Greenwood cemetery

While we were in Brooklyn, we visited the Greenwood Cemetery, 478 acres of history, art and trees.

Entering through the iconic gates, I noticed some clutter up on the spire:

We didn’t see the birds, but the nest is home to green monk parrots.

Inside the historic chapel right near the entrance…..

…is a brand new art installation. The explanation is below:

This is an installation that’s exactly right. It fits the location, encourages participation, and as the holes fill, it should be quite an inspiring sight.

There are many famous monuments and graves, which can easily be found online or on the map available for free as you enter. I’ll just mention this John Matthews Monument, because in addition to the great, head-clutching lions on each corner, there’s a hidden treasure:

If you twist and stretch, you can see scenes from John Matthews life on the ceiling of the monument, above the reclining figure.

But you could visit Greenwood just for the trees. Each specimen has been given enough space and time to achieve their fully-shaped glory. Until you see them, you don’t realize how rare it is to see trees that aren’t crammed in or badly trimmed. No, none of my photos show you the full shape of the trees. Sorry about that.

(Above) Quoting from the map: This specimen, known as the “Phoenix Ginkgo” is comprised of 12 ginkgo trees that sprouted from a stump and have now inosculated (grown together) into one. The space in the center is large enough to hide a body (Have you read “The Witch Elm” by Tana French?

(Above) A tunnel of weeping Beech trees.

As I said, you can easily find the famous monuments. So I’m just going to share a few of the minor treasures, like this textured pattern created as marble lettering was weathered away (Above).

…and this figure, slowly dissolving next to the bizarre pyramid-monument.

Finally, this small, unmarked marble infant, lying in the grass.

Yes, I will get back to the faces. Honest.

Stay safe. Stay sane.

Diane