Greenery at the Greenmarket

For the past two days here in the City That Never Sleeps, the weather has been surprisingly - dare I say - balmy? True, it's uncomfortably cold enough that I'm still hibernating in my shapeless Puffy Coat, but the unmistakable mossy smell of Spring has been lingering in the air now for almost a full 48 hours!

On a mission to pick up a few staples at Whole Foods today, I was thrilled to see the famous Union Square Greenmarket as vibrant as ever. Even better - there were bulbs and flowers for sale! Green, living, COLORFUL things - oh my goodness they DO exist!

Manhattan's Union Square Greenmarket is the biggest and most popular farmer's market in the city. Sure enough, it's also bustling year-round. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and hearty farmers set up shop despite any inclement weather conditions: rain, snow, sleet, sweltering heat - they muster through it all! While vendors do change from time to time, there are typically various types of plants and greenery for sale throughout the Winter months. However, the flower vendors usually stay at bay until the Spring. Which is why when I walked by a cluster of pots all planted with brave little Petunias, Hyacinths, Violets, and Amaryllis', it just made me so downright happy.

I'm certain Winter still has a few more curve balls to throw at us, but seeing and smelling the first inklings of Spring today was a good personal reminder to really soak in the changing of the seasons. The transformation of Winter into Spring in the Northeast is especially a welcome one, however it's a perfect time to reflect upon the pleasant memories, feelings, events, and weather(!) associated with all four.