In November I visited New York for the first time with my fiance. He wasn't my fiance when we arrived, but more on that later!
Way at the top of my list of places I wanted to visit was The High Line. If you don't already know, The High Line is a 1.45mile-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. It used to look like this...
In 2006 work began to transform this derelict railroad into a public space and it's first section opened in 2009 with later sections following in 2011 and 2014. It's now home to over 500 plant species and as of 2014 welcomes nearly 5 million visitors annually.
I'd seen photos of how the High Line looks now, like below, and couldn't wait to see it!
I love the way the slim plank paving has been used to draw you through the space and mimic railway sleepers and was looking forward to seeing the benches in reality as they appeared to float in photos!
Contemporary art features along the linear park and provides interesting talking points. If I lived in New York, I'd love the fact my local park changed regularly, not just with the seasons! Here is one of the pieces on display during our visit, by Dorothy Lannone, "I Lift My Lamp Beside the Golden Door".
This piece below was by Sable Elyse Smith "Ironwoodland".
The High Line lived up to expectation and I felt it was such a great escape from the busy, harsh streets below. Even in November there was still a fair amount of colour about. The multi-stem Birch trees were a treat to walk through.
So many photo opportunities along the way too, not just of The High Line itself but of the streets below!
As we continued along the meandering route we then came to a wider section at 10th Avenue Square where a grove of three-flowered maple trees frames a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I was admiring the benches here and taking lots of photos!
Then when I sat next to Rich (the boyf) he got down on one knee and popped The Question! I was so surprised and hadn't noticed but we'd attracted quite a crowd and after lots of cheers and applause we were engaged on The High Line!!
I think my face says it all!
I knew I'd love The High Line and had already started planning a show garden inspired by it before we left. The show garden "The High Line" will be at Gardeners World Live in June and I can't wait to tell you more about it soon.
:) xx