If you have never visited the New York Botanical Garden, I strongly encourage you to make a short, 40 minute drive into the Bronx and prepare to be amazed.  Founded in 1891, the garden is a National Historic Landmark and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in the tri-state area.

This summer is an especially great time to go because the current program is The Edible Garden, which runs through October 17th.  All summer long, the focus has been on growing and cooking food.  Best of all – every day there is a cooking demonstration in the outdoor, state-of-the-art Conservatory Kitchen, with celebrity chefs like Mario Batali and Rick Bayless.  You can view the full schedule of chefs here: http://www.nybg.org/eg/#cooking/chefs.

Spend a day exploring the immaculate grounds which span 250 acres.  There are 50 expertly maintained gardens and plant collections, including the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, Jane Watson Irwin Perennial Garden and the Luce Herb Garden.  The café serves delicious food and my favorite – the Rose Water Iced Tea.  Finally, the gift store sells everything from plants and seeds to cookbooks.

Visit the website to see what’s currently in bloom and for directions and ticketing information: http://www.nybg.org/. 

And of course, for great gardening books and cookbooks right here at the Darien Library just visit the Home collection on the second floor! 

Look below to see just a few of the new books you can check out:

Image courtesy of Flickr user amerune.