For Tulips Only

Tulips in the West Side Community Garden

New York is a city of many things, and these include community gardens. Within each neighborhood or area of town, you will find miniature parks with greenery, flowers, herbs, outdoor furnishings, and decorative tchotchkes, created by the individuals who live there. My neighborhood, the Upper West Side, has in my opinion, one of the most beautiful parcels in the city. Less than three blocks from my apartment, lies the West Side Community Garden. I walk by at least once or twice per week, and I enjoy peeking in to see what transformation is happening.

Each year in April, the annual Tulip Festival takes place in the space on 89th between Columbus and Amsterdam. Locals plant thousands of tulips of different varieties and colors. It is a bright and cheery spot on an otherwise institutional block of 89th St., (two academic schools and Ballet Hispanico are located in the same block) and visitors from around the neighborhood are invited to gaze, sigh and photograph. Even dogs are welcome, provided they have done their business before entering. There is a sign requesting this.

Next weekend is the actual festival, but yesterday, I was in a tulip state of mind on Easter Sunday, and I ventured down 89th for a few photos. These images taken with my iPhone almost capture the essence of spring, symbolic in this greenway, and in the dozens of others throughout New York City. I suggest visiting in person if you can. We are proud of where we live, and it shows.

Posted on April 10, 2012