Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Lessons in Green: Manhattan’s Hidden Forest

Search

Lessons in Green: Manhattan’s Hidden Forest

May 18, 2016

Crowning a rocky ridge above the Hudson River, Inwood Hill Park is home to the last natural forest in Manhattan. The green northernmost tip of the island is easily seen from the window of a Metro-North train, whose tracks hug the southern shoreline of the mainland, before gliding north.

It is a haven for indigenous plants and some of the oldest trees in the city. And it can teach gardeners what to do with the condition that challenges so many city gardens: shade.

Photography by Marie Viljoen.

inwood_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: Across the tidal flow of Spuyten Duyvil—the widened creek that connects the mighty Hudson with the Harlem River—is the wooded peninsula that remarkably few local residents visit.  To experience this forest, you must walk into it, easily done if you catch the A train to the end of the line: 207th Street.

serviceberry_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: In early spring you will see serviceberries (Amelanchier species) hugging the rocks high above the water. The indigenous tree is one of the first to bloom, and its red edible fruits are ripe in June—another common name is Juneberry. It is also known as shadbush, and in the Hudson below the forest the shad still run in spring, as they did when the Lenape lived here.

path2_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: To walk here is to wind around the narrow northern arrowpoint of Manhattan, high above the water, under the Henry Hudson Bridge, with rare views of the water that cuts off Manhattan from the mainland, giving small clues to what the place may have been like before we flattened and gridded it.

spicebush_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: Another early bloomer is spicebush (Lindera benzoin), also known as Appalachian allspice. This indigenous small tree’s twigs and late-summer berries are highly aromatic (resinous, and like orange zest) and can be used in cooking and baking. The youngest leaves and the flowers add bright flavor to salads.

dicentracucullaria2_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: In the leaf litter under the spicebush trees Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) are exquisite spring ephemerals which will have retreated into dormancy by mid-summer.

talltrees_marieviljoen_Gardenista

May is one of the most beautiful months in this quiet woodland. The soaring tulip poplars have leafed out, and after the thwack of ball against bat in the baseball diamonds below, the woods are a sudden silence, and empty. All you hear is the rattle of a woodpecker and birdsong. This is one of the secrets of New York City

celandinepoppy_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: In the dappled dry shade of tall trees, invasive greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) congregates. Break a leaf and its ooze a brilliant yellow sap.  Plant North American wood poppy (Stylophorum diphyllym), instead

aquilegiacanadensis2_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: In New York, May belongs to the columbines.

aquilegiacanadensis_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: Aquilegia canadensis brightens the high shade of the forest floor.

solomonsseal_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum) flowers keep local pollinators happy. One of the better-known indigenous perennials, a stand of Solomon’s seal is an ideal choice in a shaded garden, needing no extra care once established.

maianthemum_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: Nearby, the buds of lookalike false Solomon’ seal (Maianthemum racemosum) have formed, demonstrating the ideal of planting for a succession of blooms in our gardens: plant perennials whose flowers open in a season-long relay. Later the fluffy white panicles open and give way to iridescent clusters of berries in late summer.

aronia_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: And there are shrubs, too, for gardeners who want the double reward of flowers as well as edible fruit. Aronia’s pretty spring blossoms will turn to tart red or black fruit by the end of summer, very high in antioxidants and sought-after as a dietary supplement in pill form.

blueberries_marieviljoen_gardenista

Above: On a steep and barren slope where nothing else wants to grow wiry blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) shrubs are in sea-green bloom, forming a high ground cover above mossy rocks.

Charge your subway card, pack a picnic, and head for the woods. They will not disappoint you.

(Visited 292 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0