World Landscape Architecture Month

April is World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM), a month long celebration of landscape architecture and designed public and private spaces. Established by the American Society of Landscape Architecture, WLAM aims to demonstrate how landscape architecture affects our daily lives.

I'll be posting some of NYC’s greatest places inspired by The Cultural Landscape Foundation's new “What’s Nearby” web mapping tool. The goal of this searchable, easy-to-navigate database is to raise public awareness of the rich diversity and inter-connectedness of our shared designed landscape heritage. Spanning over two centuries of North American landscape design, the What’s Out There® database is searchable by landscape name, locale, designer, type, and style. The ‘What’s Nearby’ feature also allows users to see the landscapes that are in close proximity to each other, regardless of the user’s location—perfect for research or for planning a day of exploring a city or region.

Find out what landscapes are around you at https://tclf.org/landscapes-near-you

Learn more about the great landscapes of New York City by following along this month on Twitter and Instagram. I will be sharing photos and fun facts all month long taking you on a journey of parks, gardens, greenspaces, plazas and public spaces in and around NYC.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jnitzky_nyc 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnitzky/

Here is a taste:

#wlam2018 Day 1: Central Park's North Woods - One of my favorite parts of #CentralPark, it is a secluded woodland with peaceful trails for wildlife viewing. The Ravine is the heart of the North Woods and traverses around and over the Loch, a winding stream that connects The Pond to the Harlem Meer and has breathtaking cascades in between.

Landscape Architect: Frederick Law Olmsted, Calvert Vaux

More info:

https://tclf.org/landscapes/north-woods

http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/  

#thisislandarch #whatsnearby #discoveryourland

Stay Tuned for more and get out and experience the landscapes around you!

Anxious to get your garden going this spring? Here are some great finds:

Mr. Sprout's Organic Herb Seed Starter Kit
The Inspired Landscape: Twenty-One Leading Landscape Architects Explore the Creative Process

Green Five for Friday: Staycation ideas for NYC

 This summer we are trying to save some green by spending our weekends doing and seeing great new places in and around our own town, NYC.  It's no wonder that New York is one of the top tourist destinations - there is just so MUCH to do and see here!  And you don't even have to spend a lot of money if you don't want to... there are many FREE things to do! Even in a city as dense and built up as NYC, Here are my top Five for Friday destinations that are greener places to go to get some fresh air:

1. Central Park: if you visit NYC or live in the area, Central Park is a must! Central Park has 843 acres of diverse landscapes, attractions and retreat from the bustling city life!  It has 20 different playgrounds including several "adventure" playgrounds with modern play experiences, unique designs and themes - all set amongst the natural scenery of one of the nation's greatest parks.  For the kids the Central Park Conservancy hosts their free Sandbox Programs, the Conservancy's longest-running series of programming - now in its 22nd consecutive summer! Featuring dance, music and stories, these Sandbox Programs happen in different playgrounds all over Central Park Monday-Thursdays at 11am and 2pm and Fridays at 11am. For the full schedule and to find out which playground the events take place, go to: http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-do/family-community/sandbox-program.html
Central Park's 250 acres of lawns and 136 acres of woodland offer a multitude of landscapes, trails and pathways for everyone from the serious hiker to the recreational stroller.  You can go hiking and rock climbing on the many outcroppings of native Manhattan Schist rock (mostly on the western and northern areas of the park), go for a nature walk along the loch in the North Woods or Ramble, bike ride along 7 miles of interior roads (closed to vehicular traffic) or spread a picnic blanket on the Sheep Meadow, Great Lawn or North Meadow for a relaxing afternoon.  for more on what to see and do in Central Park, go to: http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions.html

2. Governor's Island: This little island off the southern tip of Manhattan really packs in a full day's worth of activities and events on summer weekends!  It's a perfect escape from city life and has something for everyone.  It starts with the refreshing (and free!) ferry ride to the island - there are no cars so the only transportation is either on foot or by bike, which is hugely popular on the island.  You can bring your own bike (recommended) or rent bikes on the island - getting there early helps because as I said, biking is popular and even though there are many bikes to rent, they can go fast on nice weekends. Once there, you can choose from many arts, cultural and recreational activities for all age groups - there's an interactive, sustainable sculpture garden, Children's Museum of the Arts Free Art Island Outpost Program, Added Value’s three acre organic fruit and vegetable farm, Big Apple Circus Family Fun Fest events (learn to juggle, spin plates on a stick...), Trapeze School of New York lessons, art exhibits, concerts, food, historical tours and reenactments, picnic grounds, and so much more!  This summer there is a participatory, free minigolf course, with an inspired twist to the unknown and fascinating world of bugs... Sponsored by FIGMENT, the Minigolf Course is "bug" themed this year   and free for the public to play. For more information, visit www.figmentproject.org/minigolf.  

We took a trip down to Governor's Island last summer, spent the entire day there and had a blast!  There is just so much more happening on the island this summer - for more info on events and to plan your trip go to: http://govisland.com/html/visit/calendar.shtml

3. Beczak Environmental Education Center, Yonkers, NY:  On weekends from May through September, families with children ages three and up can head to Beczak Environmental Education Center (35 Alexander St; 914-377-1900, beczak.org. Free), and discover what’s hiding in the Hudson River. Get the lowdown on the art of seining (net fishing), and then troop down to the rocky beach, don a pair of waders, scoop up creatures with the net and sort the catch. The prize of the day could be an American eel, known for outsmarting captors. Cap off the outing at the Science Barge (99 Dock St; 914-375-2151, groundworkhv.org. $3 suggested donation, children under 11 free), where kids can feed fish, pick basil and touch worms aboard a solar-and-wind-powered floating museum and sustainable farm.  August 13 is Summerfest - a full day packed with activities, exploration and music for the whole family!  You can paddle a kayak or take a canoe ride, enjoy Catch of the Day Seining, hot dogs, hamburgers, roast marshmallows around a campfire and more - all FREE! (2-8pm)
For more info go to: http://beczak.org/home.htm

4. Queens County Farm Museum:  The Queens County Farm Museum's history dates back to 1697; it occupies New York City's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland and is the only working historical farm in the City. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. The site includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden. The farm animals and the tranquil agrarian environment provide the opportunity to leave the hectic daily pace behind for an enjoyable visit to a farm without leaving the City.

The Queens County Farm Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the Colonial Farmhouse Restoration Society of Bellerose, and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. The Farm Museum is open year-round 7-days a week from 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays tours of the historic farmhouse and hayrides are available from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Animal Feed may be purchased daily in our gift shop to feed our sheep and goats. General Admission is free (except on special event days and for all group visits at all times).  for more info and to see their list of special events (not always free but usually very inexpensive), go to: http://www.queensfarm.org/

5.  Coney Island:  For a fun day at the beach with lots of waterfront activities, head to Coney Island!  This southern Brooklyn waterfront park has over 2.5 miles of beach and oceanfront complete with just about everything to please the whole family.  Although many things at Coney Island do cost money, the beach is free and so is the scenery!  There are 2 marine-themed playgrounds with water play, sandy beaches, and lots of boardwalk games and food.  If you are looking for carnival rides - Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and the new Luna Park offer numberous different rides for kids along with daring rides for older kids and adults like Lynn's Trapeze - the flying carousel! Check out the new rides, events calendar and buy your ride tickets in advance for less online (they also have group savings!): http://lunaparknyc.com/index.php

No trip to Coney Island would be complete without a ride on the famous Cyclone (for the older kids/adults), a Nathan's Famous hot dog and other traditional boardwalk food - it might not be the healthiest food by a long shot, but on this special trip, it's just worth it!  You can also catch a cheap ballgame at MCU Park where the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league plays.  The stadium is small but very open so it is perfect for the whole family and is great to watch the sunset on a warm summer evening!  For more info on the Brooklyn Cyclones, go to: http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/home/

This Saturday, Aug. 6, at Coney Island is the great Sand Sculpting Contest from 12-5pm

 near West 10th Street on the beach.  It is so amazing to see how detailed the sand creations can be!  Check out this video from last year's contest: http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/122629/hundreds-hit-the-coney-island-beach-for-fun-in-the-sun

Enjoy the last weeks of summer!
*~ Sprout

By the City for the City...submit play ideas for NYC!

By the City for the City...submit play ideas for NYC!



I missed the beginning of this contest, in which NYC's Institute for Urban Design (IfUD) in New York City solicited ideas about how the city's public spaces could be improved, and received nearly 550 ideas from residents across five boroughs.

#416 Wouldn’t it be great if...there were more simple (read: inexpensive) but creative play spaces around the city for both kids and adults, like last year's PS1 courtyard installation?
#480 Wouldn’t it be great if...stormwater was displayed under bridges in an interesting way.

#465 Wouldn’t it be great if...there were ziplines crossing the east river?

#323 Wouldn’t it be great if...any wall could become a contested space?

The second phase of the contest is to responses to these ideas. Define a specific site and prepare a short design brief that shouldn't be "too technical—the goal is to find great ideas that can capture the public imagination and start conversations, so even a single rendering qualifies; have fun with it!”
There is a $25.00 submission fee, but ALL submissions will be published in an “Atlas of Possibility for the Future of New York,” and one prizewinner will be selected for each borough plus five additional winners at the discretion of an interesting group of jurors: architect Thom Mayne (Morphosis), Bary Bergdoll (Architecture Curator, Musem of Modern Art), Ned Cramer (Editor-in-Chief of Architect), and Janette Sadik-Khan (NYC Transportation Commissioner) , among others.
Only a week to submit your proposal...they're due July 14th!
I hope there are some amazing play designs submitted...what a great venue for submitting your own great ideas (I know you have them) to one of the world's great cities!

West Side Preschool Fundraising Auction

The West Side Preschool Online Auction is Now Open!

 

The online portion of West Side Preschool's 2011 Auction is now open, and will run from March 6, 2011 to March 20, 2011, with the live event taking place on April 2, 2011. We will be auctioning off over 150 fabulous and unique items that YOU can bid on to raise money for our great school.

West Side Preschool offers a program of the highest educational quality at an affordable tuition. Founded in 1989 by a group of dedicated teachers and parents who believed in affordable, quality education for three- and four-year-olds, WSP offers a loving and accepting environment dedicated to the social and emotional growth of its children.  My son is in his second year here and absolutely loves his school, teachers and classmates!

The 2011 Spring Auction will help support many activities that improve the life of the children at our school. It will provide much needed funds for books, paper, blocks, paints, and educational materials.  For more info on West Side Preschool, go to their website: http://www.westsidepreschoolny.org/

Go to the auction website and check out all the AWESOME items up for bid - many great things can be snagged below retail price!!  Many items are for kids classes, restaurants, tickets and services in the NYC area, but so many other things like toys, jewelry, clothes and even vacation packages can be shipped or emailed to you no matter where you live!  Click on the banner above or click here: West Side Preschool Auction on Bidding for Good

Thanks and Happy Bidding!!

Psst.... some of the fantastic items include: Yankees Tickets, Opera Tickets, Autographed Superbowl XXI MVP Phil Simms Football... and even a few package deals from My First Art Gallery!!
:)

Fabulous Fall Activities around NYC

My daughter Siena loves apple picking!

September and October are probably my favorite months of the year - the weather is usually enjoyable and there are so many great things to do outside before it gets too cold and rainy.  My favorite thing to do is go apple and pumpkin picking at local farms.  There is nothing like a sweet, crisp apple picked right off the tree along with apple cider and donuts!  Last weekend we took advantage of the great weather and an early apple season on the East Coast and traveled to Masker Orchard at 45 Ball Road in Warwick, NY.  This was our first time here as we usually go apple and pumpkin picking in early/mid October in NJ.

 

My son Shea inspecting the apple

Masker Orchard is easy to get to from NYC (and NE New Jersey or SW Connecticut) and it's HUGE!  They have a great selection of apples (14 varieties), a well organized layout (they provide bags with a map on it at the gate) and they also have pony rides, food, places to sit and through October they have a maze and haunted barn!  Because I have been dubbed an Apple Snob, here is a small list of apples and their description to help you select the right apples too:

• Macintosh - smaller red apples, juicy, slightly tart and softer, best for baking and applesauce; harvest: Sept.
• Granny Smith - bright green, firm, juicy and tart, perfect for eating, in salads and baking; harvest: late Sept-early October
• Empire - a NY developed variety is a cross of Macintosh and Red Delicious, semi-crisp, sweet and tart, good for eating, baking and desserts, cider; harvest: late Sept.
• Red Delicious - dark red, sweet, med-crisp, great for anything, most popular apple sold in US; harvest: late Sept./early Oct.
• Ida Red - big red apples, juicy and sweet, good for cooking/baking, desserts, applesauce; harvest: early-mid Oct.
• Mutsu (Crispin) - one of my favs is yellowish-green, crisp and sweet, great for eating, applesauce and cider; harvest: mid-late Oct. for sweeter apples
• Honeycrisp - my ALL TIME fav is medium red and yellow, very crisp and very sweet, just a little tart; harvest: mid Sept. and have a long shelf life; These are mostly grown in the midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan) as they were developed in Minn.  I have found that these are more expensive than other apples but in my opinion, well worth the price!

Selecting the best pumpkin at Riamede Farm

If you are looking to do both apple and pumpkin picking, I highly recommend spending the day in Chester, NJ.  We have done this for years and it makes for a perfect October day!  Our first stop is to Riamede Farm, located at 122 Oakdale Road.  It's very popular so go early or late.  They have a very large pumpkin patch (on a slightly steep hill, so walk carefully with the little ones) and have little red wagons for you to haul the pumpkins.  They also have a hayride from the entrance to the pumpkins and apples which the kids just love!  The orchard is great and has a good variety of apples (bring a bag or two).  There is a small fee but it is worth it.

Click here for Riamede Farm's website

To experience a really fun Corn Maze and sample some great baked goods, donuts and cider, go to Hacklebarney Cider Mill at 104 State Park Road, Chester, NJ.  It is off the beaten path and not too big (parking lot gets filled up fast, so car-pool and park alongside the road if you need to).  The Corn Maze is AWESOME (and difficult) and they even hide their aerial on Google Maps so people don't figure out the maze before they go!  They have a fantastic farm market with absolutely delicious baked goods and cider!  There is a little knoll to sit and eat but because of all the cider, there are bees so be warned.  Again, because of it's growing popularity, it does get packed but it's also worth it.



Corn maze at Hacklebarney Farm



For much more on great Fall Outdoor Activities in and around NYC, go to Big City Moms (Thanks for the great article, Monica!)

For an extensive list of places to go apple/pumpkin picking in NY, NJ and CT, check out this great article in TimeOut NY Kids: Click here to go to website

Now get out there and enjoy the day!