Thirteen years in, this is the rare botanical show that arrives with a whole cultural program attached: rare orchids shipped from Taiwan's growers, an artist-built installation you walk into, and tea ceremonies, ikebana and jelly flower demonstrations running alongside. It is one of the best reasons all year to ride the 7 train past Citi Field. If you want a Queens day out that photographs well and smells better, start here.
What to expect
You pay at the gate and move through orchid displays staged by Taiwanese growers and artists, with the new installation as the centerpiece. Workshop and demonstration tables run through the day — ikebana, dough figurines, jelly flower art, orchid care — and tea ceremonies and a diabolo performance punctuate the schedule. The rest of the garden's beds and meadow are open the same ticket.
Good to know
- Nearest subway: 7 to Flushing–Main Street, then the Q44 SBS a few stops or roughly a 15-minute walk.
- Queens Botanical Garden members get in free; non-members pay at the gate, with discounts for students, seniors and children.
- Workshops and demonstrations have limited spots — get there early in the day rather than at the end.
- Paths are flat and paved, so strollers and wheelchairs are fine throughout.
- Much of the garden is open-air, so bring sun protection and water for a summer visit.
- Good for families, plant people and anyone who wants to combine it with lunch in downtown Flushing.
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Common questions
How much is admission?
Non-members pay $8, with discounts for students, seniors and children. Queens Botanical Garden members enter free.
What is there besides the orchids?
Workshops in ikebana, jelly flower art, dough figurine art and orchid care, plus traditional tea ceremonies and a Chinese diabolo demonstration.
Can I come both days?
The show runs the full weekend, opening in the morning and closing in the late afternoon. Check the garden's page for the exact closing hour each day.
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