High Line

I just can't get the newly opened High Line out of my head after a stroll along the first section with a friend yesterday. I was entranced as I found myself a story or two above the Meatpacking and Chelsea neighborhoods among the artful interplay of modern design, urban decay, urban renewal, and natural plantings.

Railroad tracks are interspersed with grasses and perennials (like smoke bush and heucherra) befitting the origingal tracks and self-seeded landscape that emerged once the trains stopped running.




Lounge chairs befitting the neighborhood vibe.



Luxury developments going up, and parking lots below that seem destined for development in the next economic upswing.



There is something very magical about being there, with more to come.

Lush

While my son is sad to see the backhoes, forklift, mixer, and workmen leave Washington Square Park, the general consensus, which I share, is "hooray!". Never has a lawn in the park looked so lush.



















The relocated fountain is quite enticing, and the park gardeners seem to have used the opportunity to start fresh with new plantings which feature dense beds of a single plant such as hostas and salvia.















It was such a sunny day when I shot these photos, and I must admit that I'm hoping the sun is back to stay for while, even if I'll have to drag out the hose and water as a result.