A Southern Garden in Fall

In much of the United States, gardens are closed for the winter.  The temperatures already get below freezing on many - if not all - nights, and perhaps the first snow of the season has already fallen.

But here in south Louisiana, the gardens are happy for a break from the summer heat!  The flowers are still beautiful, the "winter" vegetables are planted while the summer ones continue on, and the citrus trees are so full they're dragging the ground.

These pictures were all taken November 15, 2013, two days after our first 32* night of the year.  

The City and its Green

When we think of Manhattan, we often think of theater and shopping and tall buildings and lots of concrete.  In fact, I've never heard anyone say, "hey let's check out all the green space in New York!"

But truth be told, there are little splotches of green everywhere!

Sure there's Central Park ... as seen from the air ...

... or in the summer, from 59th Street ...

... or in the fall, near the Guggenheim Museum.

In fact, you could spend an entire week exploring Central Park and perhaps not see all of it. But there are so many other green spots tucked here and there. For instance, behind this stunning building is Bryant Park, though you might never see it if you just hurry by.

If you live in the city, you may want to live in a building with a rooftop garden. Wouldn't it be nice to have a glass of wine here after a long day at work? Or just sit, perched on top of the world, enjoying the summer breeze?

Or on this rooftop?

And if you're very lucky, you find fabulous gems like Union Square Park, where you can wait with friends for yummy places like Mesa Grill to open for brunch.

Although New York is concrete-laden and traffic-filled, there are places of peace and rest in between. Most of the areas are landscaped, rather than being filled with wildflowers, but they are lovely just the same.

Of course, if you want to feel the grass between your toes in the city, you may wish to skip Mondays.

This summer -- for yes, it is already summer here in south Louisiana -- my yard has played host to a lovely variety of dragon flies.


If you look closely at their cute little faces, they all seem to be smiling!

I am happy to report that they are joined by many other critters, too...

...unless, of course, said critters are enjoying my super-delicious Black Cherry Sno-cone!!

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Why do flowers seem so much more beautiful on a tropical island?  Most of the species I saw grow in my state, on my street, even in my yard.  Yet somehow - somehow - the mystique of St. John expands the beauty of each and every one.