Spring Bloom at Descanso Gardens, March 17, 2025

Spring Bloom at Descanso Gardens, March 17, 2025

The last time I saw the spring bloom at Descanso was in March of 2020, right before the world turned upside down during the pandemic. I’m so glad we made it back to California this spring. I’d almost forgotten how the flowers and trees seem to bloom all at once. The day couldn’t have been more magical. But Descanso is a magical place.

This is where I learned to tune in to the subtle seasonal changes of Southern California. Having been born on the East Coast, I was used to more obvious and dramatic seasonal shifts. But the more time I spent at Descanso over the years, the more aware I became of the nuances. I learned which flowers bloom first in spring and how the orb weavers spin their delicate webs on late September mornings, foreshadowing the arrival of fall. When people say, “There are no seasons in Southern California,” I know they’re wrong.

While every season at Descanso Gardens is beautiful, spring puts on the most spectacular display. The garden transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, enticing scents, and fascinating textures – from petals to bark. Tulips bloom along the promenade in a multitude of colors, while a path of bright orange clivia beckons visitors to follow it through the enchanted camellia forest. Pure white calla lilies, with their intoxicating scent, stand tall under a canopy of majestic old oaks. Along the creek, azaleas and magnolias burst into shades of white and pink, while cherry blossoms begin to show their petite, delicate flowers, preparing for their turn to show off.

I walked through the garden slowly with my husband, retracing paths I’d wandered so many times before. Some of my familiar routes were gone – things never stay the same – but the garden has evolved beautifully over the years. The stately oaks still stand tall, protective and wise, and the green goddess calla lilies still linger by the pond. The crows gather near the entrance, waiting for their chance to snatch a piece of food dropped by a visitor, and forget-me-nots still bloom in a small patch if you know where to look along the camellia forest floor.

The sun felt so good after coming straight from a long, cold winter in New York City. The sound of birds was a sweet lullaby as I basked in the morning sunlight, closing my eyes and just listening – taking it all in, savoring the moment, being fully present. I took in a deep breath and let it all out, a weight lifting from my shoulders. I felt relaxed, happy and comforted as a warm breeze carried the familiar scent of chaparral and sage scrub filling up my entire being with peace. Finally, I was home, even if only for a little while.

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New York Botanical Garden, Orchids and the Beginning of Spring, March 11, 2025

New York Botanical Garden, Orchids and the Beginning of Spring, March 11, 2025

Today, I took the Metro North to the Bronx to visit the New York Botanical Garden. With spring just around the corner, I’m so ready for it after a long East Coast winter! I began my visit in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to see the annual orchid show. This year’s theme was Mexican Modernism, inspired by the work of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán (1902-1988). The display was stunning and surpassed my expectations. I loved how tropical flowers, bold colors, and cactus were brought together so creatively.

Crocuses were blooming all around as I wandered through the native garden and made my way to the rhododendron trail, where I paused to relax and watched a black squirrel foraging in the leaf litter. From there, I strolled through the rock garden, where I spotted hellebores, irises, and snowdrops. The air felt so fresh, and I couldn’t help but notice how much more I’m appreciating the scent of plants since moving to Manhattan.

Next, I ventured through the Thain Family Forest, and without even thinking about it, my pace naturally slowed down. I was completely alone on the trail. Just me, surrounded by nature. I took my time, soaking in the sunlight filtering through the bare trees, which will soon be full of leaves. It felt so good to have some fresh air and space. I spent a good chunk of my day just wandering the forest paths, walking along the creek past the waterfall, where the sound of the water drowned out the noise of traffic and sirens.

It was an amazing day. There’s so much to love about New York. The city’s energy is intense, but a short train ride can take you to a place of peace, like the botanical garden. I came home feeling energized, knowing that spring’s beauty is just around the corner.

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Brooklyn Botanical Garden, February 22, 2025

Brooklyn Botanical Garden, February 22, 2025

Spring is in the air. I can feel the shift. Snowdrops are beginning to bloom, one of the first signs of spring. I noticed beautiful witch hazel in vibrant shades of yellow and burnt orange. The pussy willow, set against the backdrop of a still-frozen pond, reflected the most magical shade of silver, like soft, fuzzy cat paws in the sunlight. Life beneath the ground is beginning to awaken. It won’t be long now.

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New York Botanical Garden, February 2, 2025

New York Botanical Garden, February 2, 2025

Today was a typical cold, gray winter day, but a great time to visit the NY Botanical Garden. The garden seemed still and quiet. Very unusual for New York. Maybe people were staying inside, tired of the cold winter days. It was peaceful. And although I enjoy these days when less people are out and about at the garden, I look forward to spring and the warner days ahead.

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Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Early Winter, December 27, 2024

Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Early Winter, December 27, 2024

This morning I took the 4 train to Brooklyn to spend quite time in nature at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Much of the garden is restricted now due to the holiday light show, Lightscape, which I highly recommend seeing. But there is still so much to explore. Seedpods, cones, berries, Winterberry, Holly and conifers stand out against the light dusting of snow left over from Christmas eve. There are endless textures and shapes; curves, spirals and brown stems. I notice the earth tone colors with a pop of red from Winterberry and Holly and the various shades of green conifer needles. I could spend hours studying the early winter landscape and noticing how the plants and trees take on a new display of beauty. I don’t cover much distance when I walk with my camera. It gives me permission to slow down, observe and take in the canvas of nature. Birds perch in flocks eyelevel in the shrubs and high up in the trees. I see sparrows, starlings, a pair of cardinals and a mockingbird. Even in winter, botanical gardens are a wonderful escape from the asphalt streets and towering buildings.

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Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Roses Still in Bloom, November 30, 2024

Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Roses Still in Bloom, November 30, 2024

It was a very nice surprise to discover roses still in bloom at The Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I couldn’t help but stand and take in the sweet fragrance knowing it would be the last time until they bloom again next year. The pastel pinks and yellows stood out against the brown color tones that are taking over for winter. I found a late blooming Foxglove which reminded me of spring when the carpenter bees would would be gathering pollen from the bell-shaped flowers. Some roses in the garden now bore fruit or rosehips which will serve as a food source for birds and squirrels. Many plants have gone to seed and the garden puts on a different kind of display. While some may think this is not a very interesting time to go to a botanic garden, I beg to differ. This living museum holds an abundance of dried flowers, seeds and plants. There are different shapes and textures to explore and discover. The birds are easier to spot as they dart in and out of the leafless trees, plants and shrubs. It is now time for the conifers to take centerstage, with their wintergreen needles and boughs.

I wandered through the different conservatories impressed by a magical display of Bonsai trees (which I should have photographed but did not - perhaps next time.) I entered the Desert Pavilion and came upon a Creosote Bush whose aromatic leaves took me back to my days hiking in the Mojave in Joshua Tree National Park. In that moment I felt grateful and happy knowing I can come here and visit this plant whenever I want to be reminded of my home in Southern California. The desert holds may wonderful memories. If I close my eyes and inhale the aroma of Creosote I can travel back to that beautiful landscape and dream of desert rain.

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New York Botanical Garden, Finding Stillness Under a Golden Maple, November 16, 2024

New York Botanical Garden, Finding Stillness Under a Golden Maple, November 16, 2024

The trees at the New York Botanical Garden were still holding onto their vibrant fall colors. It was a sunny day making their hues even more vibrant. After a very busy month of October, taking refuge under the golden leaves of a maple tree was a much needed respite. I felt a weight being lifted from my shoulders; a feeling of peace, content and relaxation. I stood under the maple for a long time enjoying the warm embrace of fiery gold hues and the sunshine that flickered through the leaves.

Fall is a bittersweet time of year. The trees put on their best display before saying goodbye for the winter when they take their life deep down into the earth to prepare for a long winter rest. But even after the leaves fall to the ground and begin to decay, there will be seedpods for birds and other critters to harvest and feed upon during the cold months ahead. Winter can be a very beautiful time of year. And while I do not favor the cold when it drops below freezing, I do enjoy the quite and peace of the winter season soon to come.

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Summer in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, July 14, 2024

Summer in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, July 14, 2024

Today was my first time visiting the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Because we are members of the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, we have a reciprocal membership with other participating gardens. This is a great perk and having a membership supports the work of the gardens. The garden occupies 52 acres in central Brooklyn near Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum. There is so much to see here. The garden has a number of specialty gardens including a Japanese Hill-and-Pond garden, Water Garden, Rose Garden, Native Plant Garden, and a Fragrance Garden just to name a few. The weather today was extremely hot and humid, and we were grateful to find shaded paths along the way. There are hidden benches tucked away beneath the trees in the romantic, Shakespeare Garden too where we could sit for a moment to cool off. We had a wonderful day exploring, and I can’t wait to come back again to see more.

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April 7, 2024, New York Botanical Garden

April 7, 2024, New York Botanical Garden

I woke up today feeling like I needed to see spring flowers and color. Winters are long on the east coast. New York Botanical Garden was just what I needed. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and Daffodil Hill was bursting with thousands of yellow Daffodils. Spring ephemerals are popping up, and the Magnolia trees are growing closer to peak bloom. There’s nothing like a botanical garden to lift your spirits after a long winter! The weather was slightly chilly in the morning, but it warmed up and turned into a gorgeous day.

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