“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

Our most idyllic experience in Ithaca, New York, last summer was definitely at the Cornell Botanic Gardens which was created by and cared for by the Cornell University’s community. These cultivated gardens, an arboretum and natural areas make up one-third of Cornell University campus which is also adorned by many beautiful Gothic buildings and some boisterous waterfalls. Although Cornell University’s architecture charmed and delighted us adequately, we felt happiest sitting among or wandering around the flower and herb garden beds at Cornell Botanic Gardens. It is an oasis of freshness, beauty and serenity amidst the sprawling and unkempt environment surrounding this large university campus.

The Robison York State Herb Garden and Young Flower Garden within Cornell Botanic Gardens are two of the most beautiful outdoor spaces at Cornell University. They boast more than 500 varieties of herbs and plants arranged in 17 theme beds. David and I went there for the first time one early morning when our kids were playing their video games in the hotel beds, and I had such a wondrous time that we took our kids back to the gardens later during the day. I truly wish we were living closer to Cornell Botanic Gardens so that I can go there from time to time to becalm myself and to see their changes in different seasons.

When we were there the first time, we saw a man being completely absorbed in taking a time-lapse video of bees whirring around a garden bed, and David met a woman from Edinburgh, Scotland, who has lived in upstate New York for over 20 years. They talked at length about Scotland and about her love for Cornell Botanic Gardens.

Now, let’s soar above the gardens to briefly behold their extraordinary beauty from a bird’s-eye view with the help of this brilliant video:

Thank you for reading about our family adventures.