tours of all these beautiful spots, and many more, given by Central Park Conservancy.
Local Pro Tip: If you’ve already explored Central Park, Carl Schurz Park on East End Avenue offers East River views, several gardens, and a lawn in front of the Gracie Mansion that is perfect for picnicking!
