Brooklyn Bridge Park

As NYC continues its long recovery from the ravages of Superstorm Sandy,

it has been correctly noted that much of the development taking place in the past few years in the city has been on various waterfronts.  

One of our favorites is the new Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is still a work in progress. 

Ultimately it will encompass the entire stretch from Brooklyn Heights to Dumbo. 

But even now it already has some of the finest views of the Manhattan skyline that you’ll ever see. 

Meanwhile it actually weathered the storm fairly well thanks to a design focused on sustainability

which included a wise use of Mother Nature’s tricks to avoid flooding -- pilings,

recycled granite arranged with a slow decline to allow easy access for kayaks, canoes, and ducks

bulkheads, and even plant life that can absorb extreme amounts of salt water.   

As the powers to be consider options to defend NYC against the next storm it is providing some important clues to how we might avoid so much damage in the future.

BTW, the day these photos were taken we had an earthquake.  We were actually walking on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade when it happened.  I felt the shaking and thought “Gee I can’t believe that I feel the traffic from the BQE up here!”

Ciao

PJ

© 2012 PJ Lehrer

Embroidery: Coral Bouquet

This is another favorite from the Caribbean Fish Collection. 

Here’s the original embroidered piece.

And, I actually used the same orchid drawing as I did in the Tropics collage.

Ciao

PJ
 

© 2012 PJ Lehrer

Water Lilies & Lotus Flowers

In the dog days of August when it’s so hot and humid in New York that both people and flowers melt,

the water lilies and lotus flowers come into their own. 

These exotic little beauties add a touch of mystery to any pond.

 

 

In Central Park, the display in the Conservatory Gardens on 105^th street is especially lovely

and features a delightful statue with a bird bath that is a local favorite. 

 

There are also some pretty lilies in Bethesda Fountain. 

 

For lotus flowers, you have to head out to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. 

 

 

The main pond and fountain feature a wide variety of species

 

and goldfish for companions

 

so they delight adults and children alike.

Ciao

PJ

© 2012 PJ Lehrer

Fall in Central Park

Central Park is stunning all year round, which is why it is my favorite place in New York City. 

But it is especially breathtaking in the autumn when Mother Nature puts on an amazing show turning the trees into a riot of color. 

Since it’s also a nice time of the year weather wise there are always plenty of people out and about enjoying the views. 

Probably the most spectacular part of the park is Literary Walk, where the Elms turn a beautiful shade of gold and glisten in the sunlight. 

I’ve photographed it many times over the years, and often wished that I could get some photos without people in them. 

Well, that turned out to be a case of “be careful what you wish for.”  In 2011, we had a freak snowstorm (2.9 inches) on October 30. 

The heavy snow fell on fully leafed branches and created havoc. 

Sadly over 1000 trees were lost, and the elms were badly damaged. 

As a result they had to close the walk until they could clean it up. 

So I got my photos – which were lovely.  But they are tinted with sadness.

Ciao

PJ

© 2012 PJ Lehrer