Bicycles and geraniums

Davis is known for all kinds of things—some a bit weird, others more factual. Yet nothing seems to define Davis more than its obsession with the bicycle. Rumor has it that in Davis there are more bicycles per capita than in any other city in the U.S. Wherever you go, you’re bound to see people riding to and fro the university, school or work—or simply for fun and exercise. Davis has such a reputation in the cycling community that in 2010, the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame relocated to a site adjacent to Central Park in downtown Davis.

You’re probably wondering what all of that has to do with gardening. Well, all summer I’ve been driving by a house with five brightly painted bikes mounted to the fence and decorated with baskets of geraniums. Today I finally took some pictures:

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The geraniums may be past their prime but I still smile every time I see these bicycle planters.

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This street also has some of the nicest fall color I’ve seen this year:

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I need to get in the habit of taking my camera with me when I run errands to capture things that catch my eye. There are lots of interesting vignettes all over town. I’m sure it’s no different where you live!

Comments

  1. To each his own, right? It's a bit over-the-top for my tastes -- are they strung with lights too? Still though, it's probably better than just a plain fence.

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    1. While I wouldn't hang bicycles on my own fence, I really like what these homeowners did. It brings a smile to people's faces, and that's worth a lot.

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  2. You are so right Gerhard, the camera must be in the car at all times. I vow to be better about this in 2014 ! Bicycles make perfect sense out where you are in the flatlands ! Just don't get stuck in the tule fog..

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    1. Davs is flat as flat can be. I always joke that the highest points in town are the various freeway overpasses!

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  3. I think they're a nice touch, and so appropriate for the location too.

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  4. I love the humor in these bizarre decorations. I wish more people had fences with murals, flowers, mosaics, etc. I am sure there are some I have never seen.

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    1. I completely agree. It may not always be my cup of coffee, but I enjoy creativity in all its forms.

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  5. Uhm...well, I guess they must make the owner happy?

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    1. I'm sure they do. It gets people to look. Good or bad, these bicycles provoke a reaction, and in my book that's better than a boring yard :-).

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  6. They wrap the tires in lights for the holidays—I always enjoy passing these bikes too!

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  7. Cheerful and fun planters to express their spirit of community. They would bring a smile from me also.

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