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Here at W42ST, we’re eschewing the winter of our discontent and embracing every sign of spring that comes our way! Assisting in this warm weather watch is a new guide from NYC Parks with a handy-dandy checklist detailing New York’s most recognizable spring symbols.
The guide, which features live-updating checkmarks noting the appearance of each of the 20 parks-verified spring symbols, highlights everything from the obvious (Daylight Saving Time is here, unless of course, you’ve pulled an Arizona and chosen to abstain) to the subtle (the presence of woodcock birds, otherwise known as “timberdoodles” who have migrated north to Bryant Park).
Some of the checklist items include New York’s signature seasonal bulbs — here in Hell’s Kitchen, the mighty daffodil (the official flower of NYC!) has sprung forth in droves to commemorate 9/11, in part thanks to the work of Meral Marino, horticulture director of nonprofit Clinton Housing Development Company. In addition to the daffodil, the guide details the best spots to check out New York’s most recognizable blooms, from snowdrops and cornelian cherry flowers spotted in Washington Square Park and Central Park, crocuses blooming on the High Line, Fort Tryon, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, lenten roses in Cobble Hill Park, to the cherry trees of Riverside Park and Clinton Community Gardens, and magnolia blooms of Union Square and 10th Avenue.
While you’re waiting for the blooms of the late-spring (glory-of-snow, crabapple, dogwood [soon to open in Hell’s Kitchen Park], azalea, violet, allium, and the grand-dame of New York spring, the tulip), head over to Central Park to visit the Delacorte Clock, where the seasonal playlist has shifted to warm-weather standards like Singing in the Rain, It Might As Well Be Spring, and Younger Than Springtime.
If you’re up for a day trip, visit the New York Botanical Garden or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for acres upon acres of floral gardens to enjoy. And if you do stumble upon an item from the list, don’t be shy — NYC Parks is encouraging would-be Ansel Adamses to snap a photo and share their finds under the hashtag #signsofspringnyc (you can also add #W42ST — as we’d love to see your spring pictures!).
So grab a light jacket and a raincoat just in case, take your allergy medication, and head outdoors for a little bit of seasonal zen (after all, we did resolve to take more walks this year!). And when will you know that summer has arrived? Don’t worry, the subway platform will let. You. Know. Until then, tiptoe through the tulips!