The Cherry Blossom Festival is this weekend, and in an attempt to beat the crowds I decided to try and sneak a peek early.

What I discovered is that I love the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. It’s beautiful and peaceful and a perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. (Although I hear that when it’s busy — free days — the experience is not as pleasant. So stop being cheap and pay $5 to enjoy the serenity).

View Whole Slideshow

You can also become a member for $40, which doesn’t seem like a great deal unless you plan on going a lot, but it really does change constantly, and you almost have to go once a week to see everything. (I’m not that into flowers myself, but some of you might be).

AND with membership you also get access to members-only events: first pick at the annual plant sale, extended hours for summer sunset picnics and a wine-and-cheese reception in the rose garden. How civilized of you.

AND you can impress your mom when you go home to visit, because membership at the Brooklyn Botanic gardens is also valid at almost any botanic garden in the country.