cherry blossoms at high park

Cherry blossoms at High Park is the blooming of the Sakura trees that lasts for about one week during the spring. The path to the lake is canopied in flower blossoms, and it's like being in a Disney movie. You'll notice A LOT of (Asian) people posing, which is oddly part of the whole experience. Of course there are people of all types of people, including some dressed in blazers and high heels, which leads me to believe they take the photos very seriously, or they just haven't been to a lot of parks. I wouldn't put it past anyone.

It's great being around happy and loving people. C'mon, there are even swans! I highly recommend it.

Micheline, a local of High Park, enjoying the beautiful weather:

 

<3, 

Jen.

Dufferin Grove's Farmer Market

I spent last Thursday at the Dufferin Grove Summer Farmer Market. This little market is so lively and happening its overwhelming! Every stall offers unique food like sheep's milk ice cream, fish burritos and exotic blends of leafy greens. Best of all, is the sheer amount of people hanging out and enjoying summer that makes this spot worthy of a visit.

A few things I enjoyed:

Forbes Wild Foods sells all kinds of edibles foraged from the forest, from wild blueberry jams to pickled milkweed pods.

I got to try some 'Sea Asparagus' , a salty and succulent seaweed that is brought in at low tide and is full of Vitamin A and C.

Of the Birds and Bees:

Lounging People:

I loved the music band, featured in the header above.

And lastly,

Remember to breath and thank the sunshine for coming your way!

Lots of light,

Ish

growing herbs: basil

I got a new basil plant for my place! It was $2 at a convenience store next to the gum and condoms aisle. Go figure - only in Toronto. The plant is suppose to be low maintenance, so I hope it lasts longer than my resolution to quit caffeine. It also grows extremely fast. Yay!

Under the banana trees in Allen Gardens

I'm loving the warmer weather! Finally! Shorts season is right around the corner since Toronto's spring is so short, but until then, we can get a sample of summer at the Allen Gardens greenhouse.

 When I told a friend that the Allen Gardens greenhouse is downtown (College & Yonge) is filled with banana trees and catcuses, and entrance is free, he replied "Are there a lot of hobos there?"

Actually, it is the exact opposite! I was there a few days ago, and a wedding reception was going on. A musician was strumming 'Over the rainbow' on a guitar while visitors squeezed around the hoards of matching bridesmaids and wedding crew. It was pretty unexpected, but it goes to show how beautiful this public-project greenhouse is. 

In the Allen Gardens, you can find exotic flowers:

You can wander around in the lush greenery:

Feel the dry heat: 

I think I saw this one before in my nightmares.

... and this photo just to wash your eyes of the creepiness above:

 You'll also notice hoards of people with dslr cameras. I had mine, and a stranger came up to me to ask "Is there a camera club, or is this just what you guys do?"

This is indeed what we do: chill under some banana trees while waiting for the full heat of summer.  

Photos: Jennifer Xu

Much sunshine and love, 

Jen.