Last week, a friend and I got in our Zipcar and took a little field trip to the New York Botanical Garden. The Garden has always been on my New York City to-do list, but I’d never made it up there. I was not disappointed!

Founded in 1891, the Garden is now a National Historic Landmark and it is a true treasure. The grounds host numerous individual gardens including my favorites: the Irwin Perennial Garden and the Rockefeller Rose Garden, which was in full bloom and absolutely breathtaking. There are also hundreds of acres of natural landscape and forest, all with paths that encourage lingering strolls.

We were lucky to see the Moore in America installation, a collection of Henry Moore’s large-scale sculptures seamlessly placed throughout the gardens. It really felt like the sculptures had been specifically created for where they stood. I also loved admiring the architecture of the Haupt Conservatory—the largest Victorian-era glasshouse in America.

A definite stop on the trip was the Shop in the Garden. I’ve been told numerous times that the Shop is one of the best and a great resource for gifts and home accessories. Now, I can totally agree and make the recommendation myself.

For most, the planting season is over, but indoors or out, it’s never too late to fill some pots. Color was everywhere in the shop, and the garden pots were no exception. Here are some I loved (all available on their website):

Ceramic Herb Pots

These small pots add a pop of color to any patio, waterproof, $14

Tom Pots with Holes and Universal Orchid Pots with Slits

Made of terra cotta, I loved the washed white finish of these specialty pots, from $34

Glazed Ceramic Planters

Available in eight colors and a couple of sizes, these ceramic flower pots can be used indoors or out, from $16

Glazed Ceramic Cube Planters

A matte finish graces these contemporary 6-inch cubes, $12

Nova Eco Pots and Vase Eco Pots

Fabulous!! These colorful earth-friendly planters are made of renewable grain husks, resistant to freezing, and are heat-insulating, available in multiple sizes and eight colors, from $6

White Porcelain Pots

While they may look too pretty to use, these delicate beauties are ready to work with drainage holes and footed saucers, $58-$128

Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb. Whether shopping for yourself or a friend, there are plenty of other amazingly designed things to choose from. How fun are these?!

Bicycle Basket

Bright green bicycle basket, made of plastic in Sweden, $54

Light Bulb Oil Lamp

Designed and made in Germany, bulb is made of a special opal glass, which looks clear when filled with oil and frosted when empty, $98

Gingko Leaf Tray

Hand-printed fabric is laminated between vinyl sheets to create this pretty handmade tray, $110

Visit the Shop’s website to see all of their unique offerings and the next time you’re in New York, be sure to stop by the Garden.

—Jennifer Kopf

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