Channel Gardens is a Magical New York Flowering Island

Most people don’t think of gardens when they think of New York City, but one of the most surprising things about the big Apple is how many hidden gardens there are throughout the city, even in the most densely built up areas.

One of the several promenade fountains at Rockefeller Center created by Rene Chambellan - photo courtesy of the family of Rene Chambellan

One of my favorite places smack dab in midtown are the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center. What is especially lovely about the gardens is that the flowers and shrubs on display are constantly changing with the seasons. In the early spring you can expect to see gorgeous blankets of tulips blooming, while in the fall there might be a weeping willow forest to greet you.

The gardens are found among the 14 commercial buildings found on the west side of Fifth Avenue, in the middle of the 200-foot plaza promenade. The beautiful gardens surround six granite pools of water, each adorned with a bronze-cast fountainhead sculptures. The sculptures are of mythological creatures, designed by renowned sculptor Rene Paul Chambellan.

The sunken plaza is watched over by the bronze gilded sculpture of Prometheus, by Paul Manship. At the foot of the plaza at Fifth Avenue is Atlas, by Lee Lawrie.

If you can come visit now, be sure to take note of the tropical 8-foot-high custom dragonfly floating above the bromeliads. In winter, around the time of the holidays, you will sparkling bands of red ribbons encircling the green shrubs connecting the lovely holiday angels, which were designed in 1954 by Valerie Clarebout.

Anytime you come is the right time. Don’t miss this extraordinary New York experience.