Hollyhocks

A beautiful display of hollyhocks in Wannsee. I love the simplicity of these flowers, in German they're called farmers roses.

And a look at the hollyhock bicycle, which I featured here back in 2015. This bicycle had been parked in the same place for almost three years... just last week I saw that it was moved to another lamppost about 50 meters away. I wonder if it gets lonely now without its longtime hollyhock companion.

Colorful blossom

I found this beautiful dahlia on my way to work. Hope you've got an exciting weekend planned. It's going to be a hot one in Berlin, but you know where I'll be - on the golf course!

Hydrangea season

The hydrangea season has passed, but I still have memories of all the beautiful plants and bushes I passed on my way to and from work. This white beauty really flowered nicely. Sometimes I miss having my own garden, but it certainly is nice to enjoy someone else's green thumb!

Floral bench

A look back at the beautiful rhododendrons in my neighborhood. I just love these small gardens you can find on almost every corner. It's a great way for the public to enjoy the beauties of nature.

Happy Independence Day to all my American readers!!!

Buttercup

These buttercups are no more, but it's nice to look back on some of the beautiful spring flowers I had in my balcony garden. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

PS: Take a look at Halcyon Travels for more of the highlights of Rotterdam.

Fancy tulips

It almost looks like a peony, but it's a tulip, I promise!

Bold color

Despite the cold, gray skies in Berlin, many plants are coming out with their bright, bold colors. The wonderful yellow hues on this bush are warming to the spirit, if not to the actual body.

This week has really flown by. I am so glad the weekend is here. I have plans for some golf, but I hope I won't get hailed on like last weekend. That was most unpleasant. Hope you have fun plans for the weekend. Happy Friday!

A magnolia blooms in Kreuzberg

This spring has been an odd one in Berlin. Despite the cold, gray weather, a few Japanese Magnolias have been blossoming around town. I found this one on Mehringdamm in Kreuzberg, not far from where I found last Monday's mural.

Cherry benches year three

The cherries on the square have not been nearly as beautiful as last year or the year before. But I suppose that's a byproduct of an unseasonably warm winter - these trees were almost in full bloom back in January! It's shame though, they can be really beautiful.

Take a seat

Remember the fire brigade station from last week? These benches are just to the right of all the garage doors. There was also a third bench, but it was occupied by some firefighters and I didn't dare to photograph them.

Rose garden

I recently took a walk through Treptower Park, mainly to see the Soviet War Memorial, but also to just get a feel for this area of the city (I rarely venture out this far east). There was a lovely, little rose garden within the park marked by this sign.

Though beauties like these don't need signs at all! In case you do need signs, you'll find more at Signs, Signs.

Impromptu memorial

Visitors to any of the major European cities have probably encountered a Stolperstein or two, but I have never seen one graced with flowers and candles before.

Friends or family of Bertha Pohl must have passed by and left this little impromptu memorial. I rather like it - it certainly caught my eye and made me remember how grateful we should be for our happy and carefree lives. It wasn't so long ago that people were persecuted just for being who they were. It was a dark period of German history that I am glad is over, but one that we must never forget.

Red beauty

A beautiful red rose. Happy Sunday!

Back to bikes

This old bicycle has become a staple of my neighborhood. I walk by it several times a week and always think to myself, I've got to get a picture of that. With the announcement of the August theme day, I finally took my camera to the street and clicked a few shots (I also got funny looks from passers-by). 

It's difficult to show how the bike really appears; those hollyhocks have really become one with the bike. I sometimes wonder what has happened to this bike's owner, did they have a severe injury and can't ride anymore? Or did the planter of the hollyhocks park the bike here on purpose? Another mystery, but every time I pass by, I smile. And that's a good thing! 

 

Summertime

Summer weather has finally arrived and people are flocking to the Wine Fest! I was among the numbers tasting some of the Rhine wines this weekend and I'll be back for more this week!

Jasmine

I found these blossoms on a recent walk around the neighborhood. They are so fragrant - I wish I could pass the scent to you through the Internet.

Stylish runner-up

This shot was my stylish back-up. If you go inside this Kniepe, it's really nothing special. But it looks fantastic from the outside with all of those flower boxes full to the brim! Unfortunately, it's been too cold to sit outside, but I'm sure that patio will be full in the coming weeks.

PS: You can still see more of beautiful Vienna on my travel blog here.

Profusion of pink

The rhododendrons in my MiL's garden are looking spectacular! I think this has been one of the best springs ever in Berlin... or maybe I just think that every year. Hope you are having an enjoyable weekend. Thursday was a holiday here, sorry for my sporadic posting and commenting, I hope these beautiful blossoms will make up for it!

Little hearts

I keep passing these blooms by, but today I finally decided to stop and take a pictue of them. I hope you enjoy these little hanging hearts as much as I do!

Chestnuts

The chestnuts are blooming around town. There are pink and white varieties, I personally prefer the pink.