Central Park Conservatory Garden050

Central Park's only formal garden, the Conservatory offers six acres of flowering trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials.

The garden, which celebrated its 70th year in 2007, is composed of three distinct areas: The North Garden is designed in a formal French style; The Central Garden attempts to bring Italy to mind; and The South Garden is designed in the style of an English perennial garden. The south (English) garden includes a reflecting pool filled with water lilies and goldfish. In the center of the pool spouts the Burnett Fountain, which was created to honor author Frances Hodgson Burnett and features the statues of two children, Mary and Dickon, from Burnett's book, The Secret Garden.

This peaceful haven is a great place for frazzled moms and young children.

Tours: Walk the gardens with an expert on Saturday mornings from 11am to 12n, from early May through late October.