The New York Botanical Gardens has transformed a slice of NYC into the inspirational gardens of Monet.  The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory has been recreated into the gardens that served as chief muse to the master of Impressionism, Claude Monet.   The conservatory exhibit includes hydrangea, violets, delphiniums and irises to reflect Monet’s home in Giverny, France.

Famous for his water lily paintings, the Botanical Gardens exhibit includes a blooming water lily pond and a recreation of the Japanese footbridge that often appeared in Monet’s work.  The Botanical Gardens reports they wanted to show how essential gardens were to Monet’s work as a painter.  Besides the actual garden, the exhibition also includes two rare Monet paintings, The Artist’s Garden in Giverny and Irises.

Monet’s Garden is now open to the public after three years of preparation.  It will run from May 19 to Oct. 21, 2012.