Visiting the Botanical Garden for the first time...

Any tips or suggestions? Anything I should not miss?

It's all wonderful. It's not too big... you can cover it in a few hours.

I agree, it's pretty small, you should be able to see everything fairly quickly. The reflecting pool area has a lot of pretty tulips up right now. The climate domes are cool too. If you have extra time consider stopping at the Brooklyn Museum, it's right across the street and is worth a look.

Yeah, you totally have time to wander through it all . . . although it did take me a few years to actually take all the paths around to some of the big old horse-chestnut trees.

I really like the water plants/fern/orchids, just to the right when you first enter the enclosed buildings and the mad mad world of bonsai, to the left.

VeggieQueen wrote: It's all wonderful. It's not too big... you can cover it in a few hours.

I highly agree. If the weather cooperates and you're alone or with good company (opposed to nature-hating complainers), you'll have a fantastic day.

I have been to both the Bronx and Brooklyn Botantical Gardens. Brooklyn's garden kicks the Bronx's butt. You might want to also check out the three kangeroos and 12 praire dogs in the near-by zoo that does not kick the Bronx's butt.

I visit frequently and I just meander since it obviously changes throughout the season (I will winter at the Museum). I have to stop and have the chicken salad sandwich...though this past weekend this was impossible so I broke routine and tried something new. I settled for a greek salad which was actually very good.