NYBG at 125: A Memorable Engagement

Posted in History on April 25 2016, by Matt Newman

Each day this week we’ll be celebrating the past 125 years of The New York Botanical Garden with a different story from one of our visitors—whether it’s a perfect day recently spent exploring our 250 acres or a treasured family memory that makes the Garden special. It all leads up to our official anniversary on Thursday, April 28!

Follow along as we share just a few of these many stories, then take a moment to head over to NYBG/125 and share your own memory for a chance to win an NYBG Lifetime Membership!

Karl Urban – Mt. Vernon, NY

Growing up in the Bronx isn’t the easiest for a kid so in tune with nature as I was. An eagle scout in the making, I spent many weekends camping with my friends and family. When my parents wanted to get me away from the concrete for the day, they would often take me and my brother to the Botanical Garden to get our fill of fresh air.

I soaked up as much knowledge as I could from my parents and the many placards throughout the park. There is even a rock in the Thain Family Forest I recognize to this day as my thinking spot. In high school I ran track on the Fordham Prep team, and we would often practice for cross country on the grounds of the Garden. Loving and knowing the area as well as I did at that point made the grueling practices meditative instead, a wonderful escape from the stresses of school. I would frequently stay beyond practice and enjoy my time amongst the trees, asking my parents to pick me up there instead of returning to campus.

Soon after in college I began dating my current wife, and one of our earliest dates was, of course, to The New York Botanical Garden. I showed her all of my favorite places, from the landmark Conservatory to the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. It soon became treasured to her as well, and we would return again to see the Kiku display in 2005, choosing to name our beloved kitten after the show.

In 2013 I knew it was time to ask this kindred spirit to take my hand forever. I could think of no better place to ask her this most important question than The New York Botanical Garden. On March 16th, 2013, I led her through the Thain Forest on a seemingly normal date. I recounted all the meaningful spots through my childhood and proceeded to add a new one. We became engaged on Hester Bridge in the last, light snowfall of the season. We soon returned to take our engagement photos throughout the park, and many times since to relive the memory.

The NYBG will forever be a part of my life, and a major one. The storied and sacred ground is a place where I have collected my thoughts and built my character since before I was even aware of them. Countless meaningful days have been crafted there for me, and I look forward to the days in the future.