Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Thursday 1 October 2015

Tulip Top Gardens 2015

Last week we headed off to Tulip Top Gardens to complete our pilgrimages to celebrate Spring.

Tulip Top Gardens are a little way out of town (and in the next state) and they are open each year at the same time as Floriade.

Both are celebrations of spring.  Both feature tulips by the hundreds.  Both are in spectacular locations.  And they couldn't be more different.

Floriade is free to enter, and is becoming increasingly commercial in nature.
Tulip Tops charges $15 admittance to people over 16 (seniors get a discount of a dollar).  Included in that fee are unlimited cups of tea and coffee and for those who would like it a sausage sandwich (the skinny one had mine as well).

Floriade is a government initiative.
Tulip Top Gardens are the work of a single family - who put over a million bulbs in the ground each year by hand.

I go to both of them each year, but Tulip Top Gardens is first in my heart.  Like Floriade, when we went a lot of things were yet to bloom.  Just the same it was beyond beautiful.

Many, many, many photos follow.  And there are more which I won't inflict on you.  Yet.

Walking down the path to the gardens.


Looking to the right.

Looking to the left.


Looking straight ahead.


Now come wander with me to the waterfall.  Classical music is playing from the trees.  There are frogs in the water way.  The air is perfumed.  Birds are singing, and I came across one gentleman who was saying, wow, wow, wow.  And I wouldn't argue with him.

 







 Still walking, still revelling.





Love those pansy patterns..


To the glorious forsythia avenue, with an underplanting of pansies and violas.


Blossom trees (there are over 1000) and the walk to the lookout which I wonder each year whether I will be able to manage.





The reason I do that walk.



And just a few more shots from the ground again.






I liked those quirky flowers.  They are made of corrugated iron, and similar ones can be commissioned and purchased.




 

How clever that the underplanting of violas went right around the base of the tree.

Do you wonder that I love it?  

139 comments:

  1. Stunning photos! Wow, so much in bloom.
    I'd like the family one better as well. Rather support a family trying to make money. Besides, free food and drink and all the flowers you can handle - what a deal.

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    1. Alex J Cavanaugh: I can't see how the family does make a profit. Bulbs are expensive, and they would have to buy some at least new each year. A labour of love?

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  2. Well, that went well with the first espresso. You know what I loved best...thank you again.

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    1. dinahmow: I do know. And love the forsythia avenue myself.

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  3. What a kaleidiscope of colour. Drinking in all this beauty surely would make you feel good

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    1. Margaret Adamson: Both of us had smiles that threatened to split our faces.

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  4. OMG, what a beautiful place. Oh, how I wish I to there. Your pictures are fantastic.
    Mary

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    1. mxtodis123 ~ Mary: It is a truly beautiful place, and I look forward to our visits every year.

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  5. I think Tulip Tops looks a lot more open than Floriade, that is what would appeal to me. The logistics in imagining and planting to get those results is something that I just can't imagine. But I love the results. Great pics EC!

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    1. carol: I think it is a bit deceptive. Floriade probably has more open space, but Tulip Tops makes much better use of the natural terrain. The work involved staggers me. The owners are not spring chickens either.

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  6. You could've had a "Wow" competition with the fellow, EC! A stunning floral display...thanks for sharing the beauty with us.

    Will the Skinny One be sharing his photos with us upon his return or will we have to bribe him? :)

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    1. Lee: I have extracted a photo or two from his high and skinniness already - and have his permission to share.

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  7. How wonderful that you are opposite us in seasons, so I can vicariously enjoy your spring. And my goodness, talk about sensory overload. I've never seen such endless gardens. You are fortunate indeed to have that in your corner of the world.

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    1. Marty Damon: I relish that opposite seasons thing too. In summer when I am a sad, soggy and grumpy mess I will relish pictures of cooler times...

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  8. And once again, thanks for spring. Keep it coming until summer.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: You may be sorry you said that. I don't need a lot of encouragment to post garden photos...

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  9. ohhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhh

    My mom visited Holland once upon a time and brought back zillions of bulbs. I wonder what happened to them once the water restrictions hit in El Paso and her back yard turned to sand.

    I hope she dug them up and bequeathed them...but she probably didn't.

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Even your colour hungry self would probably have had enough. I hope that your mama passed those bulbs on too. Mind you, they are astonishingly hardy if they find a spot they are happy in.

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  10. How totally beautiful these gardens are! The first picture of just the walk alone is as pretty as the ones of the flowers. What a treat....

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    1. Bookie: It is an annual treat - and one I insist on.

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  11. Your post is majestic, your photos are majestic, the "feel" is majestic. I loved this outing, really did. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: Tit for tat - I loved travelling with you in your post today. Thank you.

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  12. Unbelievably lovely!
    My favourite is where the blossom tree has the pink tulips under it, it's just such beautifully delicate colouring

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    1. kylie: They have an incredible eye for colour and design don't they? And match it with an unbelievable amount of work.

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  13. It's all so beautiful.
    One year I will get there for a visit .
    Merle.............

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    1. Merlesword: I hope you can - it really is worth the trip. Would the Beer Fairy like it?

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    2. Most likely, he like gardens of all sorts.
      Merle........

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    3. Merlesworld: Oh good. Encourage him to bring you up this way...

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  14. I can't tell you how much I loved these photos, and how grateful I am that you shared them with us. What bliss! I couldn't possibly pick one over all the others. Thank you, my friend.

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    1. Alexia: Thank you. I felt a bit guilty for such a photo heavy post - but couldn't decide.

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  15. I remember it from last year but it looks even better this year. It must be among the world's best. You captured it really well.

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    1. Andrew: On the world stage it is probably small beer - but it is unbelievably beautiful. Each year I think they can't top themselves - and they do.

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  16. All the colors of the rainbow and then some...Thanks for taking us along. BTW, Yiddish and Hebrew are not the same...Best to you.

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    1. e: You are right. I was having a temporary abberration. You are also right about the rainbow display.

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  17. Breathtaking and I can only image how gorgeous it would be in person. I'd have to say the Tulip Gardens would be my first choice as well. Amazing what that family is doing. Your photos are so beautiful, really beyond words.

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    1. Mason Canyon: It is simply stunning in person. Each and every year.

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  18. Magnificent. I enjoyed your walk.
    What a feat to plant all by hand. Dedicated the family must be. Must be a wonderful job working out the colours and the patterns each year.

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    1. Margaret - whiteangel: My back, my knees, my joints and I bitch and whinge after planting a tiny proportion of the bulbs they do. I am beyond impressed. And amazed at their artistic eye as well.

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  19. I could walk there every day and sleep on a bed of flowers and drink from the cool pools. Over a month by yourself, hope you enjoy it and indulge every minute.

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    1. Linda Starr: The families home is just behind the lookout. The view they get would have me spellbound. The gardens are virtually weed free too - which my much smaller ones aren't.

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  20. So beautiful and serene. What a perfect way to spend a day. At least they offer coffee and tea to offset the pain of the price.

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    1. Sandra Cox: I think the price is very reasonable. And if you count the tea and coffee (not to mention the sandwich) even cheap.

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  21. I could sit in that park and never move again. Stunning! One million bulbs and over a thousand trees? Incredible views. Love the corrugated flowers too. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: It was yet another of the days when I did too much - and I don't regret it at all. And have been snarling at my body for even mentioning it. My body is a philistine.

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  22. I can see exactly why you love it, it is gorgeous! ;)

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  23. I love experiencing your location through your beautiful photos. Thank you so much for sharing!

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I am so glad you liked our excursion.

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  24. Ohhhh, wow. Yes indeed.
    What a tonic these images are. Only topped off by actually being there, I'm sure. It is somewhere that I would love to visit.
    I stopped and stared for ages at the river of violas that wove around the tree. Beautiful.
    Thank you, EC. And, looking forward to more please :)

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    1. Vicki: That river of violas was a brainwave wasn't it? I was awed. And I smiled at the man with his wows. And said Yes!

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  25. Such a beautiful place to visit ... Happy Spring EC !

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    1. Whisper Mist: Happy Fall to you - another of my favourite seasons.

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  26. So much more than tulips, and everything so beautiful. Even the evergreens massed together in different shades of green - the family is artistic indeed.

    And your photographs bring it to us - thank you. I especially liked the shot of the pink and white blossoms against the blue sky, and the panoramic view from the hilltop.

    I, too, am looking forward to more photos.

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    1. (I'm just realizing there are more kinds of trees in that hilltop view than just evergreens...!)

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    2. jenny_o: The trees are incredible, the planting is incredible - and the sheer hard work which has gone into it blows my mind. They have made the very best of an already beautiful place.

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  27. Oh, such gloriousness! I love the 12th photo with the conifers, the 16th with the pansy patterns and the 21st with that river of white. Also love the final picture with the underplanting of violas and those corrugated iron flowers are so wonderful. I'd like a few of those in my garden, for colour when nothing else is blooming.
    My Ixias are putting on a fabulous show right now.

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    1. River: My ixias have diisappeared. Hopefully they will reappear. Gloriousness is a wonderful description - thank you. And I could find a home for the corrugated iron flowers too.

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  28. Oh my goodness, EC, I would go to that too! those photos are just beautiful, every one of them. Dazzling!

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    1. Strayer: It is a delight every year. Well worth the trip.

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  29. I love these garden pics. Great to watch as we are approaching autumn in Sweden =)

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    1. CrimsonAnna: I hope your autumn is vibrant and colourful - and winter gentle. My translate is refusing to function at the moment which is why I haven't been visiting.

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  30. Hi EC - no wonder you went to visit this amazing garden - what an incredible work of love and of art. Gosh I'd visit every day in Spring ... stunning views, photos and plants ... yes Spring here would be lovely - still better wait for six months! Enjoy ... so lovely to see - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: It is a beautiful place isn't it? As I said to CrimsonAnna, I hope your autumn is beautiful, and your winter gentle.

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  31. Oh so beautiful, and no wonder you love it!

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    1. Jacquelineand...: So much. Each and every year.

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  32. Dear EC
    What a stunning garden! An amazing amount of work but how it pays off. Thank you for sharing your visit - I wish I could have been there!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I would love to have been able to share that garden with rather a lot of people.

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  33. wow wow wow I have to agree with the gentleman too. Your post has slowed my down to that 'savouring, awe, wonderment' space that can get a bit lost in the hustle and bustle.

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    1. Kim: Slowing down almost always pays dividends doesn't it?

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  34. All I can say is what he did: Wow Wow Wow! Beautiful indeed. Thanks for the plethora of pictures. :-)

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  35. What a magnificent place to visit. I wish that it could always be spring.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: It is a true delight each and every time we go. I do love spring - but have a soft spot for autumn and winter too.

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  36. Oh how wonderful to immerse yourself in such beauty. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

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    1. Myrna R.: We were almost drowing in beauty - and didn't struggle at all.

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  37. Waht a beautiful place. I would love to go there.

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    1. Teresa Hennes: So many people don't visit, who live close enough. Their loss.

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  38. Replies
    1. New Release Books: It is. Both of those things. To the max.

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  39. Oh goodness inflict away, I enjoy all of your photos and could see more as well. It truly amazing to see such beautiful blossoms like these, (bursting with beauty and life) and all the creative designs that others skillfully and loving place together. Even the quirky flowers were a treat. Thank you for bringing us here.

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    1. Karen S.: There is always room for quirky in my life. And I thought the quirky blended very well with the beautiful.

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  40. Although I love the gardens, the blossoms are just stunning!!!

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I love them both, and am happy to see them together.

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  41. Absolutely stunning, I love the yellow and purple together.
    Did you know that the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, has a huge tulip festival in the spring (N Hemisphere spring!!!) and the thousands of tulip bulbs are sent from Holland every year as thanks for Canada harbouring the Dutch Royal family during WW2.

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    1. Shammickite: I didn't know that. I will have to investigate when spring reaches your hemisphere. Thank you.

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  42. Wow, wow, wow...
    A million bulbs a year by one family? Amazing.

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    1. Susan Kane: Unbelievable isn't it? They must have backs and knees of iron.

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  43. I can see why you love it! I love it and its only pictures. Thank you for sharing then with us. :-)

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    1. Birdie: It was a really windy day when we went, but tucked down in the valley the sun shone, the wind became a breeze and it was blissful.

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  44. So beautiful! When everything is fading here it's starting up afresh with you....

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    1. Molly: Spring has reached us with a vengeance. Summer (pushy tart that she is) is trying to push her out the way. I hope Spring triumphs for a while yet.

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  45. Oh. my. goodness! What gorgeous gorgeous shots! Heavenly.

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    1. ladyfi: It is a heavenly spot. Anywhere the camera was pointed there was magic.

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  46. I can get lost in that garden for a long long time and I won't mind. :)

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    1. Lux G.: We did spend a long time there - and didn't regret it for an instance. The owners live at the top of the hill, and I envied them.

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  47. This is just...wow. Stunning? Amazing? Breathtaking? I want to go there so bad!

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    1. Robert Bennet: It is all of those things. I am so grateful that we can visit each year.

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  48. Wonderful horticultural effects! Here (California), we have "Daffodil Hill" in Volcano but it does not equal your tulip-based exhibition. Thanks for the cheerful and colorful photos.

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    1. Geo: They usually have more daffs than they did this year. I would love to see Daffodil Hill - and will try and track it down when spring reaches your part of the world.

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  49. Those are pretty flowers, colourful and well sited.

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  50. Incredible! I would be walking around with my mouth open!

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    1. librarygirl: We do. Every year. Our mouths open and huge smiles - such an attractive picture.

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  51. Oh me, oh my, thanks for such beautiful pictures to kick-start October!

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    1. Granny Annie: I hope your October is equally (but differently) beautiful.

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  52. Wow wow wow. :)
    Love violas. My favorite!!

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    1. Dawn@Lighten Up!: My favourite changes with the winds but I do love violas and pansies. And forsythia. And tulips....

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  53. My what beauty! Looks like a dream world. Enjoyed seeing all the Spring life

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    1. Kim @ Stuff could...: The very best kind of dream.

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  54. Wow! All of that beauty in one place must be absolutely breathtaking. It's a joyous explosion of spring, and I defy anyone to look at it without saying at least one heartfelt WOW.

    Have a terrific weekend.

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    1. Susan: I turned to the wow man and said YES! He smiled, I smiled and we went on our way, revelling in the beauty.
      A wonderful weekend to you too.

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  55. The blossom! I am a blossom freakoid. I love it, all the white and the pink, and those trees that look as though they have long fingers of blossom are not seen round these parts at all, I love them! Gorgeous photographs as ever, and to see spring as we head into autumn is a fine thing. Thank you dearie x

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    1. All Consuming: I haven't been able to find out what the fingers of blossom are attached to. When I do, I will plant some. Several no doubt.
      Love the term blossom freakoid. Snap.

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  56. Gorgeous. I cannot wait to visit the tulips in Mt. Vernon next spring.... but I am enjoying the hush of fall :) Glad you got to enjoy all that gorgeousness! Thanks for sharing, the photos are a warm mini-vacay!

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    1. HBF: I hope less tiring that your last vacation as well. As I look through the photos again I can't help smiling. Sooooo beautiful.

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  57. Absolutely glorious! Such a beautiful show of colors. Spring is so pretty. I can't believe that the work is one by a family. I can see why you love to visit. Such colors! :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: The couple who started it did it on their own for several years - and they are not spring chickens. Enlisting the family is relatively new. I am still in awe that they can do it. And so very grateful.

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  58. Gasp! I loved walking neath the blossoms with you!

    ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral

    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    1. Cloudia: It is a wonderful walk isn't it? Perfumed and beautiful.

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  59. Aww this is so beautiful! Made my morning pleasant!!

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  60. Thank you for the most lovely walk through the colorful beauty. Wonderful pictures. Enjoyed this and made me want to hop right on over.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: It really is every bit as beautiful as it seems.

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  61. Wow, wow, wow! indeed. Beautiful, I love those cherry trees, they look like rockets of blossom, like daytime fireworks. Lovely, thanks for sharing these pictures.

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    1. lynners: And the work involved!!! I still can't get over one family doing it all by hand. Yes the trees stay there year after year but all those bulbs, and the annuals...

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  62. Just a fantastic magnificent place, all the flowers are so beautiful and they are so many. Spring is really there. It was lovely walk with you and look all these beauty.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: A week or so later I expect that there is even more out - and that it is still beautiful.

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  63. Wow, wow, wow is right. Those blossoming trees are breathtaking.

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    1. mshatch: The crab apple trees weren't even out. Heavily in bud, but not out. The confetti of petals must be amazing by now.

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  64. so stunning and beautiful. i will have to revisit often when we are in the dead of winter with 3 feet of snow just to remind myself that "this too shall pass" and our spring will soon arrive as well.

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    1. Cindi Summerlin: I hope your Spring is just as spectacular.

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  65. A glorious sight on a beautiful, sunny Spring day! Thank you. I needed that, having just returned from a family funeral and several days straight of pouring rain.

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    1. rhymeswithplague: I am glad it helped - and would very happily take some of your rain.

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  66. There are those gorgeous fringed tulips again! We don't have those here.

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    1. Riot Kitty: They are thriving in our garden at the moment. I will send you some photos.

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  67. Amazing! Love that they play music from the trees. I'd want to be there all the time.

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    1. Lynn: It is truly glorious isn't it? I could happily spend days and days there.

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  68. That is the most amazing experience I've had, just sitting here in my little apartment. So much beauty.

    I kept thinking too about the work. But then, gardening is not work when you love it, is it? It's the most exhilarating thing we can do.

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    1. neena maiya (aka guyman gyal): It is SUCH a beautiful place. This gardener does see the work. Blood, sweat and tears go into my garden - but they are a distant memory by the time the work comes into fruition.

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