R to L, WIA & JLR, they who became T2H2 – pictured here at Cafe L’Ananas,
Leo’s French café on Newbury St. Boston, 1977
T2H2, The Two Happy Husbands Blast Off for NYC & Beyond
Beloved Glamourites, if COVID lock down has you locked out of joy and delight, T2H2 will attempt to unleash the shackles that bind and take you with them to visit the Great Gardens of NYC and points north. “Think happy thoughts,” instructs Peter Pan to the Darling kids, Wendy, John and Michael and off they flew! Ya’ll can be my Darling Dears and ride on our coat tails to view enchanted gardens.
You may be asking, “NYC? Great Gardens? What’s with that?” the amazing thing is that the five boroughs are sprouting versions of Eden in surprising abundance and we zeroed in on four of the best. The Brooklyn Botanic, Bronx Botanical, Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island and The Conservatory Garden in Central Park at 105 St. and 5th Ave.
Not to be outdone by our southern neighbors I included an obligatory visit to the Fenway Victory Garden of T2H2. And as if that weren’t enough, we will tootle on up to North Andover for a dip into the delights of the Stephens – Coolidge Estate with its extravagance of tulips that should have you blooming with smiles of bliss and glee.
Photo by Iory Allison
The Super Pink moon kissing the Empire State Building, Monday April 26, 2021, view from our window at the New Yorker Hotel, 25th floor. A super moon is when the moon is closest to the earth looking bigger and brighter than usual. The pink part comes from the coincidence of this Spring moon appearing at the same time as wild ground phlox, a plant which has pink blossoms. Now, this says it all, pink, we love pink- it’s pretty and Spring is the panacea we all need right now after the long winter of COVID. We visited NYC, to be out of doors and revel in the truth of life eternal as revealed in the turning of seasons.
Photo by Iory Allison
Talk about pink, here is the better half of T2H2, Sr. Leopoldo hamming it up in a bower of pink roses clinging to the trellis of the Bryant Park Grill. Isn’t he sorta like a rose himself or am I unduly prejudiced? Full disclosure about the “roses,” they are silk but hey – my good buddy, Zack, swears by them – silk flowers, that is (but only the really good ones) and he should know being an international stage-set and costume designer of high renown.
Photo by Iory Allison
Yes, this the middle of New York City. The Bronx River flows at a leisurely pace through the old growth woods of the Bronx Botanical’s 250 acres. Towering trees some of them 200 years old, reflect in the clear water creating a nether world of fairy magic.
Photo by Iory Allison
The meadow of a million daffodils! To celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of The New York Botanical Garden in 2016, a million new Narcissus bulbs were planted on Daffodil Hill. In concert with the luxuriant apple, crabapple and cherry threes this this the most beautiful place I have ever been. Meandering paths are mown through the long grass and wandering through this extravagance immerses you in the abundance of the Goddess!
Photo by a passing stranger
T2H2 regain the joy of youth basking in the sun in the glorious surroundings of the Bronx Botanical.
Photo by Iory Allison
The handsome 19th century Haupt Conservatory of The Bronx Botanical Garden shelters a great number of plant species and climactic environments featuring aquatic plants and vines, lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts and a palm filled dome. This architectural gem is newly restored and replanted with majestic soaring species of palms from around the world. The surrounding formal garden rooms exhibit a wealth of seasonal plantings and restful corners to delight the soul.
Photo by Iory Allison
The azalea allée entrance to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is punctuated by limestone pillars and a handsome fountain that draws everyone’s attention.
Photo by Iory Allison
Kids on a field trip are enthralled by, “Somethin’s in the water!” Gardens hold all sorts of surprises for the active of mind. Out of doors is definitely the place to learn.
Photo by Iory Allison
“Hey, what’s that spashy thing? Race ya! Betcha I get there first.”
Photo by Iory Allison
In the Center of the Brookline Botanic, down a steep embankment, a double phalanx of cherry trees line up in military order. Bursting forth in bright pink brilliance they charge ahead mindless of yesterday’s wintery threat, blossoming forth with an explosion of pride!
Photo by Iory Allison
Millions of lush double petal blossoms languish with the weight of their own beauty, attracting admirers from all around the world. Who is this graceful beauty behind her mysterious veil?
Photo by Iory Allison
Boys are compelled to explore the upper reaches of trees and know collaboration is the way forward. “Com’on gimme a lift!”
Photo by Iory Allison
After the tourists leave the cherries weep pink tears longing for their fleeting and unfaithful lovers.
Photo by Iory Allison
Scrolling iron gates are a measured invitation to places of stately splendor. The conservatory Garden of Central Park has no glass green house, the grandeur of city extravagance cannot be so easily contained. The guards warn, “Keep off the grass!” Do not trespass against the formal sanctity of the velvety green lawns. This is a place of reverence for urban design. Every plant knows it’s place and thrives with exuberance minding its own business. The gardener, busy weeding, knows the delusion of artificial order but keeps quiet, minding the future of her job.
Photo by Iory Allison
In this play of soft and hard growth seemingly tamed, the visitor is secondary to the design of green plants commanding respect.
Photo by Iory Allison
Simple shapes aspire to impress, water jet rockets high, playing with capricious winds as cloud dappled glass towers reflect passing dances.
Photo by Iory Allison
Here is the point of the matter, an immense iron pergola entwined with knots of wisteria vines gushing cascades of lavender blossoms that fill the air with heady perfume.
Photo by Iory Allison
A sweeping embrace of greenery kept at bay by the disguised cage of iron so gracefully constructed.
Photo by Iory Allison
At Old Westbury Gardens T2H2 are dwarfed by the grandeur of it all!
Photo by Iory Allison
Talk about Grand Allées and imposing gates, Westbury maintains full command over the expansive landscape.
Photo by Iory Allison
Whimsey is also accommodated at Old Westbury in the form of spoiled children with expensive toys. Here the Tinny Winnie T2H2s felt right at home.
Photo by Iory Allison
Betwixt and between, raked gravel leads the visitor in pointed directions while over-bred tulips burst with pride.
Photo by Iory Allison
In the walled garden a wealth of glory spreads out before us.
Photo by Iory Allison
A harmonic symphony of color has a moment of perfect crescendo.
Photo by Iory Allison
Back at home, two wise men chat in the shadow of the lotus pagoda in our Fenway Victory Garden.
Photo by Iory Allison
The pink Dinner Plate Hibiscus busts forth with garden gossip every morning and no one can stop her!
Photo by Iory Allison
Morning Glory and a stray leaf sing mysterious tales of hidden places.
Photo by Iory Allison
A river stone from Shady Rill, North Calais, Vermont holds down the flighty leaf shadows in our bird bath.
Photo by Iory Allison
Our Fenway Victory Garden buddy, Dr. Valerie, whisked us off for a charming visit to the Stephens-Coolidge Gardens in North Andover and here she and Sr. Leopoldo are grinning from ear to ear.
Photo by Iory Allison
The brick serpentine wall of Benjamin Franklin fame snakes around the garden harmonizing handsomely with a drift of gloriosa and Persian tulips.
Photo by Iory Allison
There was a time when ladies would lunch, now its yoga in every and all places. Here the girls assume the Setu Bandha Sarvāṅgāsana pose although the gal in leopard tights at the center seems to have slid off her mat. Perhaps she in on her device, you know how misleading that can be.
Photo by Valerie
T2H2, The Two Happy Husbands Leo and Iory wish you well and hope you liked your trip aboard our coattail-magic carpet. Please come and visit with us real soon at our Fenway Victory Garden! A-1, first on the right, down the pedestrian path after the Richardson Bridge over the Muddy River.