Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is 52 acres of gardens established in 1897.  The Japanese Garden was completed in 1915,

designed by Takeo Shiota.

In May the Bluebell Wood is in flower

with Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica).

Japanese Wisteria is

blooming on a pergola.

Rhododendrons are also in bloom.

Jacaranda

This is the time of year Jacaranda mimosafolia is blooming.

I have one,

and it is a common street 

and garden tree.

It is native to South America and most often blooms before the new leaves come in.

Blooming in my Neighborhood

Rockroses, or Cistus, native to the Mediterranean, are blooming  

in several

colors.

Echium candicans, also native to the Mediterranean.

Columbine or Aquilegia chrysantha, an American native.

Thunbergia, sometimes called Black Eyed Susan Vine, native to Africa.

Cymbidiums

Cymbidiums, native to subtropical and tropical Asia, are blooming now in my garden.

Their name is derived from the Latin name for boat, so they are sometimes call Boat Orchids.

These are the flowers used for corsages because they are so long lasting.

Besides the white ones, I have a greenish brown,

and pink.

Visit to the Hammer Museum

This is a weaving by Anni Albers from an exhibition of art from Black Mountain College in North Carolina.  The college operated for 24 years beginning in 1933.

A painting by Josef Albers who was a founding teacher at the school, with his wife Anni.  The classes included: painting, sculpture, music, dance, theatre, weaving, poetry and pottery.

This is a painting by student, Kenneth Noland, who became a well known artist.

Other artworks by teacher and students are: W. Pete Jennerjahn,

Jacob Lawrence,

Pat Passlof,

Ruth Asawa,

Franz Kline,

and Robert Rauschenberg.

Roses Blooming in my Neighborhood

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day, a good day to make lunch from the garden with:

arugula,

avocados,

Nasturtiums,

and fava beans 

in a salad.