Finding Mother Nature in the City

In a city that is covered almost entirely with cement or tile, where does one find Mother Nature? Houses with grassy yards do not exist. Grass itself is a rarity. Block after block the ground is covered with buildings, sidewalk and streets. I am constantly on the lookout for green oases.

I have found pieces of nature on rooftops. This penthouse garden was especially nice in the spring when the pictures was taken.

There is also a lovely hideway behind the hospital. In spring the blooming trees and the quiet atmosphere were very enjoyable.

A nice green corner greets us on the way to Ulla and Debra's school. On warm days people crowd the benches. It was 1C/34F the day I took this photo.

Courtyards in apartment complexes often sport nooks of greenery. I have a new appreciation for potted flowerbeds. Amazing things are accomplished without actually putting the plants in the ground.

And I have learned to scan window ledges. One can often spot plants there.

Thankfully trees are plentiful in Ankang. These finally gave witness to autumn, never mind it is now December. Soon their branches will be bare. New foliage is a thing to look forward to. For as ZiChao says, "Winter is coming.....means spring is on the way!"

And there is always the lovely walk along the river. A great place to enjoy green scenery.

So even in a city where the land is mostly covered with man-made construction, one can find patches of green.