This is a beautiful book with superb photographs and informative text printed on high quality, thick bond describing 25 gardens open to the public in New York’s five boroughs.  From three separate gardens in the world-famous New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx to two of Central Park’s special gardens in Manhattan, from the Chinese Scholar garden in the Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island to the Noguchi Museum and Garden in Queens, and from Brooklyn’s 55 acre Botanical Garden and 85 acre Brooklyn Bridge Park to a small oasis in front of an apartment building on 56th Street, this book is a delightful stroll through beautiful, restful, and meditative spaces in America’s busiest city.  One of the consistent messages through the narratives of the gardens’ backgrounds is the critical importance of citizen action and public/private partnerships in saving green space in our cities.  The necessity of energetic, creative, persistent individuals and philanthropy is clear.   One comes away with a list of ‘must-sees’ as well as great ideas for planting in one’s own special place.  Highly recommended for a quiet evening by the fire as we enter the gray, cold time of year.