![]() Let’s pause for a few seconds on the path to really take it in. We should be close to the fairytale tree, which is actually called a Caucasian wingnut. Let’s walk to that tree, crossing through an asphalt roundabout on the way. Joseph (07:29): Straight ahead we should see this remarkably scraggly tree that looks like it’s out of a fairy-tale. If we keep heading on this course, we should see a wood chip path opening up to our right heading through the trees. Coming up on our right is an old iron railing with rose bushes and to our left, we should be able to see back down that elegant line of cherry trees. Now, let’s walk to our left on the asphalt path. Joseph (05:54): All right, we’re standing facing the fountain pool with our backs to the lawn. Don’t hesitate to pause the track if you need to catch up. Joseph (05:32): Let’s get ourselves to the end of the Esplanade and stand in front of the small pool and fountain that might be empty or full depending on what time of year it is. This place is a canvas for an infinite variety of lines. None of the trees or plants are much older than the Garden itself, which opened in 1911. You can see the range of ages and the variety of thickness of their trunks. Check out their wealth of color and texture in the shades of brown and gray and green- every trunk as intricate and exquisite as any impressionist painting on the wall of a museum. I love the signature horizontal lines on the trunks of cherry trees. Take a moment to slip under the cherry trees if you haven’t already. Your entire body attends to it in the manner you use to walk through it. You don’t just see and hear and smell the landscape. The same kind of conversation happens with a landscape. You find a rhythm together, your steps listen to each other. Gelsey (03:53): Walking with another person is a conversation. The sky is so much larger than I am used to. A rush of power born from the symmetry of these trees. Do you find yourself walking in a parallel line with the trees or do you trace a curving, snaking, path? I am walking in a straight line in the center of the lawn. You can hear in the rhythm of my footsteps, I’m moving slower than before in reaction to its grandeur. These lines of cherry trees spreading out in front of us mark a kind of frame for how I take in the landscape. Let’s start moving, slowly, leisurely across this wide expanse of grass. Let’s see how meandering can be not just a description of our activity, but a guiding principle. Today, we want to try to sink into the lines we trace with our walking. Gelsey (02:22): Traveling from place to place can sometimes feel like just connecting two dots with some hassle in the middle. Joseph (02:09): When you get to an area with a large lawn on your left and the opening to the Overlook path on your right, stop and behold the view of what is called the Cherry Esplanade. Think of this short walk as just a first act. So for the next 20 minutes or so, we're going to lead you through one slice of this place and attune ourselves to taking in the natural sights and sounds before you’re encouraged to meander everywhere else on your own. And some of the big attractions like that Japanese Garden we peeked in on are best experienced at your own pace of discovery and observation. Gelsey (01:31): This garden has a boundless variety of smells and eye candy for you to experience. And even when we’re not talking so much, we’re never going to let you get lost. And at other moments, we’ll just shut up and let you enjoy the Garden around you. At some moments, we’ll have a lot to say. We’re not going to interrupt each other or complete each other’s sentences, but at all times, you and me and Gelsey are gonna be sauntering and jaunting together. Gelsey (00:59): We’re starting to see a bunch of trees in front of us and just so you know, even when I’m talking more, Joe’s never far away. For instance, if you just realized you actually do need to go to the bathroom, I completely get it. Joseph (00:42): Also, feel free to pause this at any time. ![]() So this spot can get a little crowded just be mindful of other people as you follow our instructions on where to go. All right, let's take this path we’re on to the right and start walking. Gelsey (00:18): Though, if you peek through the slats of wood, you can spy a corner of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. It doesn’t quite feel like we're in the Garden yet. ![]() ![]() We have a long, glassy, modernist building behind us and a wooden fence in front of us. Joseph (00:05): We’re here by the Visitor Center at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. ![]()
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