Being new to NYC and to the US in general - are you allowed to plant things on your fire escape? And if you aren't, then do people actually stop you? I mean, do you one day get a knock on the door from someone from your local council with a ticket for a fine or something?

It is not legal to place plants, or anything for that matter, on the fire escape. I once had a neighbor who put plants, not little pots but 8 ft.+ tall trees, on the fire escape that made the egress completely impassable. The building received a fine from the city, and a notice to remove. She refused to remove them, so the building management had to remove them.

Generally nobody cares too much about flower boxes on the railing, it's the obstruction of egress that will get you fined. This fire escape looks to be obscured from public view (from the street), so they're not likely to have a problem unless a neighbor complains. If it were facing street-side, the building would eventually get a citation from the city.

FYI-
I admit, I voted bronze. They get an E for effort. It's very cute, and worthy of sharing, but not what I'd consider show winning material. But hey, around here everyone's a winner right? (Unless all your furniture in beige, you paint your local sports mascot all over your baby's room, or you boast about your new cookie cutter McMansion... of course.).

The vines are devine!

I usually don't like hot pink but here it's gorgeous - it 's a happy splash of color in what looks like a dark spot. Very cheery to look out on, methinks.

this photo captures a poetic grouping of simple flowers in a simple setting, the result is enchanting. i can't believe i wrote enchanting, but that's how i felt when i saw this entry.

"I'll be the fire escape that's bolted to the ancient brick, Where you will sit and contemplate your day"

The setup reminds me of that Postal Service line, one of my favorites.

It's cute, but it's hardly a major garden. Impatiens, morning glories--not a statement. I think you could try a little harder.

ouch. what are your thoughts on Dave's mighty grass?

I think it's great. Climbing vines make such a statement of nature overtaking what's man made. A little vining goes a long way. I like the restrained, simple quality of this garden. There is only so much they can put out there -- it's a small space(!) But the wine crate adds a ton of charm and the plants look happy and healthy. Great job!