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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Read MoreIt 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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