The High Line

A fabulous public park found in the Chelsea and Meatpacking districts of New York City, The High Line, is open for strolling.The High Line is a wonderful garden path that has grown up on a decommissioned elevated rail road track, which was saved by community groups and the city.Visitors climb up newly renovated and created access stairs, to the walking path, at 20th street and Tenth Avenue, or 16th street for persons who require an elevator.The design of this city phenomenon was the creation of the James Corner Field Operations, with consultation from planting designer Piet Oudolf. Plantings are positioned between and around rail road ties and concrete staves.Grasses are coupled with perennials such as Cone Flowers, Sedum, Astilbe, Joe Pie Weed, Hydrangeas, Rudbekia, perennial Geranium, Mallow, Butterfly Weed, many species of ornamental shrubs, and flowering plants. The design was inspired by original volunteer green growth, that seeded in over the 25 years during which trains stopped running.Many of the plants are varieties that are slightly different from the usual stock shown in most gardens. The are multi petaled, taller, a different hue, or completely new to most gardeners.The tracks, gravel, plantings, and the views from above, are just the beginning of the High Line experience.