Suzanne Flanagan is Group Tours Coordinator.

Guided tours give visitors an added boost of knowledge beyond exploring the Garden on one’s own. Each time I’ve embarked on one of our tours, I’ve learned bountiful gardening tips and scientific and historical facts.

That’s why I am especially excited and honored that Peter Kukielski, Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden Curator, has agreed to take groups on a tour of the award-winning, world-renowned Rose Garden during its spectacular fall bloom.

Peter’s passion for roses is inspirational. Over the past two years he and staff have replaced hundreds of roses with disease-resistant varieties, transforming the Rose Garden into one of the most sustainable public rose gardens in the world. Today 3,659 rose plants in 607 varieties thrive there. Earlier this year the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden was inducted into the Great Rosarians of the World™ Rose Garden Hall of Fame.

Peter will be available to lead one-hour tours of the Rose Garden on September 16, October 7, or October 14. Tours include a private tram ride to and from the Rose Garden. You don’t have to come with a group, as we are signing up individuals to form groups of at least 15. For more information or to sign up, call Group Tours at 718-817-TOUR (8687) or e-mail grouptours@nybg.org.

Groups Pampered with Private Tour, Luxurious Lunch

Suzanne Flanagan is Group Tours Coordinator.

When groups of 20 or more visit the Garden, they generally like to make a day of it. Who wouldn’t want to spend time relaxing in this beautiful National Historic Landmark? Reserve a Date with Nature allows you to combine a private tour of your choice with a delicious catered lunch.

This premier, all-inclusive package is a favorite among groups, many of which come back year after year and keep things fresh by trying different tours and menus. We handle everything for you, which makes the planning process a cinch.

Private catered lunches are held in an exclusive area in one of our on-site dining locations, the modern Visitor Center Cafe or the historic Stone Mill (which will reopen in September), eliminating all worry of seating and schedules. Menu options are specifically designed for group dining and range from assorted sandwiches to grilled buffet entrées with gourmet salads and hearty grain sides. This is no plain-Jane spread. Group members will leave smiling and satisfied, especially once they notice the dessert tray! read more »

Make Great Memories—the More the Merrier

Suzanne Flanagan is Group Tours Coordinator.

How many times have you seen It’s a Wonderful Life? A Christmas Story? Too many times to count? Rather than watch the holidays from a couch, break out your favorite festive sweater and create memories of your own with friends, relatives, colleagues, or others on a group tour of the Holiday Train Show.

Make a visit to this spectacular exhibition of twinkling lights, model trains, and replicas of New York landmarks made from plant parts a way of reconnecting with the special people in your life during this special time of year. Groups of 15 or more who plan a weekday visit receive a discount off the general admission price.

You may want to gather friends for a seasonal get-together or plan a day away from the office with co-workers or congregate with neighbors—come with any group of 15 or more during the week and everyone saves. read more »