So Bright They Looked Artificial

 

When I first saw these plants, I thought they were cheap, synthetic knock-offs. They brighten the area like spotlights. Fringes of delicate ivy dribble daintily from the edges of the pots, looking like lacy trimmings on sleeves.

Somebody really takes the time to consider the overall effect of these planters; It's been a while since I've seen anything as brazenly cheerful.

As Bright as the Summer, er, Sun

 On my way to the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis, I walk past a series of large concrete planters, each dressed for the season in these bright colorful plants. I'd like to say they're as bright as a summer day, but the truth is, they're brighter; wildfires in Canada have produced enough smoke to dim the sun's glare for residents of states from the Midwest to New York. I can smell the burned wood. I chose to wear a face mask this afternoon, and I was not alone. A graphic on a TV news segment the last night showed Indianapolis's air quality to be the second worst in the world -- after Dubai! The photo below was taken at about 8:45 p.m.