Every year for a few weeks at the end of April and beginning of May, New York’s cherry blossoms are in bloom across the city. Seeing the vibrant pink and white flowers sprouting from the trees is the perfect spring outing, and among the best places to do so is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The sprawling 52-acre botanical garden is filled with breathtaking views, speciality gardens and plant collections, greenhouses, and over 200 cherry trees. Many guests never stray far from the Cherry Esplanade, the lush green lawn flanked by long rows of Kanzan cherry trees on both sides.
On Saturday, April 30th, the Esplanade was packed with garden goers, eager to take in the cherry blossoms in peak bloom. Picnic blankets were strewn across the lawn as friends and couples of all ages relaxed in the serene scene, laughing, playing cards, munching on snacks, and taking naps. Some, like Emmeline Bien-Aime, celebrated her 63rd birthday in style at the garden, wearing a beautiful floral dress and a crown made of real flowers.
“I knew the cherry blossoms would be looking their best, so I wanted to do my best to dress for the occasion,” said Bien-Aime.
A groom twirls his bride to be before their ceremony took place after the Brooklyn Botanic Garden closed for the day. April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
A woman cosplaying as a Geisha poses underneath the cherry blossoms’ natural shade. April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
Siblings Eddie and Sarah play ‘keep it up’ with a volleyball, trying their best to not stumble into anyone. April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
Emmeline Bien-Aime wanted to celebrate her 63rd birthday in style at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in an outfit rivaling the beauty of the newly bloomed cherry blossoms. Her name means ‘beloved.’ April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
A young family commemorates the blooming cherry blossoms by taking a selfie with their newborn. April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
A young man busts a move for a TikTok, unashamed and laughing all the while. April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
Larry B, who comes to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden every weekend to do his crossword puzzles, was mesmerized by the blooming Cherry Blossoms. “Once a year they’re this beautiful,” he said. “I think it helps my game for sure.” April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
Siyu and her family introduce their newborn daughter to new smells and sights on Saturday afternoon. They’ve been coming every weekend for weeks waiting for the cherry blossoms to be in peak bloom. April 30th, 2022. Photo by Frank Festa
