Wednesday, April 22, 2015

City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York City on Earth Day 2015.

It's finally possible to find some city views that feature spring flowers.  I saw this curbside garden square about a week ago on my way over to Park Avenue to check on the tulips.


It was unusual for me to be in the middle of Park Avenue at midday, because of my past skin cancer history.  Every so often I do break my rule.


Although the tulip buds were not yet developed, the precise line up of stems served as natural sundial indicators.  I promise to return to take some pictures of the actual flowers in a few days, keeping my tradition of showing Merisi a reminder of her own New York days.

Yesterday I took a leisurely walk around Central Park and found abundant flowers.


It's always fun to walk though this arched underpass.  This time its echo amplified the jazz being played by a busking saxophonist.


The lawns are very green, there are still some daffs in bloom, and most trees have yet to develop their new green leaves.


In the above picture you can see Cleopatra's Needle surrounded by pretty pink cherry blossoms, a few tourists and some recycling receptacles.  (Not just for what was Earth Day Eve!)

The following picture gives an idea of the expanse of the Great Lawn where there are a collection of softball fields.


I continued my walk towards the Shakespeare Garden, and enjoyed seeing this tiny toddler running around on the lush green grass.  This might have been his first opportunity to do this solo run.  (His trusting mom was sitting nearby.)


Many daffodil varieties grow in the Park.


Looking westward across a graceful slope filled with shrubs, trees and daffodils.


This is another angled view of the slope.  Aren't all those greens lovely?


As I climbed the flag stoned steps to the Shakespeare Garden, I saw a few tulips giving that pop of red to the proceedings.


Once upon a time it was easy for me to bend my knees, and also to be able to get up again.  If it were still easy, I would have taken many more pictures of these dainty fritillaries.


More dainties.


This vista view was not taken while I was on bended knees.


Several couples were taking advantage of the very romantic setting.


This is one of the many small plaques planted around the Garden, each bearing a quote from the Bard.  I believe that this once concerns a bee and is from The Tempest.


There are some benches available for a quiet chat or even a nap.  There are also a number of politely worded green messages encouraging visitors to treat the Garden kindly.


Trees and shrubs were developing their own spring signals.


I always find nature inspiring.


Hoping that Sue gets to see this blooming quince.


Very tiny flowers.


The woven edgings gently partner with the suggestion on the green signage.


Unfurling is still in its early stages.


There are graceful curves all through this Garden.


It is possible to have a peek through some wire fencing and see the 79th Street transverse roadway and a yellow cab contrasting with sun dappled forsythia.


The quaint Swedish Cottage in the background is the site of a marionette theatre.


With the Cottage behind me, I liked the looks of these long tree shadows stretching up the rustic steps to the Garden.


As I left the Shakespeare Garden, I risked my mature knees once again to gain this photo of some very small daffodils.


Over the decades, there has been great naturalizing and expansion of the Park's daffodil family.


Here is a another view of the transverse, looking eastward.  There are sidewalks on the sides of the transverse, but I have always wondered why one wouldn't prefer to walk through the Park to travel east or west.


Lots of skaters and bicyclists and joggers were also on the move.  The Museum of Natural History can be seen in the background of this photograph.  It's just across Central Park West.


The next few photographs show some views of the woodsy Ramble, and the areas on the western edge of the Lake.


I thought that this view from the pretty bridge resembled a view from an open window.


Rhododendrons have joined the party!


On my knees again to catch the beautiful hellebores.


This lakeside bank has a mix of hellebores and bluebells.  And a few little branches for robins, sparrows and what I think were iridescently-winged starlings to have a rest, watch the goings on and perhaps spy a late lunch.


One more chance to see that bird on the branch.


Here I present the Central Park version of a romantic bluebell forest.


And here is proof that the Lake has finally completely thawed.  Its icy cover is gone.


In this view you may be able to spot some waterfowl on the bank, alongside he flowers.


Seasonal changes have been made to the refreshment vendors' stands.


The day had remained very sunny throughout my walk, and I was glad to see this mix of colors in a little area just inside the West 72nd Street entrance to the Park.


 Just across from this entrance is the famous Dakota apartment building.  The scaffolding tells me that the rich and famous who live there are currently being treated to the building maintenance that my own building has endured.  Of course, it is quite likely that the Dakota folks have other homes in which to shelter.


Here is one more view of a typical curbside flower garden.  These spaces truly do soften the angles of our city views.


It has been a pleasure to show you all some of the springtime evidence that has been spreading across New York.  I intend to take some more walks soon, and will most likely be sharing additional city views soon.

Thank you so much for your visits to my Easter Parade post and for your generous comments.   

48 comments:

  1. I bet that walk was a real treat - seeing all those spring flowers and fresh greens is a such a delight.

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    1. Mountaineer, walking through the Park is always a treat. There's always something new to see, along with many familiar sights. xo

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  2. In the middle of Manhattan lies the treasure that is Central Park. In one more week, mostly all the trees and spring plants will be in full bloom.

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    1. Yes, the Park is a true treasure. It's impossible to think of the city without its being right in the center.

      xo

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  3. Hello Frances,

    We can feel the joy of this post as the City awakes after its long hard winter. The tapestry of colours is wonderful, now with its early spring subtle shades but soon to be more vibrant as the season progresses.

    And, what variety there is in this green lung. The varieties of flowers, trees and shrubs are breathtaking and must make every visit unique since there will always be something new to be seen.

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    1. I think that you all would really enjoy Central Park. I'm sure you know that it has a created landscape, that lots of its rolling ups and downs, and curving shapes were not originally there.

      The Park is very large, and there are many acres that I have yet to include in my blog posts.

      I think it gets more beautiful every year, and am very proud to be a modest contributor to the Central Park Conservancy.

      xo

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  4. A gorgeous spring post, Frances....such a joyous time in your beautiful park, with so many shades of green, beautiful flowers and varied vistas to enjoy. Thank you for bringing it all to life for us with your lovely photos.
    Wishing you many more happy spring walks.
    Helen xox

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    1. Thank you, Helen. I am so lucky to live near the Park. There are many other fine parks in the five boroughs that make up New York. Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a gem.

      xo

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  5. Dear Frances, Those woodland gardens are stunning and so are your photographs.

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    1. Oh thank you so much Gina. I must remind myself to take my camera with me when I expect to be walking through other parts of Central Park, so I might show you more of the variety to be found. xo

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  6. I love the fact that there is such an enormous park right in the centre of such a huge city - thanks for a good look round. When we were there we met Elizabeth in the morning and had intended to walk Central Park in the afternoon, but it absolutely sheeted with rain.

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    1. Perhaps some day in the future you might have another opportunity for a walk in the Park with both Elizabeth and myself. I admit it's not quite such a pleasant place in the rain, even if those showers do help so much with the flowers!

      xo

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  7. Oh lovely springtime! Lovely pictures from your BEAUTIFUL New York...I must take a look again at all your pictures Frances :)
    Thank´s for your sweet comment about my flowers too, I´m so happy!
    Warm hug,
    Titti

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    1. Titti, I am so glad that you liked my pictures. Yes, New York can be a beautiful place...particularly in Central Park.

      Your own island seems even more beautiful to my eye. xo

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  8. Happy Springtime Frances. It certainly melts away the long winter when you see all the flowers and blossom on the trees. It was good to see all your photographs and know you have really enjoyed this walk, hope the knees are not suffering!
    I have been in my garden today, a beautiful day, digging and weeding and a little sitting admiring the views. The birds singing from dawn to dusk.
    Doesn't spring time feel wonderful? A lovely post. Millyx

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    1. Thank you, Milly. Can you believe it...as I type this reply, my apartment's radiators are hissing out heat again, and I can also hear some wind howling outside my windows? Hoping those Central Park flowers will still be beautiful tomorrow.

      My knees gave no complaints after that bending for floral photo ops.

      I'm hoping that the spring season of blooms will last as long as our frozen winter did.

      xo

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  9. Hello Frances,
    Today your flowers might be a touch cold &
    need one of your beautiful scarves for warmth.
    Lovely tour and photo's we both hope to be in the park
    Saturday for the Parkinson's Unity Walk, a yearly
    event.

    Mike & Kitt

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    1. M & K, I can hear the wind just outside my window tonight. Maybe tomorrow ...and the weekend...will return to warmth.

      Best wishes to all with regard to the Parkinson's Walk.

      Hoping to see you all next week. xo

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  10. I do like the 'keep out' signs, the instruction tempered by an explanation. Very civilised, very communal. And keeping out of the sun explains your English Rose looks, but with fine New York bone structure. Happy spring!

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    1. Yes, Mise, those green signs are well designed, and as someone who's been wandering amongst them for years, I think that they are effective.

      Ahh, how kind you are re English Rose looks. My original skin tones and bone structure might actually be courtesy of my Virginia roots...that might reach back a few centuries back to the UK. I only got up here to New York in the 1960s.

      Well, actually sunscreen didn't feature in my early years, but I was old enough to know enough to use some sunscreen when I visited the Riviera in 1982. I abstained, to my later regret.

      Now I try not to be too aggressive in my proselytizing about midday sun.

      Isn't spring an encouraging time? xo

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  11. I don’t know how long this walk took but you found an amazing number of sights to record. Isn’t spring wonderful, truly inspiring as you say.

    All it needs is paying attention and an eye for beauty and there’s always joy to be found.

    I know all about knees and getting up from them. Mine are still a bit bruised from the fall and it’s even more difficult for me to raise myself up after a (short) bout of weeding! I hate getting old and creaky!

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  12. Friko, my recent westward walk through the Park took a while because I wanted to linger at some spots and to take some photographs. Sometimes walking across the Park from the Eastside to the Westside takes less time than waiting for the crosstown bus and its stops along the way.

    And...if I take the bus, I can't see those flowers!

    Wishing that I were there to help you with that weeding. So far, my knees and other joints seem to remain remarkably pliant. Of course, this could change next week!

    xo

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  13. Such beautiful views and spaces you have. I love how such a park can be in the middle of such a busy city. Spring flowers are the best!

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  14. Su, when the last snow vanishes and those flowers start to bloom, the entire city gets a beautiful, colorful gift. Sprits rise and smiles appear. xo

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  15. It all looks rather splendid in the sun. And gloriously spring-y. NY fascinates me as a city largely because of the role the park plays in its life.

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    1. What you say is so true, Annie. Of course, each of the other four New York boroughs also have some beautiful parks to visit, too. All the same, there really is Something about Central Park! xo

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  16. Thank you, dear Frances, for this wonderful walk among the springtime scenes of Central Park!

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  17. I tried to write more, but my computer would not let me type anymore. So, here I continue:

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  18. Oh! I am allowed only two lines, methinks. ;-) Will try to come back another time. Big hug, Merisi

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    1. Oh Merisi, I am sorry that your message length got curtailed. Please do come back again. (I still have to get over to check on those Park Ave tulip blooms. Tomorrow. xo

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  19. It is lovely to see all the spring flowers in NY, Frances!
    The flowers are slowly coming here too, but we had a new round of snow today... Luckily it has melted now.

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    1. Thank you, Solveig. You know...it turned really cold again here today, and I am hoping that the temp will stay above the freezing point over night tonight. I'm feeling very protective towards all those pretty flowers! xo

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  20. Where else are rules for dear Frances, then to break!
    And because you did so...... for us what a joy to have a look at springtime in New York!
    Thank you, enjoyed it SO MUCH!!!!

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    1. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your visit. I've got some more NYC flower pictures to post soon.

      xo

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  21. Fabulous park photos. You wouldn't know that you were in a city in some of them. I love tree watching at this time of year and seeing trees gradually come into leaf.

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    1. Katharine, thank you so much for your visit. It truly is possible to forget about the city surrounding the Park when you're able to take a walk during a quiet weekday time. It's an entirely different environment at the weekends!

      Like you, I love watching that tree transformation process. It's magical.

      xo

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  22. I always enjoy your rambles in Central Park but this may be my favorite ever. Such a multitude of beautiful sights!

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    1. Vicki, it really was a glorious day for a flower tour, and made it a pleasure to get lots of exercise.

      Funny thing was that I didn't encounter any of the many Parks Dept. gardeners who put in so many hours of work to ensure the Park's beauty. I always like to give them huge thank you wishes.

      Of course, I am thoroughly enjoying visiting your site and following spring's progress through the North Carolina mountains. Lovely! xo

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  23. How lovely to be able to take a step back to early spring in New York with you. Our spring, at least here in the south east, rushed forward with a spell of very warm weather and so I have wisteria, apple blossom, irises and tulips all out together. Their progress may be checked this week by an icy Polar blast however. Thank you for taking the time to send us these pictures (and risking your knees!).

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    1. Lucille, thank you for your comment. It's interesting to compare the varying speeds of spring flowering, year to year, in various parts of the world. Our version began so late this year, it's great that the weather is still keeping cool enough to prolong those blooms. No iris or wysteria yet, but tulips are appearing. (I've got some urban location tulip photographs to post very soon.)

      My knees might be in a more limber state than I've imagined. I do get a fair amount of stretching and bending and climbing exercise while at work. Guess I just take all that for granted, even though it's a bit like going to a gym. Maybe. xo

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  24. How lovely to see so many photos - I do love the picture of the toddler venturing out across what must have felt like endless space. A big adventure for a small person!
    Spring in west Wales has been helped along by the recent sunshine although many trees are only just coming into leaf and blossom so it's interesting to compare views. As you know I've also experienced skin cancer and I'm equally cautious about strong sunshine these days - but it is lovely to feel some sun on my back after the cold days of Winter. Cx

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    1. Chris, my pleasure to share NYC spring with you! Yes, as long as we take a bit of care with the midday sun, its warmth is sooo good! xo

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  25. If I were so fortunate as to live in NY I am sure I would not tire of your beautiful park. Isn't this time of year the most wonderful? It makes your heart sing.

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    1. Val, I know that you would spend lots of time in the Park. There are acres of inspiration!

      Nice to hear the birds singing, too. xo

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  26. That was a delightful stroll, Frances. Seems that nature is more or less at the same pace here. I thought you were house hunting in the UK, any progress in this matter? Sending best wishes from Belgium.

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    1. Bayou, I am glad you enjoyed strolling along with me through the park. With regard to house hunting, let me say only that my dreams continue.

      xo

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