Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 23 April 2017

Sunday Selections #324

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
 
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week has been busy.  Weeding, weeding, weeding.  Planting, planting, planting.  All of the bulbs are finally in the ground.  Hooray.  Except that someone who shall remain nameless has ordered a whole lot more.


We have had some truly beautiful weather.  One absolutely glorious day we ignored the garden and went back to the National Art Gallery, where we spent a happy two or three hours.  We didn't go inside - but wandered through the Sculpture garden (which will get a post of its own next week) and through the gardens more generally. Come wander with me.  The Gallery is set beside Lake Burley Griffin, and much of the gardens (but not all of it) is filled with native trees, bushes and plants.













I always think of wattle blooming in Spring.  I was obviously wrong about this variety, and the little balls of sunshine were very welcome.










There is lots and lots of seating, of various sorts, dotted about the gardens.  





The mystery of the photo above will be revealed in my Sculpture Garden post.












This is in Fiona Hall's fern garden.  And there are seats here too.















On the way home, this orange blaze caught my eye.  A lovely thing.



Apologies for the teeny-weeny text.  Blogger is messing with my mind.  I keep changing it, and it keeps changing it back.

127 comments:

  1. Beautiful and what a spectacular tree.

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    1. donna baker: Isn't it? It made me so happy to see it, and it improved the shopping centre dramatically.

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  2. i LOVE THAT WONDERFUL TOWER, BLACK AND WHITE BIRD, AND THE FLAME TREE!

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    1. Cloudia: The tower is a Carillion and when we arrived the bells were echoing across the lake. Just lovely.

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  3. Gorgeous, gorgeous photos! :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: Thank you. It is a beautiful area.

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  4. Your home is so unbelievably beautiful. I am so glad you share your pictures.

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    1. Birdie: My city is widely criticised, but I think it is beautiful. Very, very beautiful.

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  5. Most lovely photos. Loved that crow. Thanks for this wonderful photographic tour.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: Thank you. The crow is a magpie - our magpies are different to both the European version and the American one. Someone had no imagination when naming it.

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  6. Absolutely stunning are the tops, beauty EC.

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  7. Such a mysterious mystery photo! Now I have to wait... :(
    What an incredible place to wander around in. Such lovely areas. As for the nameless someone - maybe he should plant ALL the extra bulbs!

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    1. River Fairchild: Sadly if I allow him to plant all the bulbs then I have no say about where he puts them. Him being 'helpful' in other years has meant that my red tulip bed has interlopers...
      The mystery photo is part of a sculpture. Probably my favourite sculpture (on that day).

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  8. What a beautiful place to spend time! I love that huge fern! I have two small ones here on deck right now...it has rained for three days and turned cold again. Ah...weather...glad yours is good.

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    1. Bookie: The fern garden is tucked out of the way - but I love it. And would like to be able to grow ferns like that. Not enough water. Sigh. I hope you get some sunshine soon.

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  9. Interesting photos there, EC. I love the pensive maggie...pondering his next move...or meal!

    I hope you have a great week ahead...cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: There were lots of birds in the garden, and I suspect they do quite well scoffing picnic left-overs.
      A great week to you and the furry tyrants.

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  10. Replies
    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I am fond of magpies. I love their call, and it spells home to me.

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    2. We have many magpies around here, but I so rarely hear them sing :(

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    3. River: They sing more in Spring, but I love hearing it whenever I can. And the currawong call too.

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  11. Bought more, eh? Love the fog shot.

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Rather a lot more. There will be many fog shots to come...

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    2. I have fog shot to share with you that I took the end of last year I think, or the start of this one. Love those kinds. Keep 'em coming.

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    3. The Happy Whisk: I adore fog. Except when we are travelling. I can remember some where the white line in the centre of the road was all we could see.

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  12. Wonderful pictures, it looks like paradise.

    Imagine ordering more bulbs. I plant a few more every year. There are never enough Buttercups. Although Irises are my favorite.

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    1. Ann Bennett: We plant bulbs each year too. No buttercups (which I should address). Lots of iris though. And lots of different types of iris.

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  13. Now who went and ordered more bulbs? LOL!
    It certainly sounds as if you've had a very busy week.

    I've just enjoyed relaxing looking at your lovely selection of photographs, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. It was a busy week and the coming one will be too. Not in the garden though. Less pleasurable busy.

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  14. The name "wattle" doesn't seem like it fits those cheery yellow flowers! (I see from the internet that they are called acacias as well, which still doesn't seem to fit.) The man-made wetlands areas are amazing. What a good idea. Love all the shots, but I have a soft spot for the magpie and the fluffy plants at water's edge - what are those? Good luck getting the bonus bulbs planted :)

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    1. jenny_o: I am not certain what the fluffy plants on the water's edge are called. A decorative grass of some sort - but I liked them too. Our whole lake is man-made and I think it is entirely appropriate that other water features lie beside it.
      The wattle is Australia's floral emblem. There are dozens of varieties and Spring blazes with them.
      The bonus bulbs will be a squeeze. There are several hundred more tulips and daffodils. Iris, hyacinth and yet more...

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  15. Don't worry about the theme. These are great pictures. Thanks for the look around.

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  16. Looking at your repy to Birdie above, EC, I am compelled to say that you have single-handedly changed all of my preconceptions about Canberra, most of which came from Australians I have met. They should be ashamed of themselves!

    I can't wait for the sculpture post. And that tree is stunningly beautiful :)

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    1. Alexia: Some of the criticisms are valid. It IS full of politicians. Which goes with the territory when a city is the seat of government. Boring? I don't find it so. And I do find it beautiful. Next time you come to Oz, I hope you will find the time for a detour. I am pretty sure you would find lots to enjoy.

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  17. All looks wonderful,
    Mystery garden - does look interesting or will be when we find out.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: It is a beautiful area. I hope the mystery garden lives up to the promise.

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  18. That was a lovely wander, indeed. I like the cattails picture and the mystery picture especially. :-)

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    1. DJan: Not nearly as energetic as the hikes you take us on though. Less distance, less altitude.

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  19. I am curious about the mystery of the photo with what looks like fog. Can't wait to find out more!

    I love when gardens have lots of seating. Nice to stop and sit for a bit and soak in the surroundings.

    Congrats on getting all the weeding and planting done (or all of it until the new arrivals show up). ;)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: There are so many seats, in a range of styles. I think it is a brilliant idea. I haven't got all the weeding done. I never have all the weeding done but I think I have broken the back of it. And nearly my own.

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  20. Text size is fine, it's probably only tiny on the 'new post' page. Blogger is weird like that. I notice it sometimes when I type a comment on a blog, the letters are tiny, but the published comment is regular size.
    Loved seeing the little balls of sunshine and the magpie. He looks like a young one.

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    1. River: I finally managed to fix it - but left my remarks up in case it reverted again. It had gone (for reasons of its own) to the smallest type face for some paragraphs.
      I think you are right and it is a young magpie, and looked quite at home.

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  21. Lovely shots. Enjoyed seeing the wattle!

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    1. Karen: Out of season or not, it is always lovely to see the wattle.

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  22. Looks like fog forming in the forest there, (dry ice?) in the mystery photo, or water mist? Course smoke bomb comes to mind but that would stink. Looks like your colors are turning. We still have had only peeks of spring, back to rain again, some reports saying we will get over 3 inches the next few days.

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    1. Strayer: You will have to wait and see on the fog question. I can tell you it wasn't a smoke bomb though.
      Our colours are turning, and I hope Spring makes up her mind and settles down with you. Three inches is more rain than we get in three months.

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  23. Theres so many amazing reservations be discovered and explored, no telling what awaits in these awesome terra incognito dimensions, beware of that fog! there could be something within!!! hehe

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    1. Spacer Guy: Oh there was something within the fog. Several somethings...

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    2. It is fascinating though as a human species our technological capabilities to accurately understand fog remains limited due the mysterious unknown elements within fog processes. Something is waiting for us within the fog!

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    3. Spacer Guy: Something is definitely waiting for us in the fog. Will we be happy to see it? Or not?

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  24. Heipsan...
    Lovely photos and lovely place. I especially love photos 8, 12, 14, 18, 22-12 (it's easier to give the numbers than say by text :).
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: Thank you. I really did go a bit overboard with the photos didn't I?

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  25. Hi EC - loved the photos and your tour around ... I loved seeing the Carillon and then learning about it - interesting all round. No wonder you just love getting out and enjoying the gardens with all its goodies - looking forward to the sculptures next week ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: It really is a delightful place. So close to the heart of the city, so close to the Parliamentary shenanigans - and miles away from both of them.

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  26. Dear EC
    What an interesting place with so much to see. Thank you for taking me along.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: My pleasure. I am glad you liked it.

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  27. I think this might be my favourite yet of your Sunday selections.
    There is a magpie who seems to spend a lot of time outside my daughters bedroom. We call him Brian. They are rather lovely

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    1. kylie: Thank you. I am glad to come across another magpie fan.

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  28. I have had problems with text size too, EC, but I don't know how it got sorted out.

    What a beautiful place you visited! I look forward to the sculptures.

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    1. Marie Smith: Intermittent problems with text size. A couple of times I have had to delete the post and start again. Having loaded the photos I didn't want to do that this time.

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  29. What a lovely place. It seems like there is always something blooming in your area of the world.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: There usually is something in bloom - which is lovely. It might only be a weed, but is a splash of colour just the same.

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  30. Your photos are a breath of fresh air!

    What is that floating ball thing?

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    1. Sandi: Thank you. The floating ball is a sculpture 'Diamonds' by Neal Dawson which hangs between the National Art Gallery and the High Court. I love it.

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  31. Stunning...I always look forward to more! Have a good week and meow!

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    1. e: Thank you. A good week to you and Jacob. Filled with sleep and purrs.

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  32. I have enjoyed your walk. Thanks for sharing.

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  33. Loved the grass and the 'grass-flowers' and the blaze of orange and the non-blazing quiet greenery as well. This post was so refreshing to come and wander through after the hectic week that was.Thank you. 'Come wander with me' makes a great meme :)

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: You (and the other A-Zers) have had a very, very busy few weeks. I hope this one is calmer. I have thoroughly enjoyed travelling with you, and look forward to more.

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  34. It sure is fun to have opposite seasons from yours. We are just starting to come back to life after a long, cold winter. I love your greenery and colors.

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    1. Jono: Your long cold winter has been a respite during the ugliness of our long hot summer. It is definitely great to have the benefit of both seasons simultaneously.

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  35. Such gorgeous photos. Makes me want to go outside and enjoy nature except we're having heavy rains off and on today. So I can enjoy the beauty through your photos.

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    1. Mason Canyon: What a lovely thing to say. I hope you can get outside again soon.

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  36. Love the tall grasses and the mystical magical mysterious fog shrouded landscape.

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    1. only slightly confused: I loved those things too. Rather a lot.

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  37. my favourite is a red tree. What is it/

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    1. Gosia k: I am not certain what that tree is - it is beautiful though. I will try and find out for you.

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  38. Dear "Elephant's Child," its so good to be back at your blog and see your appreciation of nature as shown in your photography. Thank you for your cards these past months. Today, I posted on my blog and then began reading blogs and realized just how much I've missed being in touch--webwise--with friends like you. So much good in my life and I sometimes forget the blessings that have been scattered like rose petals upon the path I trod. Thank you for the rose petals you've strewn on my path. Peace.

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    1. Dee: I saw, and commented on your post. It is truly lovely to see you back in the blogosphere again. I hope the rose confetti of kindness continues to fall on your path.

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  39. Wonderful photos - almost makes me want to visit Canberra :)
    one of these days... many of our native plants do their main flowering in Autumn - its a lovely time of year

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    1. Anna: Autumn is indeed beautiful - and a season Canberra does well. If ever you do come this way, contact me please.

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  40. You live in a beautiful place.

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  41. Beautiful photos!

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  42. Love the photos EC, beautiful flowers also. Is that a magpie?

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    1. Denise inVA: It is indeed a magpie. I do love them.

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  43. I love the fog in that one photo! And the tower in the woods seems downright ominous in a SciFi way.

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    1. John Wiswell: More fog photos to come. Many more.
      That tower (the Carillion) is also on a small island. Which could indeed be ominous...

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  44. I’ve had the same kind of week as you to the point my fingers are tired because of all of weeding. It was worth it though as the garden is looking really pretty. If I were you, I would make the nameless one plant the bulbs :-)
    Thank you for sharing all these beautiful phots. I'm struggling with text on Blogger too - if it gets any smaller on my blog it will be non existent, and you are right Blogger keeps on changing it.

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    1. Barbara Fisher: Our garden is looking expectant. All the work is for the months to come - when the blood, sweat and tears will (hopefully) be forgotten. I will join him in planting because it gives me a say in where things go.

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  45. Beautiful photos. The fog one was mysterious. Thanks for sharing a lovely visit with us.

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    1. Carolyn McBride: I do like fog. Natural and induced. And there will be (many) more fog photos to come.

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  46. Man, looking at these reminds me that I'm a terrible human with too many hobbies. I only just got around to touching up and releasing photos I took from a family trip two years ago...Oh well.

    I can't remember if I ever asked, but do you put your photos up to be used to stocks? I imagine you could definitely sell a few.

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    1. Robert Bennett: Nothing terrible about having too many hobbies. Nothing at all. I am essentially a happy snapper and it hasn't occurred to me (and I wouldn't know how to go about it) to put photos up for sale.

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  47. Oh my you are so right, that orange blaze is amazing. What caught my eye most is that large float floating in the photo before it. Very nice. You surely know that I'm excited to learn more about the mystery photo too, I am a big mystery fan. Can't wait.

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    1. Karen S.: That large float is 'Diamonds' a sculptural installation I love. If I get off my behind the mystery will be solved tomorrow.

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  48. We've had nothing but rain, rain, rain here.
    Enjoy the sunshine.
    I'm a leftie too:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: We have gentle rain today. I love it. Jazz is less impressed. Much less impressed.

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  49. I like when there is seating around a place that requires a lot of walking. Never know when you'll need to use one. The pictures are lovely. Your font is fine. :) Have a wonderful week!

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    1. mail4rosey: Blogger relented eventually on the text size. Lots of seating is something I appreciate more and more as age and infirmity call the shots.

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  50. Thank you for sharing your nature filled hours. I like how you even built in a little mystery. Looking forward to the sculpture garden pics. Have a good week.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. Nature gives me solace, joy and healing and I am happy to share the magic.

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  51. Love the pics and am looking forward to the mystery revealed! There are so many lovely things to visit in your area.

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    1. Lynn: There are. We don't get to nearly enough of them. But are doing better.

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  52. You really did some nifty drifting this week! I love that misty photo in the trees.

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    1. cleemckenzie: There is something about mist isn't there... And we decided it would be the perfect foil to a hot summer day.

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  53. As usual your photos are beautiful and as usual I am jealous of all the wonders you have at your fingertips. I am going to start wandering around and posingt pictures of things I can see around here just as a comedic foil to all the splendors on your side of the planet.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I would LOVE to see photos from around your area - and suspect my eyes would take on a green tinge.

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  54. A lovely way to spend an afternoon!!

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  55. Thanks for the beautiful wander:)
    I love how Fall is flowing on your side of the world.
    Spring is shining her brightest here right now.
    So much beauty - it shakes me:)
    Big joy to you in the changes,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: The world is full of wonder. And beauty. Which I hope we can remember and retain. Hugs.

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  56. What gorgeous shots! And those autumn leaves in the last shot are stunning too.

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    1. Lady Fi: It is a beautiful time of the year, and I am revelling in it.

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  57. Great photos. They have a great calming effect in, what is, a very stressful life.

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    1. Treey Stynes: I am glad. Sometimes life gets to be a bit much doesn't it?

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  58. It was wonderful wandering with you. Thank you.

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    1. Sandra Cox: My pleasure. More wanders - probably tomorrow.

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