City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York on a bright and sunny Sunday in May.

It seems like a good time to do a little review of some signs of Spring that I have recently been seeing around the City.

Every year I try to take a photograph of the beautiful tulips that fill the median spaces along Park Avenue.  The following view was taken specially for Merisi.

Over in my own upper west side neighborhood, we also had some pretty tulips blooming right in the middle of Broadway.

I've been making weekly visits downtown to the Union Square Farmers Market, and some of those days were very overcast, even a bit drizzly.  Mr. Gandhi did not seem to mind the lack of bright sunshine in this quiet little green garden area. 

Not very far away, there was much more hustle and bustle.  Because of our lingering chilly weather, there are not many fruits or vegetables for sale yet.  However, lots of flowers and herbs have appeared to inspire folks to try their luck at urban farming on a roof or window sill.

For other folks who lack even small patches of earth and sun, there are plenty of cut flowers on offer.

Lots of color schemes, some flowers with fabulous scents, too.

These hyacinths attracted many admirers.  The open "doughnut hole" shows that some admirers took hyacinths home.

My eyes are always drawn to the mosaic patterns of flat containers of colorful plants that one farmer arranges.

Back in the last century, Union Square had fallen into disrepair and was not a pleasant or very safe place in which to spend time.  The establishment of the Farmers Market really helped to transform the entire park.  What was once a scary comfort station building has this year become the site of a cafe.

Seating is also available outside in an area adjacent to where the farmers show off their plants.  Before long I do want to sample the cafe's fares.

Here are more varieties of flowers to tempt the passersby.

More interesting color combinations.

Some flower lovers have already taken slices out of this cake.

Lilacs and peonies are often displayed together.

Some of the flowers are displayed in the bright midday sun.  Others keep their heads cool under little tents.  I like the variations in the colors that the shadows create.

It is definitely iris season.  I saw mostly purple iris.

Somehow, this one peony had decided the had arrive to burst forth into petal grandeur.  I wondered how long the other buds would stay closed.  I was reminded of how one popcorn kernal starts the popping process.

Back indoors, I also wanted to show you all that I have finished another fair isle scarf.  Its colors are somewhat reminiscent of those in a persian carpet in my apartment.  I also think that inspiration for one color band of this design might have arisen during my Lenten chocolate fast.  It now reminds me of dark and white chocolate and caramel.

Here's a close up view.

I always enjoy playing around with colors.  Sometimes I am aware of why I am choosing a particular palette; sometimes I am not!  

Thank you all for visiting and for taking time to leave comments.  I am going to try to be better at replying to you all.

Happy Spring from New York City!