Queens Botanical Garden — Attraction in New York

We had high hopes for the Mother’s Day Brunch at Queens Botanical Garden — it sounded like such a lovely idea: brunch and tea in the wedding garden starting at 11am. Unfortunately, the actual experience was deeply disappointing and frustrating, especially for families with young children.

We arrived on time and were met with a long line of guests just standing in the sun, waiting to be let in. It was 40 minutes past the start time before anyone was allowed in, and there was no explanation or communication from staff. Meanwhile, we could literally see one of the employees inside the garden, casually eating one of the sandwiches that was supposed to be for the group. That pretty much set the tone.

When we were finally let in, the organization was clearly a mess. Guests were being awkwardly and randomly assigned to tables, most of which were fully exposed in the heat with little or no shade — not ideal for kids or anyone, really. And then…nothing happened. For almost another 90 minutes. No food. No beverages. No staff offering updates. Kids were melting down, adults were confused and increasingly upset.

I asked one of the employees if there was an ETA for food, and she actually said, “Yeah, there is one.” When I asked if she could share it, she replied, “I don’t know — I was just sent here 15 minutes ago to put on music.” (Spoiler: she couldn’t get the music to work either — just loud static.)

At one point, a guest volunteered to start bringing food out, and the employee said, “Yeah, go into that building and start bringing out food.” So my husband and that guest actually did — because otherwise, we still wouldn’t have eaten. It was surreal.

Nearly two hours after the official start time, they finally started putting out some crackers and drinks. Eventually, the entire event was such a flop that they issued refunds to all guests — but by then, the damage was done. Many people, including us, left hungry, frustrated, and with no chance of salvaging a Mother’s Day meal elsewhere due to holiday crowds.

This event was an organizational failure from start to finish. We understand that things can go wrong, but the lack of preparation, communication, and basic hospitality was unacceptable — especially for a ticketed event on a day meant...

Visiting the Queens Botanical Garden is a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, offering a lush escape from the urban energy of Flushing. Spanning 39 acres, this beautifully curated garden is a haven for nature lovers, with a diverse collection of plants, themed gardens, and sustainable landscapes that reflect the multicultural spirit of Queens.

As I wandered through the garden, I was captivated by the serene Fragrance Walk, where the air is filled with the scents of lavender, rosemary, and other aromatic plants. The Rose Garden was a highlight, bursting with vibrant blooms that create a picturesque setting perfect for photography or quiet contemplation. The Bee Garden and Herb Garden showcase the garden’s commitment to sustainability and pollinator-friendly planting, offering educational insights into the importance of ecological balance.

One of the standout features is the Sustainable Landscape, a living example of eco-friendly gardening practices, including rainwater harvesting, composting, and the use of native plants. The garden’s LEED Platinum-certified Visitor & Administration Building is a model of green architecture, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings while offering educational exhibits on environmental stewardship.

Throughout the year, the Queens Botanical Garden hosts a variety of seasonal events, from cherry blossom festivals in the spring to harvest celebrations in the fall, making each visit unique. The children’s garden and interactive programs make it a family-friendly destination, while the peaceful woodland areas and ponds provide perfect spots for relaxation and reflection.

For the best experience, I recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the gardens in the soft natural light. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as there’s plenty to explore, and bringing a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas can make for a lovely, leisurely day.

Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or simply in search of a tranquil retreat, the Queens Botanical Garden offers a serene and inspiring escape in the heart of...

I had my proposal in the Wedding Garden at Queen’s Botanical, and everything turned out beautifully. Kamaria was incredibly helpful in setting everything up and making sure the whole experience went smoothly.

We chose the Lovebirds Package, which included admission for 20 guests, parking for up to 5 cars, and 2 customized chalkboards with any message I wanted. The boards came out looking very professional. The package also comes with a bottle of wine, but since I don’t drink alcohol, they were happy to substitute it with a bottle of apple cider, which was a thoughtful accommodation.

The setup was amazing, they had the big “Marry Me” letters with fresh flower petals spread across the floor. You can choose to have your proposal at the Gazebo or Pergola (I picked the Pergola), and both spots are gorgeous. The Wedding Garden itself is stunning, with so many great photo opportunities by the Pergola, Gazebo, water features, and greenery.

Kamaria was also up front during the proposal to make sure it was a private event and that no one else entered the space.

Overall, everything went perfectly. If you’re planning a proposal or special event, I highly recommend Queen’s Botanical Garden; it’s a beautiful, memorable setting and the staff makes sure every detail is...