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.

Just So Pretty

 This was taken on a late summer morning when the water droplets still sparkled on the just-watered plants.

When Monkeys Fly ...

 

Apparently, they did. These decorate a home near the Indiana Landmarks Center in Indianapolis. Goth much, or just The Wizard of Oz?

Dunno What They Are ...

 

... but they're very beautiful. I see other varieties of this plant in big pots in downtown Indianapolis, but those are green and the leaves are broader. Newfields has wonderful things planted all over the museum grounds. I think this was part of an installation near the main entrance, made up of plants found in Monet's gardens at his home in Giverny, France. There were so many; some, like these, were taller than me, others more delicate and slender. These guys alone could easily make a nice series of drawings and paintings.

Daffodils are Spring

 

Nuthin' special to see here - just some daffodils enjoying a few rays of the new spring morning sun.

Forgotten

 This image is from a series of pictures I took last summer at Newfields. Unfortunately, I've lost the notes I made so I'm not able to tell you the name of the artist who was the subject of this installation, but I think it was Stephen Sprouse, a fashion designer who worked with Andy Warhol.