Over the centuries, February 2 has gone from the pre-Christian festival of Imbolc (still celebrated by pagans all over the world) to Groundhog Day, where we can expect six more weeks of winter if a groundhog sees his shadow. This year gave New Yorkers inconclusive results: Punxsutawney Phil, the nation’s best-known groundhog, was said to have seen his shadow; but local favorite Staten Island Chuck (full name Charles G. Hogg) did not.

What we can say with certainty is that the cold, dreary days of winter are easier to take with a furry friend (but maybe not a groundhog!) by your side. Not only can pets be excellent social icebreakers, but they also make excellent companions during quiet days at home, as many discovered at the height of the pandemic and lockdown. Landlords and developers all over the city have come to recognize the power of the pet owner, as seen in new buildings with pet-friendly amenities and more lenient pet policies.

In the midst of all this, respected adoption organization Bideawee announced plans for a state-of-the-art adoption center at 152 West 24th Street in Chelsea. The three-story, 7,000-square-foot building is set to offer custom housing for pets, a surgical suite/treatment area, meet-and-greet rooms for adopters and volunteers, flexible office spaces, and a store featuring basic pet supplies and Bideawee branded gear. And in addition to the building, Bideawee bought an adjacent open-air lot to use as an Animal Enrichment and Training Center. The new center is expected to open in summer 2022; in the meantime, Bideawee’s Manhattan and Westhampton Adoption Centers reopened for walk-ins as of February 1.

Below, we take a look at garden apartments throughout New York that allow people and their pets to get a breath of fresh air at any time of year. We also present adoptable dogs and cats that are guaranteed to brighten up these homes.

From the Listing: Newly renovated studio loft with private outdoor garden! Residence 1H is conveniently located on the first floor on a quiet hallway. A large entry foyer with dual closets flows gracefully into the spacious and bright main space facing your own serene verdant garden. The modern open chef's kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, an abundance of storage space, and a cute breakfast bar perfect for entertaining. The smart layout offers complete privacy. The remodeled vintage-inspired bathroom features custom faucets and fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Garden duplex #1R is a well laid-out one-bedroom apartment with 1.5 baths. The apartment boasts a tranquil garden off the living room that spans almost 900 square feet. Outfitted with a mix of stone pebbles, wood, stone pavers and turf, this garden is truly an escape to be enjoyed year-round. The basement contains a nearly 300-square-foot rec room offering plenty of living and entertaining options. The sleek German kitchen is detailed with gorgeous quartz countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances, and designer bathrooms have been elegantly finished with black and white tiles and Delta fixtures. Additional features include Bluetooth connectable, surround sound speakers, hardwood oak floors, central A/C, and in-unit washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This gorgeous 1-bedroom 1.5-bathroom south-facing duplex condo is fitted with warm red oak floors in a striking herringbone pattern and sunshine pours in from your over-sized Pella casement windows. For sale from the original owner and never rented, the kitchen is designed with the modern chef in mind with walnut cabinetry, white quartz counters all paired with Bertazzoni and Bosch appliances. The bath is designed to create spa-like comforts with a deep soaking tub and rain shower waterfall heads. The unit also comes with a washer/dryer closet, individual room AC and heating systems and Sonos Sound throughout. There is a beautiful private garden and patio to grill and garden. See floor plan and full details here.

From the adoption page: Midge has just arrived at Bideawee and we are already fans of this affectionate gal. Midge is very demanding of attention, so if you think you're going to get your work done when she wants pets, get ready to multi-task. She loves to sink into your lap and make biscuits and have playtime, and definitely prefers it when she has company! Learn more and apply to adopt here.

From the Listing: Residence 1A at 204 Monroe Street is a unique, one-bedroom, one and one-half bath duplex within a boutique condominium located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant. With modern design and functionality at the forefront, this home offers unparalleled attention to detail, and a generous floor plan complimented with two settings of common outdoor space - a roof deck and a built-out backyard - perfect for enjoying nature's elements. Striking interiors are thoughtfully planned with clean design, modern aesthetics, and oversized windows inviting an abundance of natural light. The solid wood plank and steel staircase leads to the recreation room, perfect for many uses, and includes a half bath, closet and a second means of egress. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Residence 1F is an airy duplex with three private entrances, deeded Zen garden, and a fully finished recreation area for those seeking extra space for their work from home needs. As soon as you enter, you are welcomed by crisp hardwood plank flooring that leads you to your kitchen and dining area, overlooking a private garden through oversized windows. The two-tone kitchen features custom red oak cabinetry, Quartz grey countertops, white subway tiled backsplash, vented hood and stainless steel appliances. At the other end of the main level, you have a south facing bedroom which completes your floor, along with a couple of hallway closets and sleek grey-tiled primary bathroom. A tax abatement is in effect until 2042. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Welcome to 111 Montgomery, the first full-service condominium in Crown Heights! Residence 1B is a brand new 718-square-foot northeast-facing 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom with 895 square feet of outdoor space. Soothing palettes, natural materials, and a focus on bringing botanical elements into every aspect of the interiors and common areas. Features include 5' white oak floors, honed quartz sleek concrete countertops, an all-Bosch appliance package and Palm-Springs inspired baths with floor to ceiling stacked tiles and elegant matte black hardware. For a limited time, sponsor to pay a credit equal to 1-year of common charges. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Designed by SKIPP Architects for modern living, 415 Carlton's garden level 2-bedroom offers one of the only garden units in the entire building with direct access to the nearly 3,000-square-foot common backyard. It feels like it's your own! This home is a sanctuary outfitted with all-day east and west light; sprawling Scandinavian white oak floors, an open chef's kitchen complete with brand new Valor White quartz countertops; a vented oven; Liebherr, Electrolux, Zline, and Elica stainless steel appliances; oversized stacked and vented LG Washer/Dryer; and an impeccably designed bathroom with floating Kohler fixtures. Elevate your lifestyle with this aspirational renovation and unparalleled outdoor access. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: An outdoor space and garden lover's heaven! This 2-bed/2-bath garden brownstone home is the perfect marriage of a thoughtful layout, high end finishing, serene location and expansive outdoor square footage. A full gut renovation in 2015 and in pristine condition this high end home is move in ready. The vast living room offers a breathtaking exposed brick wall that spans the entire length of the living/ dining area, which is framed beautifully by the oversized windows that let in the flooding natural sun light. The open living area and kitchen make entertaining a breeze, but the star of this unit its sprawling split level private and serene private garden with built-in planters. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Garden B is a well appointed 1-bedroom, 1-bath Sutton Place oasis with a massive, exquisitely manicured backyard/garden and brand-new hardwood floors. All of the windows in the home face south, offering plenty of sunlight throughout the day, and the spacious living room looks out on the garden. The chef's kitchen has been totally renovated with top-of-the-line hardwood cabinetry, temperature controlled wine storage, a Wolf Range and an oversized refrigerator. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Welcome to 237 Devoe Street, a new development in the heart of Williamsburg. The duplex #1R features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private garden. Interiors feature 11-foot ceilings, a spacious living area, 5" wide walnut floors, generous closet space, central air, and in-unit washer/dryer. The open kitchen feature Bertazzoni stoves, Grey Carrera marble counters, stainless steel appliances, custom-made kitchen cabinets. The main bath features a deep soaking tub with Hansgrohe fixtures. Common charges are net and reflect a credit from the sponsor. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This peaceful garden residence is a 1-bedroom home that features 13' ceilings where natural light pours in through oversized insulated sound-attenuated floor to ceiling sliding doors by ALUMIL, and the 5-inch White Oak floors further illuminate the space. Ceilings are finished with polished concrete, prepared for easy lighting fixture installation. Your imported Italian kitchen welcomes you with a clean organic palate paneled in blonde wood complemented by modern white Corian countertops and backsplashes as well as top-of-the-line Bosch appliances. The massive private terrace comes with a stainless steel outdoor kitchen, offering a peaceful oasis in a bustling section of DUMBO. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Great opportunity to acquire this live-work duplex garden apartment in a boutique four-unit brownstone on tree-lined East 31st Street. Its main level has a great room featuring painted brick walls, two bedrooms and two and a half baths. The newly renovated open kitchen has stainless appliances plus an LG combo washer/dryer, Brazilian green granite countertops and a NEST-integrated HVAC unit by Trane. The private garden has landscaped stone, LED lights and waterproof outlets. High-end upgrades include a state-of-the-art video intercom, integrated LED light fixtures, home security system, refinished original brick (painted and glazed), working fireplaces with removable insulation for draft protection, commercial grade bamboo floor on the main level and commercial grade tile on the lower level. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: No detail was missed in this gut-renovated three-bedroom, two bathroom duplex with its own garden! The top floor features a spacious primary bedroom with multiple windows facing the garden and a spa like primary bathroom with Kohler finishes, heated floors, a heated towel rack and duel shower heads. On the lower level, the oversized living room is excellent for dinning/entertaining and leads to the garden. The chef-caliber kitchen has heated floors, plenty of cabinet space and stainless steel appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Nestled in the heart of the East Village, this beautifully crafted triplex creates the perfect sanctuary for everything from rest and relaxation to hosting friends and family. This is truly a one-of-a-kind three-story triplex apartment with not one but TWO outdoor spaces - a large basement garden and a ground-level terrace making this apartment a perfect fit for those who want to enjoy some fresh air and sunlight in the East Village. As if things couldn't get any better, both outdoor areas have nighttime lighting to create a romantic European Alfresco environment. The expansive apartment feels more like a house, easily fitting a sizeable dining table for dinner parties, an open style design for indoor gatherings, and a plentiful counter space. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Generously proportioned light-filled interiors and a phenomenal outdoor terrace make Residence 2A at white-glove Victorian in Lenox Hill a rare and special offering. This classic, elegant apartment boasts a gracious, flexible layout with 3 large bedrooms, office/staff room, 3.5 baths and expansive main rooms - perfect for relaxing, entertaining and working from home See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Welcome to your stunning new home at Astoria Park North! Enter into the fully-equipped kitchen, which features floor to ceiling custom kitchen cabinets, quartz Calcutta waterfall countertops, full-height matching quartz backsplashes, undermount LED lighting, soft close drawers throughout as well as state-of-the-art appliances, including a Liebherr fully-integrated refrigerator and a Bosch dishwasher. The open living/ dining area boasts oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with effortless sliding doors to your private outdoor area. Credit given at closing for the 2 years of taxes and common charges. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Located on a quintessential Central Park block, this home encompasses the original parlor floor and 21' wide garden of an 1893 Renaissance Revival brownstone. Inviting, loft-like Living Room features south-facing picture window, wood-burning insert fireplace, and home theater with exposed brick surround. The home is perfect for entertaining, with chef's kitchen tastefully framed by architectural glass, across from a spacious dining with pendant chandelier. The full-width primary suite includes a glass and marble bath with a shower and soaking tub, as well as an enormous walk-in closet. Approximately 400 square feet of outdoor space is spread between three spaces: an elevated balcony off of the second bedroom, a functional area below with water point and outdoor electric, and a huge 21' x 17' garden with irrigation system and custom lighting. Cats welcome, dogs permitted with approval. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Unit #1 is in excellent condition and is move-in ready offering 2 beds, 2.5 baths, and the opportunity for a third bed and bath. The duplex occupies the first level and garden level with access to a private backyard. The apartment lends itself perfectly to a contemporary lifestyle with a large open living space consisting of the living room, dining area, and kitchen. The residence is sun filled with 14 oversized windows. The modern chef's kitchen is appointed with custom lacquered cabinetry and stainless steel appliances including Bosch ovens and a Miele dishwasher. The lower level offers incredible space, over 675 square feet, to use to your desire. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Located on a charming tree-lined street, this garden triplex is the perfect place to call home. This spacious four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers an abundance of interior space and over 700 square feet of exterior space in your own private backyard. The upper floor is perfect for entertaining with a large open living room just off of the kitchen and dining areas. The kitchen has been outfitted with stainless steel appliances, a wine refrigerator, and ample storage. Both of the downstairs bedrooms provide direct access to the lower patio. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Extraordinary indoor-outdoor living and breathtaking designer style are yours in this contemporary three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex in the heart of the Chelsea Historic District. Arrive on the parlor floor of this historic townhouse unit and take in beautiful hardwood floors, swaths of exposed brick and 12-foot-tall, sound isolated ceilings. The expansive living/dining room invites you to relax and entertain alongside a custom linear gas fireplace and a wall of glass framing lush outdoor views or to watch your favorite show on the recessed 70' smart TV with surround sound speakers. Below, the secluded private garden features an expansive bluestone patio, gorgeous slat fencing and an integrated pergola, all surrounded by manicured, irrigated landscaping. This chic oasis is the perfect destination for summer barbecues and evenings spent gathered around the fire pit. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: The signature of this rare condo home, aside from its jumbo, lofted, double-wide, step down living room is its mega terraced garden. Enveloping and running the entire width of this rare and resplendent residence, the over-scaled, private, 'yard' is a beautiful green space an al fresco dining and play space ideal for grilling, gardening, and lounging. Featured dramatically from every one of its south-facing walls of windows, this picturesque terrace looms large. The lofty living room opens to the dining room, can easily host a grand piano, and enjoys easy access to the terrific terrace. See floor plan and full details here.