Queens Botanical Garden almost out of hibernation

From the Times Ledger:

The Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing has made it halfway through a short winter hibernation instituted for the first time in 2009 aimed at cutting costs in the face of declining funding.

The renowned cultural institution has suffered since the economic downturn from decreased government support, halved corporate donations and decreased foundation and public contributions, Executive Director Susan Lacerte said.

As such, the garden has closed for two weeks ending Jan. 5. The winter months bring the fewest people to the gardens and school is not in session during the two-week period, so class visits do not have to be canceled.