the high line: summer

Oops.

When I looked at my last High Line post I realized that I implied that there was to be a “late spring” post to follow.

Can you guess what happened?

Late spring.

A.k.a., weeks – I mean, weeks – of rain. And cold.

And then suddenly, summer.

So no, there was no “late spring” visit.

But I had two awesome summer visits.

Though I’m thrilled with the phenomenal success of the High Line since it opened five years ago, it’s been a bit more challenging to just take a leisurely stroll during the busy tourist season. I’d all but given up going during the summer months, yet I missed seeing the park during what is arguably the height of its season.

So I planned my visits for two separate weekdays – one early in the morning, the other in the late afternoon – and was pleasantly surprised to see that these were still relatively peaceful times on the High Line in summer.

Here are the highlights of those visits:

I love how the designers chose plants with seed heads as interesting as their flowers. And how those seed heads are not cut down after the plants finish blooming, but rather, left up through the season to provide a different – yet equally pleasing – aesthetic.

high line, nyc

After years of seeing the lawn roped off for “repairs”, I finally got to walk through it:

high line, nyc

For some reason I was more aware than ever of the architecture of the railway – in such sharp contrast with all the lush summer colors and greenery:

high line, nyc

And I never fail to notice – and appreciate – the “new” architecture – walkways and seating – as cleverly executed as the plantings. I even managed to snap a few “people-less” photos:

high line, nyc

high line, nyc

But ultimately, it’s all about the plants. And after a long, long winter and spring, walking amid the trees, shrubs and flowers at their peak was a total treat.

I love the use of cool, muted colors:

high line, nyc

And bright, vibrant hues:

high line, nyc

The trees – fully in foliage – provide lovely pockets of shade throughout the park:

high line, nyc

And finally, some summer “highlights”:

As a student of landscape design I have long been a fan of Piet Oudolf. It would be impossible to encapsulate his theories of planting design in a single post, but these pictures – which I was so thrilled and lucky to get – really capture some of the more stellar qualities of his work.

The way he uses large drifts of plantings that weave together, for a tapestry-like effect:

high line, nyc

His landscapes have been described as “painterly” – wouldn’t you agree that this planting looks almost pointillistic?

high line, nyc

Oudolf is also known for working with – not against – his surroundings. This photo of  flowers reaching for the sky – much like the buildings in the background – is one of my favorites:

high line, nyc

And finally – one of the hallmarks of any good landscape design is the use of plants that look beautiful over several seasons. These sedums do just that so beautifully. You can see how – even in one glance – this perennial goes through multiple, subtle shades of pale and dark pink. This is such a critical component to creating an experience that is so vibrant as you walk through the park:

high line, nyc

Labor Day (eek!) is this weekend, so I’ll be planning a fall visit soon. What’s been your favorite High Line season so far?

6 Comments

  1. Elizabeth Leach on August 29, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Looks lovely. I’m ashamed to say that I still haven’t been! I’ll go soon!

    • sherisilver on August 29, 2013 at 9:24 am

      Fall is the perfect time to go! 🙂

  2. Lynn on August 29, 2013 at 10:12 am

    Anytime we get into Manhattan is a wonderful time to go. My favorite spot to have a cup of coffe.

    • sherisilver on August 29, 2013 at 11:15 am

      I’d have to agree! 🙂

  3. Shalagh Hogan on August 31, 2013 at 9:29 pm

    Your photos are stellar, Ms. Sheri. I would absolutely love to return to your city and spend an hour in this lovely setting.Two new destinations. High Line and the Cloisters. Thank you for your eyes.
    Love,
    Shalagh

    • sherisilver on August 31, 2013 at 10:37 pm

      Thank you so much Shalagh – I will happily play “tour guide” when you come! 🙂

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!