The Shakespeare Garden is Central Park's
only rock garden.
Inaugurated in 1916 on the 300th
anniversary of Shakespeare's death,
this cottage rock garden features plants
and flowers that replicate those in the
garden at the poet's home in
Stratford-upon-Avon.
Bronze plaques with the quotations from
the bard's great masterpieces line the
winding paths adding a true bit of poetry
to any romantic stroll through this spiritual
space.
Draped on the hillside between the Swedish
Cottage to the west and the peak of Vista Rock
and Belvedere Castle to the east it covers
4-acres that at various times of the year are
dotted with flowers and unique plants.
The main garden path, which initiates a steep
climb from the Cottage grounds, meanders
through the central garden area and continues
east until it reaches the summit of the rock.
On its slope to the north of the cottage another
path leads along a flower lined route to the Delacorte Theater.
Shakespeare Garden remains a haven for
those seeking the solitude of a truly sanctified
and peaceful experience as they sit on the log
bench perched high on the hill and look down
at the Cottage and exotic plants and flowers
that border the winding path below.
Known as a sanctuary for birds many Park
visitors bring their binoculars here to search
for unusual species.
