It started with a series of unused terraces that dotted the side of Riverfall's cliff accessible by a few plain staircases of wrought iron. A woman planted a tree in memory for a lost child, and then someone else did the same for a lost mate. Soon visitors and denizens alike were planting all sorts of exotic plants and tending them carefully. The Cliffside Grotto grew and grew until soon a park was established that was overflowing with riots of color. But its not just the flowers and vegetation that draw the visitors to the grotto. Simple statues, plaques with words of encouragement, and small private areas that stairways lead too bring folks together to pray, meditate, and indulge in soft stolen kisses. Sometimes people just traverse the hidden pathways and overlook the sea and reflect upon their lives and the beauty in the world.
Throughout the seasons there is always something of interest in the Cliffside Grotto: from the fragrant, winter blooming shrubs, to the fresh delights of spring, to the abundance of summer color, to the grand finale of of burning color in the autumn. The following is a rundown of what the grotto looks like throughout the various season.
In the Spring...
As the weather improves and grows warmer, trees burst into flower and perfume the Cliffside Grotto in a riot of scent and color. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and tiny little Semele bells decorate the Cliffside, giving visitors to the Grotto one of the most beautiful displays ever.
In the Summer...
Perennials and annuals reach for the sky and spread wide cascading their blooms down rocky surfaces and giving the entire Grotto a sense that an Akvatari artist has been turned loose to paint the world in a glorious rendition of the rainbow. The Cliffside Grotto this season is completely and utterly full of exotic flowers, some brought in by traders and all lovingly planted and maintained by volunteers in the city.
In the Fall...
The stunning color of summer lights up in an Ivak inspired fire of red, russet and golden as autumn descends on Riverfall. The nights turn colder and inspire the maples growing along the cliffs change color and begin to blaze to life adding to the hues of chrysanthemums.
In the Winter...
Because the Grotto looks so uninspiring plantwise in the winter, the volunteers of the Grotto set up lanterns and light them nightly to provide a phenomenal display of colored lights and decorations. The largest nooks are filled with water and turned into ice sculptures that further accent the light display.
