A garden without people is a desolate place, even when it’s the extraordinary New York Botanical Garden. So how joyous an occasion it was when 675 garden-lovers arrived in the Bronx for the 30th annual Conservatory Ball, which raised $2 million.

To trek to the Bronx during peak rush hour requires patience, even when one is doing so in the comfort of a limousine or town car. So as soon as guests disembarked from their automobiles Thursday evening, a formal receiving line was on hand to reward them for their effort. Offering handshakes and kisses were the ball’s chairwomen, Mary Davidson, Maureen Chilton, and Ann Johnson, as well as the garden’s president, Gregory Long.

Then it was off into the night – surrounded by trees and fresh air and even insects. Boy, did it feel good to be out of Manhattan and participating in one of the city’s most beloved fund-raising events, often seen as the grand finale of the social season. People were relaxed and casual, walking about without a care.

And why not? Like the perennials surrounding them, the guests of the Conservatory Ball are familiar and faithful, returning to the garden year after year, awash in color.

As night falls, it’s time for some city living. The trumpets call, and everyone strolls into a beautifully decorated white tent behind the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Civilization has arrived: The flowers are in silver pots and hanging from elaborate chandeliers. The table settings have multiple wine glasses and knives and forks. Quickly, the naturalist is overcome by the veteran society type, as the guests coo at one another, make proper introductions, and clap for the ball chairwomen, the journal chairwomen (Cosby George and Beth Taylor), the junior chairwomen (Pauline Wamsler Joerger and Nathalie Gerschel Kaplan), ball chairwomen of years past (including Mai Henderson and Friederike Biggs), and many others.

Guests reveled in the night, dancing exuberantly to the Bob Hardwick Orchestra and devouring their dinners. Glorious Food went all out, serving one of its best meals of the year. The feast started with lobster meat nestled in artichokes, proceeded to fillet of beef with asparagus and corn pudding, and ended with the perfect summer dessert: meringue filled with strawberry sorbet and sliced strawberries, served with spun sugar and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Around 11 o’clock, guests began to think of the comfort of home, summoning their limousines and town cars to the entrance of the conservatory. The parade of cars up the driveway was sluggish, though. It was a somewhat ruffian end to a sweet evening, but, just like the flowers, guests are bound to return next season: The Rose Garden dinner dance is September 20.