It may be hard to tell at times, but New York City has plenty of gorgeous green garden spaces.
LessThis lovely spot, which was built in 1854, is called Grove Court and is located on Grove Street in the West Village. It didn’t used to be the lush oasis it is today, but there’s no denying that it is now one of the city’s many hidden gems. It can be found near the intersection of Grove and Bedford (which is also where the apartment from Friends is technically located!). It is, however, a private courtyard so you'll need to know a resident to visit.
This gorgeous and green walkway is a unique apartment complex on the Upper West Side, between Broadway and West End Avenue. Unfortunately it isn’t open to the public, but if you’re one of the lucky ones to know someone who lives here, or get an invite of some sort, it’s an absolute must-see.
Located in Turtle Bay on East 49th Street, between Second Avenue and Third Avenue, Amster Yard is a New York Historical Landmark. It’s a L-shaped courtyard that dates back to 1949, and is named after interior designer James Amster who was also the founder of what is now Turtle Bay Association.
The atrium garden within the Ford Foundation on East 43rd Street is home to 39 species of plants, a lovely reflecting pool, and a sensory garden where you can touch and smell the plants.
Alice’s Garden is located on 34th Street and Tenth Avenue and is named after a resident that lived in the area for 50 years who would plant flowers and tend to them regularly. Her name was Alice Parsekian, and although she passed away in 2010 the garden itself remains, with a brick path to guide you through.
This public space is the perfect midday oasis, especially if you work in the area and can step away to clear your mind or to enjoy a peaceful lunch. Greenacre Park is located on East 51st Street, between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.
This community garden in Alphabet City is tucked away on 6th Street between Avenues B and C. There are no exact hours that you can visit, but as their site says “whenever a member is in the garden, it will be open.” So feel free to stop by and check whenever you’re in the area!
The garden at The Church of St. Luke in the Fields in the West Village is home to plenty of flowers and various plant varieties. Although it is technically a private space, it is open to the public as a community oasis.
This green space is located in a historic district that was named an NYC landmark in 1967. It functions as a communal backyard area for the homes on MacDougal Street and Sullivan Street, between Houston and Bleecker. There’s plenty of bench seating and even a playground for kids.
This community garden in Alphabet City is tucked away on 6th Street between Avenues B and C. There are no exact hours that you can visit, but as their site says “whenever a member is in the garden, it will be open.” So feel free to stop by and check whenever you’re in the area!