Last time we explored our city's Botanic Gardens, at Mt. Coot-tha in Brisbane, it was Summer time. Our visit this time, during our recent school holiday break, was an Autumnal one. On our wanderings around these sprawling gardens, that encompass a water-lilied lake, Japanese garden, tropical dome, rainforest and more, we found a Chocolate Tree (that I wrote about in my last post) and many other amazing plants, animals, sculptures and spaces. These were some of my favourites:
An unfurling magnolia bloom.
A soft, delicate pink & open bloom.
The beautiful roof of the tropical dome reflected in its pond.
Lush planting in the tropical dome.
A towering cactus in the arid garden.
Vibrant red flowers reflect the heat.
Carefully shaped azalea shrubs in the peaceful Japanese garden.
A tranquil trickle into a Japanese water bowl.
A panda sculpture in the bamboo grove.
A mother ... and her cub!
A pretty, deep pink salvia.
A sweep of deep purple salvias.
Tiny native bees at the "door" of their hive.
A honey bee & native bees working on a sunflower.
A mass of lily pads floating upon the lake.
A sleepy turtle sunbakes on a warm rock.
And ... a gorgeous camellia flower.
I can lose myself for many hours in these gardens. Wandering from plant to plant, picnicking under a tree, breathing in deeply the scent of flowers and herbs, listening to the trickle of water or the call of ducks. They are a peaceful, green haven and a soothing contrast to the constant bustle that is our city.
Meg
You have captured some beautiful photos Meg. I could almost here the trickle of water, sounds of birds and fresh smells.
ReplyDeleteJust love the turtle. A reminder to slow down no need to rush everywhere.
Kylie
It's a beautiful place to visit, Kylie. When you spend a day there, there's no impetus to rush. Much nicer just to wander at your leisure enjoying things slowly. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteI recall feeling that way about the Botanic Gardens in Sydney when we lived there. We would visit from time to time, and it was a real escape for this little country mouse stuck in the city!
ReplyDeleteI am a country mouse too, Cheryl, who married a City mouse! (The things we do for love.) I love the wide open spaces of "up home" and am very grateful that places like the Botanic Gardens offer up a bit of a retreat from city's busy bustle. Meg:)
DeleteLovely photos Meg, my favourite is the sunflower. I didn't realise how much smaller native bees are in comparison to honey bees. The botanic gardens look like a lovely, peaceful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
ReplyDeleteThe native bees are so tiny, Jan. They do such important work for such little creatures. Here at home, our native bees have been very busy of late in the passionfruit flowers and, just yesterday, I noticed the first baby passionfruit forming. I said a quiet thank you to them for the pollination they do. Meg:)
DeleteThe photo of the sunflower is just stunning, Meg. I wish my grandchildren lived closer and I could take them down to the Botanical Gardens. Mind you, I am not quite sure how I would do that as I don't drive in Brisbane. LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe gardens are at the base of Mt. Coot-tha, Chel, as you approach the city via the Western Freeway coming in from Toowoomba. Meg:)
DeleteI really love there Meg...wonderful place to live!
ReplyDeleteHi, Ann. Yes, Brisbane is a lovely sub-tropical city. There are lots of parks and gardens in the city and many suburbs. Meg:)
DeleteSo beautiful Meg! Did you know that the tropical red cone shaped ginger flower there has natural shampoo in it? It is the awapuhi plant and you simply gently squeeze it and some soapy clear liquid comes out. It cleans you hair and leaves it so soft and shiny. It also replenishes itself so you can use it over and over again if you do not cut the flower off the plant. I learned this years ago from some beautiful Hawaiian people who were living off grid in a remote valley on Maui. Oh to be able to go back in time and wash my hair under a waterfall again. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing, Debbie! How lovely to be able to wash your hair with ginger flower shampoo under waterfalls. Sounds like bliss to me! Meg:)
DeleteI'm coming over to Brisbane in June, hopefully I can talk my sister into taking me, the gardens look very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens are lovely, Julie. I hope you'll get to visit and enjoy them. Meg:)
DeleteGardens are food for the soul
ReplyDeleteWe have a botanical Garden not ten minutes drive from us but a bit more native. I love it...Mt Annan Botanical Gardens
Love your photos and your Header
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Thanks, Alexa. You are lucky to have a Botanic Garden so close to you. In the city where I live, there are these Botanic Gardens, which are a little west of the main city centre, and then another in the heart of the city that hugs the river. Both beautiful places to explore and to find interesting plants. Meg:)
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