Spotlight on…The Secret Garden On The Upper West Side

Tucked away on the roof of a very ordinary parking garage on 97th Street, between Broadway & West End, is something extraordinary. It’s called The Lotus Garden. Hiding in plain sight is this piece of Upper West Side magic. High above the street level noise and the foot traffic below, this oasis of beauty has served as a community garden for its Upper West Side neighborhood since the early 1980’s. Venturing through the gate, up the stone stairway, and into the Lotus Garden feels like stepping into a fairy tale. You might be forgiven for expecting to see an elf or two, even a talking bird. What unfolds before your eyes is, in fact, a never-never land of sorts. There are turtle doves, peach trees, tranquil winding paths, and colorful fish ponds. And a gorgeous array of flowering shrubs, flowers and herbs, and charming seating areas to take it all in.

Part of the charm of The Lotus Garden, hidden though it may seem, is that it really and truly is fully accessible to the community. Its wrought iron gate opens to the public each Sunday afternoon during the milder months, and touring the garden is free. Community members are also welcome to complete an online Membership Form and pay the annual $20 membership. Members can access the Lotus Garden seven days a week (from Opening Day in mid-April to Closing Day in mid-November). They may also volunteer to help with the garden’s upkeep – the 7,000-square-foot space is divided into 28 plots.

History buffs may be curious about how this urban oasis came to be. The history of the Lotus Garden is beautifully documented on its website. It details the vision, persistence and successful efforts of community activists to intersect their interests with those of a local real estate developer. This collaboration led to the creation of this dedicated green space on the roof of an upper west side condominium garage, more than forty years ago.

There are many reasons to visit this neighborhood treasure before it closes for the season in mid- November. At that time, members will gather to plant bulbs and put the garden neatly to bed. From there, it does its underground winter work as it readies itself for the upcoming spring season. But before then, the Lotus Garden offers wonderful things to do! Treat yourself or your children to a visit of this enchanted space. Kids will appreciate the magic of it all and enjoy how kid-friendly the garden is!

There is a fun-filled Halloween Party on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. for children from all over the neighborhood. Harry Potter, Mr. Minecraft, princes, elves, and princesses – you never quite know whom you will meet! Whether it’s face painting, playing games, or making collages, kids will enjoy this annual event. The Lotus Garden’s website also offers families a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon – its “Secret Garden Adventure Trail Map” leads kids of all ages on a scavenger hunt of nine of the community gardens on the Upper West Side. You can find that 20-block walk of some of the Upper West Side gardens here. Kid-Friendly Activities – Secret Garden Adventure Map.

So go ahead and take the opportunity to visit this neighborhood gem before it closes for the season- you will be sure to enjoy it!