Summer is a wonderful time to visit the Conservancy Gardens at the northern end of Central Park. The perennials are in bloom, the greenery overflows, and the fountains spray a cooling mist onto the pathways. On weekends, you might glimpse a wedding party being photographed amidst the garden’s splendor. During the week, camp groups can be seen taking tours and there are always plenty of visitors relaxing on the benches, chatting, reading, and enjoying the peace and quiet.

Enter the six-acre garden on Fifth Avenue and 105th Street by passing through the ornate Vanderbilt Gate, which once stood before the Vanderbilt Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, now Bergdorf Goodman’s. Pause at the top of the stairway to take in the well-manicured lawns and hedges, the border of flowers, and the elegant geyser fountain that grace the entrance.

Turn left and you can explore the dazzling arrays of flowers that border the pathways. Tucked away is the Burnett Fountain presided over by Dickon and Mary from The Secret Garden (above). The water contains beautiful lily pads bursting with blooms.

Walk to the northern end of the garden, walk through one of several arched trellises and come upon the Untermyer Fountain of the Three Dancing Maidens. Clipped germander in ornate scrolls surround this fountain, while around the greenery are slanted beds filled with brilliant flowers.

The Conservancy Gardens changes with the season. So come now to enjoy the summer beauty and make sure you return in the fall.

For more information, go to www.centralparknyc.org