Spring fling

FOR BACKSTAGE BEAUS

* Orchid Evenings: Broadway in Bloom at New York Botanical Garden (Bedford Park and Kazimiroff boulevards, The Bronx; 718-817-8700)

The New York Botanical Garden has set the stage for an evening of floral beauty with a theatrical flair. Starting a week from today, the garden’s splendid “Orchid Show: On Broadway” display is expanding its usual matinee schedule for a series of romantic Saturday night “Orchid Evenings.” Just a 20-minute Metro-North ride from Grand Central, it seems a world away from the madness of Midtown, and couples are sure to relax the moment they begin a tour of the Broadway-inspired show.

Start at the glass-covered Enid Haupt Conservatory’s reflecting pool, which has a massive orchid arch overhead, echoing the stage at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Want to make your date a steamy one? Tour the rainforests, with orchids peeking out here and there. Then, stroll through the fine floral finale — a hall of stunning, colorful orchids inspired by the New Amsterdam Theatre and accompanied by tunes from “42nd Street” playing softly in the background.

Newlywed Sunnyside residents Cara and Tim Ryan feasted on the beauty last week. “It was cool the way the orchids were kind of hidden throughout, and then at the end there was just a big blowout,” Cara says. “It’s a great little date spot.”

* ROMANTIC REPAST: Sip cocktails in style during “Orchid Evenings”: Your $30 admission gets you into the show, one free drink and discounts to various Broadway-area eateries such as B. Smith’s and Sardi’s. Or head out to The Bronx’s own Little Italy on Arthur Avenue for a tasty pizza at Zero Otto Nove.

* ADMISSION AND HOURS: “Orchid Evenings” are March 26 and April 2, 9 and 16, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 at nybg.org (you must be at least 21).

FOR LOVEBIRDS

* Bird-watching: Prospect Park (The Audubon Center, near Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance; 718- 287-340)

Want to get a bird’s-eye view of your own chickadee? Head out to Prospect Park any Saturday at noon for an “introduction to bird-watching” tour. Brooklynite Michele Dreger leads an intimate group through the park, home to 250 (!) species. Keep your eyes peeled for hawks, five different kinds of woodpeckers, ducks and more. “This is the best time to go bird-watching,” explains Dreger. “There aren’t leaves on the trees yet, so you can really spot the birds easily.

“It’s just a great Saturday activity,” says Dreger. “You’re out in nature, getting exercise and meeting new people. I find it extremely relaxing.” Plus, you can get your heart fluttering by stealing glances at your sweetheart through your binoculars.

* ROMANTIC REPAST: Pre- or post-avian adventure, have a perfect brunch at James (605 Carlton Ave.; 718-942-4255) in the quiet Prospect Heights neighborhood. We like the fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes over fresh blueberries ($10). The whitewashed brick walls, fresh flowers and soft Eric Clapton tunes in the background set a romantic mood. If you’re still feeling date jitters, wash them away with a Bloody Mary or “Bloody Maria,” made with a jalapeño-infused tequila. Both ($9) are garnished with seasonal pickled vegetables such as watermelon radishes, heirloom carrots and shallots.

* ADMISSION AND HOURS: Saturdays at noon. Free.

FOR THOSE CHERRY MUCH IN LOVE

* Cherry Blossom Festival: Brooklyn Botanic Garden (900 Washington Ave.; 718-623-7200)

You and your sweetie will be tickled pink at this annual monthlong festival as the 52-acre garden is blanketed in petals every April. Check the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s site, bbg.org, for up-to-the-moment progress reports on the blossom-budding of the 42 species of cherry trees. The cherry-blossom season — called Hanami in Japanese — culminates in early May with Sakura Matsuri, a two-day fun fest of Japanese music and dance (including taiko drumming), tea workshops, ikebana flower arranging and more. Taking a stroll as the petals fall around you is one of the most romantic ways to welcome spring, says director of public programs Anita Jacobs. “One of my favorite things is walking under the cherry blossoms as they come down,” she says.

* ROMANTIC REPAST: Nearby Vanderbilt Avenue has enjoyed a recent spruce-up, so take your pick from any number of new boites on the strip. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, don’t miss the adorable, French-inspired Joyce Bakeshop (646 Vanderbilt Ave., between Park and Prospect places; 718-623-7470). Pick up a sweet, fresh-baked pastry or a chocolate mousse from the cutesy cafe (chocolate is an aphrodisiac, after all), and bring it into nearby Prospect Park for the ultimate picnic for two before checking out the gardens.

* ADMISSION AND HOURS: April 2-30; open Tuesday through Sunday, hours vary. $10 admission.

FOR THE YOUNG AT ART

* “Space Available”: art exhibit at the High Line (entrance at Gansevoort and Washington streets; 212-500-6035)

A walk along the High Line was practically made for hand-holding couples. There are blossoming plants, stunning views of the Hudson and wooden recliners — perfect for two — throughout the former elevated railway. Now a public art show offers more visual treats. “Space Available,” which presents sculptures resembling billboards atop buildings close to the High Line’s southern end, is meant to intimate signs of the recession. “The High Line is perfect, because it allows you to access a view of the city you don’t normally get to see,” says artist Kim Beck. “The billboards make you more aware of what’s up there.”

n ROMANTIC REPAST: Walk over one avenue to Chelsea Market (Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th streets). There, enjoy a romantic meal at Friedman’s Lunch or cool off with a creamy Nutella-flavored gelato from L’Arte del Gelato.

* ADMISSION AND HOURS: Daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free.

FOR URBAN EXPLORERS

* Central Park Social Hour (Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues; 212-860-1370)

To see Central Park’s North Woods now, you’d never know, says the Central Park Conservancy’s Julie Palumbo, “it had a pretty bad reputation back in the ’70s as the most dangerous part of the park.

“But now, it’s beautiful, much safer and a really important habitat for wildlife.” So the Conservancy hosts a monthly happy hour with a green twist. “It’s a great way to enjoy the park with your peers in new ways that go beyond Frisbee players and sunbathing,” says Palumbo.

* ROMANTIC REPAST: The tour finishes up around 8 p.m., a fine time to check out the neighborhood dinner options. Try the popular French-Senegalese spot Les Ambassades Patisserie-Café (2200 Frederick Douglass Blvd.; 212-666-0078). This casual cafe can get crowded, so make a reservation. Don’t miss their dishes such as the lamb shank over couscous or mashed potatoes ($12.50). Also try their juicy hamburger Ali Baba ($9) topped with cheese and a fried egg.

* ADMISSION AND HOURS: Next Social Hour, April 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free.