One of the mainstays of Manhattan streetscapes is the flower stand.

It’s hard to imagine being able to walk past these magnificent blooms, day after day, season after season, and not bring home an armload now and then.

Even your Road Trips Gardener succumbs to the lure of the blossom if she’s spending more than a couple of days in the Big Apple.

Nothing like a colorful bouquet to brighten a hotel room! These flowers (including the aromatic pink peonies) beckoned last April.

(Photo ©2012 by Susan McKee)