Summer Floral Escapes

The New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood includes 96 acres of specialty gardens surrounded by 1000 acres of woodlands. Visit often for a constantly-changing display of color and bloom sure to cheer your heart. You’re invited to wander and explore the miles of marked trails. The Botanical Garden is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm Garden admission is always free. $5 per car parking fee on summer weekends and holidays. Weekday parking is free. SUMMER CONCERTS 2012 this year on Friday nights at 7pm on the Concert Lawn (concerts moved indoors in inclement weather). Bring a lawn chair or blanket. $5.

The Shakespeare Garden, an enchanting hideaway that is a little known treasure in Central Park, where the only plants grown are those mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. View the Swedish cottage, which was built in Sweden in 1876 and replicates a 19th century Swedish country schoolhouse. Visit Belvedere Castle; view Turtle Pond and walk on Seneca Village turf.

Longwood Gardens: Set aside a special day (and evening) in summer to visit the beautiful Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Take in the spectacular color and blooms of the season at the outdoor gardens and 18 indoor conservatories. Enjoy the Gardeners’ Table Buffet in the Terrace Restaurant. This year for the first time, Longwood gardens has commissioned UK light artist Bruce Munro to present a debut, garden-wide exhibition, LIGHT! Opening June 9, this is Munro’s first garden installation in the U.S. and will showcase never- before-seen views of Longwood at night. Also do not miss Longwood’s renowned illuminated Festival of Fountains display to end your day.