Spring in New York City - Believe it or not.

I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face. "  Langston Hughes

Spring in New York City...Bang in the face. What a lovely sight. I have never seen a People from anywhere who celebrate spring like in New York City...I was away on vacation visiting my daughter in NYC. I have snapped a few photos around the city to capture springs first breath, in pots, planters, window boxes, parks, and curb side delights...everywhere. I have so many things that have inspired me while in NYC, I cannot wait to share. But first Bang-Spring in NYC. 

Everyone is so anxious for spring.  

Even a typical dinner has planted pansies and tuffs of grass in exterior planters and as table center pieces. 

Boxwood and English Ivy sprouting from everywhere.

A few snapshots of a restaurant trying to capture potential clients attention. 

Love the imagination and trust. A few pine cones, birds nests and natural pansies on the street under a canopy of construction. 

Something I have never seen before....An Easter tree. It was such a beautiful display for a facade of a Restaurant. 

Making the best of the situation, these restaurant owners camouflaged scaffolding with birch bark and a beautiful spring display. 

A little bit of whimsical bamboo inspiration. Captured this display in front of a florist shop. 

Apple and cherry Blossoms naturally growing on trees everywhere in the city. The fragrant blossoms have been worked into every window display of banks, spas, grocery stores, florist shops, dress shops, private balconies and planters. I was so much in "awe" I  forgot to snap some pictures. 

The perimeter of Gramercy Park blooms with Yellow daffodils and spectacular Architecture. I stumbled upon this oasis 2 blocks from my daughters apartment. Manhattan is filled with little surprises hidden around every corner. A few snap shots of this historical park. 

Many actors, actresses and artists live in the district including Jimmy Fallon and Kate Hudson to name a few.  The Fashion designer Narciso Rodriquez has his studio on Irving Place and the Neighborhood is home to numerous models' apartments from nearby agencies on Broadway. NBC News anchor Ann Curry

 also lives in the neighborhood.

A touch of the New Orleans French quarter influence is very much in evidence on some of the architecture. The vines on this building must be beautiful in summer. I might have to return to take more pictures. 

Notice the cherub over the doorway. Most of the buildings were built between 1883 and 1905.

I have been trying to research this beautiful gilded turret.  No luck! If any one knows what building this is please enlighten me. It stands behind the Gramercy Park Hotel. It was such a dull day but this gilded turret sparkled and glowed like it was illuminated none the less. 

You must take a closer look at the stone work to the left of this building... 

Inspired by Edwin Booth – famed Shakespearean actor, founded the Players Club in 1916. 

The statue of Edwin Booth as Hamlet, by Edmond T. Quinn, was put in place at the center of the park by the Players' Club

Gramercy Park was enclosed by a fence in 1833, but construction on the surrounding lots did not begin until the 1840s,

 Landscaping began in 1838 with the hiring of James Virtue, who planted privet inside the fence as a border.

By 1839 pathways had been laid out and trees and shrub planted. Major planting also took place in 1844,  followed by additional landscaping by Brinley & Holbrook in 1916. 

The park is enclosed by a wrought iron fence under lock and key. Gramercy Park is only ONE of TWO private parks still in existence today in New York City. 

Only the surrounding residences paying a fee are given a key to gain access to the park. All my photos have been taken through the gates. 

 Notice the Magnolia trees in the background about to burst and bloom. 

Greg Wyatt's sculpture Fantasy Fountain (1983) surrounded by growing hedges.

This Park was definitely a great discovery. One of my greatest interests is to view, study and discover great landscapes.

Boxwood a favorite of mine, flank almost any or all the chic entrances of New York high rises. 

Ok we have our typical tulips and crocuses here and there springing up in Montreal, but to start planting Hyacinths, daffodils and pansy's in the city pots was a sight for my sore winter eye balls. Every 5 feet the city had an abundance of spring plants in every pot.

Believe it or not, during the 5 days in Manhattan I only saw One, yes count One stolen plant.  Some things are just sacred. Nature awakening after a long winters nap. It is coming our way, SOON, VERY SOON. 

My words to inspire for the Day!

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”  

 Henry Van Dyke.

Remember your words are my inspiration. Please leave a comment. 

Caroline


Linking to the following parties:
Southern daydreamer- Outdoor Wednesday