spring!

It's here. The flower petals are springing open, seducing us. It's time to release seasonal clothing from their winter retreat. There are places that always make me happy in the spring: everywhere on New York's Madison Avenue, Central Park, bookstores, flower shops. In Newport Beach, once you past the lunching ladies who shield their appearances beneath their big sunglasses, as if they expect to engage with paparazzi, there is a flower shop that gets you in the mood. Urban Gardener is the place. They dazzle with creative displays, arrangements and sometimes will introduce you to a rose color or flower you've never known before.