• The most wonderful thing about riding the train south in late March is watching the shift from winter to spring. It’s like time is sped up as I look out the window. The maple buds swell a deep red and the willows turn a lemon-lime color. By the time I exit the subway at Bowling Green station I’m vibrating with excitement to see the first gifts of spring.

 

My walk begins at the Battery Bikeway, which runs right in front of the Bowling Green subway entrance. It’s not meant to be a pedestrian walkway, but it’s a photographer’s dream, so I keep to the edge of the terracotta path, with my ears open for bikes. They’ll definitely let you know if you’re in the way!

 

I know how lush the Bikeway will soon grow to be, but all winter it has been twigs of brown and gold, with vibrant berry bushes. It’s hard to believe now, but this will soon turn into a shaded, flower-filled walk. My spirit lifts as I see Crocus and Daffodil shooting up like little flags that shout “We made it, its spring!”

 

The gardens in the Battery are lovingly cared for, I often see the gardeners on weekends, and it’s obvious how focused they are. It’s actually a big responsibility to tend these gardens – they’re the work of master Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf.

The Battery Urban Farm was created after eight students from Millennium High School asked for a vegetable garden back in 2011. It now serves 5,000 students from over 100 schools and produces thousands of pounds of food a year! It’s an active little spot on the weekends and gives me joy to see children with their hands in the earth.

 

The first flowers of the year start early in March. Snowdrops and Winter aconite are treasures poking out from last year’s leaves. I love that the leaves are left to provide a warm blanket against the cold winter winds that blow in from Upper New York Bay.  

 

 

The Gardens of Remembrance on the Upper Promenade is where I have my breakfast bagel. Besides the obvious view of Lady Liberty, it’s a surprisingly peaceful spot. The grasses almost surround the benches and offer a little solitude. It’s great for contemplation, and for observing folks taking selfies along the water’s edge. If I arrive early enough I see people fishing off the pier. I used to regularly see a man doing Tai Chi by the water’s edge but haven’t seen him in many months; I hope he is well.

 

These gardens used to be called the Castle Gardens, but were renamed in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This plaque lies where two paths intersect.

 

 

 

It’s amazing to me that such a lush flower blooms so expansively when it’s still quite cold at night!  Helleborus orientalis, Lenten rose, is actually a hellebore belonging to the buttercup family.

 

The delicate Iris reticulate, native to Turkey, Russia and the Caucasus. They’re so exotic and fragile looking, but there are many mounds of them in the gardens. If I weren’t here in the early spring I’d never get to see them. They’re definitely worth a cold walk!

 

Like little cups of butter. In the background is “Lady Liberty”, filling up with families ready to sail across the bay to visit the Statue of Liberty.

Look at the buds swelling on the Magnolia tree! Sights like this are what keep me coming back to the Battery every week – I don’t want to miss seeing those buds explode into gorgeous flower. The poignant East Coast Memorial is in the background.

And here is that Magnolia, two weeks later, against the wonderful 17 State Street.

 

A closer look at the velvety buds of the Magnolia. And oh, the wonderful fragrance!

 

 

I love the contrast of flowers against the glass and steel of the buildings, to me it just works. The SeaGlass Carousel is marvelous and I’m looking forward to sharing with you what it’s like to ride it.

The Battery Woodland has the most peaceful vibe. Smack in the middle of the park, but so well designed that you can feel the grace and beauty of each tree. In good weather you’ll find yoga classes and outdoor classroom activities.

 

The Battery Woodland, with 50 West St. (2016) and One World Trade Center (2014) rising behind it.

 

The lawns, called the Battery Oval are just open after their winter rest. In a few hours it will be filled with romping dogs. And it’s pretty cool that everything they use on the lawns is organic. I love this open space, and the lower Manhattan buildings behind it. It has a sanctuary feel, but there’s always something to see!

The Battery Oval

The Battery Oval before the crowds arrive. In the background, from left to right, are One Broadway (1882), the Standard Oil Building (1885), 26-28 Broadway and shorter Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House (1907) 1 Bowling Green.

 

Koreanspice viburnam, with the wonderful Whitehall Building (1902), 17 Battery Place.

 

One thing I’ve noticed about dogs in Manhattan – they are usually very friendly and sociable. In the suburbs where I live, dogs seem much more wary of people and each other, but here they seem to recognize the value of live and let live. Or, sniff and let sniff!

Saturday morning buddies, the Battery.  At right in the background is the Hugh. L Carey (Brooklyn-Battery) Tunnel Ventilation building (1941), 504 Battery Pl. It was used in the movie Men in Black for the location of their headquarters.

It’s still too chilly for much action at the Battery Bee Village. The hives are insulated for winter, but I did see two or three adventurous little guys buzzing about. This is a “feel good” stop for me, knowing that the Battery Conservancy provides this sanctuary for the rapidly dwindling population of honeybees. They must be so ready for warm, pollen-filled days!

 

Pigeon party at the Netherland Monument. Many street vendors throw out their scraps for the grateful pigeons.

The best of both worlds – flowers and architecture! Cherry blossoms against the magnificent Alexander Hamilton Custom House (1907) at 1 Bowling Green.

I’m ready to leave the park and see where my wandering feet will take me. I love all of Manhattan, but always start my day at the Battery. After the hustle of the train and the subway, its perfection of flowered paths and harbor views center me. I hope you will get there too – or, if you live in the city, will take a slower look. Every week there is something new to appreciate. I hope you’ll stick around and let me share the beauty of the city with you!

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