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 we are going back to the National Arboretum. It is a piece of art in its own right, but is also home to other art. And glorious scenery
This is a Californian Fan Palm. Aren't those spikes on the fronds vicious?
That large building with the green roof on the shores of the lake is our Governor General's residence.
The wide brown land sculpture is a tribute to Dorothea Mackellar's poem 'My Country' This link will take you to the poem.
Our big country very often is brown too. The sculpture's form and style was apparently inspired by Mackellar's own handwriting and was created by Marcus Tatton, Futago Design Studios and Chris Viney.
The dragon trees have been caged again. I hope they will be released in summer.
The Pod is a children's play area. And is very popular.
I adore Richard Moffatt's 'Nest'.
Detail from the railing at the lookout near Nest.
It is a steep hill, and I am impressed at the cyclists I often see tackling it.
Finishing with two shots of Louis Pratt's 'A Backwards Attitude'. I first saw this sculpture at Floriade a few years ago and apparently the artist donated it to the Arboretum.
I thoroughly enjoy our visits here. It is a less than twenty minute drive from home and we should go more often.
what an amazing place,,such a beautiful view, I like that the governor 's house and other buildings have the green roof, it blends in with nature beautifully. I am always amazed at how plants have protective features like the thorns on the tree you showed,, the nest sculpture is wonderful and the play pod looks like fun for the children. You're lucky to be so close such a wonderful place, the attention to detail is wonderful, the etching on the railings I really like,
ReplyDeletelaurie: It is a delightful place and will keep on getting better with time. I hope to be tracking those changes for the years that come.
DeleteI do like the Backwards attitude sculpture. What are the dragon trees being caged from?
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Backwards Attitude is striking isn't it? I am not sure why the Dragon Trees have been caged again. Frost? Depreciation by kangaroos. I will have to ask at the arboretum next visit (as I have been meaning to do for years).
DeleteFantastic photos EC. I love the the sculptures.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you. We do too.
DeleteI like a lot of these...and do hope you have a chance to show us again after good rain.
ReplyDelete'The Nest" may be my favourite.Thank you.
dinahmow: Nest is my favourite too - though researching for this post I learned that there is another bird sculpture we have missed (and will have to track down).
DeleteRain? Good rain? I live in hope.
The Gov. General’s residence? I thought it was your getaway to escape the oppressive heat of summer!
ReplyDeleteDavid Gascoigne: I wish. Though I have in years gone by swum in the lake for just that reason.
DeleteWhat a great place---- Didn't make me feel cooler though. Nice captures!
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you. I can see I will have to revert to frost and frozen bubbles to cool you down.
DeleteThere is nothing backward about that sculpture. It's terrific.
ReplyDeleteKeep warm down that way, EC, and have a good week. Cuddles to Jazz, :)
Lee: It must have taken a lot of calculation to ensure that the statue doesn't topple. I like it - but prefer Nest. I hope you and your furry overlords have a great week.
DeleteI love your Photos especially naturÄ™ have a great sunday
ReplyDeleteGosia k: Thank you. And to you.
DeleteHi EC - your photos fit Dorothea's poem perfectly ... which is lovely and I'm so glad you linked across. The nest is amazing, as too those engravings on the rails. While the California palm looks pretty nasty ... spikes and all. The sculpture - falling backwards ... looks really uncomfortable ... while the hill must be challenging ... beautiful situation for the arboretum - cheers ... enjoy your cooling time ... we are H for hot over here - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. Those spikes blow me away every time I see them (and I often take photos of them). The arboretum is lovely whatever the season, or time of day. I hope you have somewhere cool to shelter in.
DeleteI would love to play on the Pod structure were I still wee. The sculpture is fab. -so close by to you; how wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBea: The Pod structure is very popular. Deservedly so, and I do love that the Arboretum teams art and nature.
DeleteI like the tree wearing clothes!
ReplyDeleteSandi: And in my last post there were LOTS of trees in winter woollies.
DeleteNow I must wonder if those are prayer flags on the tree. All the sculpture is wonderful, as is the engraving on the fence.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: In a sense I think the tree woollies are prayer flags - hopes for a kinder, brighter world.
DeleteAwesome photos and an amazing place. Love those sculptures. The palm tree is similar to what I am seeing now in Daytona Beach which has very tall, very small and all kinds of palm trees in between. You know I walk along and seeing those tall palm trees reminds me of California.
ReplyDeleteRasna Raisters: I have never seen the Californian Fan Palm anywhere except the Arboretum. In your new home I suspect you see types of palm I will never see.
DeleteA wondrous place to visit! I would never tire of it EC.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: We don't either. It is a delight. The Botanic Gardens are not far away and also lovely.
DeleteSome very intriguing sculpture. And thanks for the link to the poem.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: It is a lovely place - and I am very fond of that poem.
DeleteIt is such a lovely place, and thank you for sharing it again! the bird and its nest are brilliant. Not too sure about the backwards man, though - I want to grab him and push him upright!
ReplyDeleteWe have had 48 hours of very heavy rain, with no sign of it stopping anytime soon - does Canberra need any??
Have a great week, EC.
Alexia: We DO need rain. Lots of rain. We have had virtually none for months - which is worrying because this is usually our wettest time of year.
DeleteI am amazed that the backward man balances...
I had never read Dorothea MacKellar's poem My Country in it's entirety. I have seen the second verse. It is a moving poem.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. The man bent back makes you feel a bit woozy. Oh my.
Ann Bennett: It is a moving poem isn't it? And I suspect some at least of it is familiar to many Australians.
DeleteBackwards Attitude is a pose I could never assume (and an attempt would have me crashing to the ground).
That statue is awesome! I also love the nest and the etchings on the railing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they're afraid the dragon trees will fly away for the winter... ;)
River Fairchild: Dragons are like that. Or perhaps they are worried about the fire danger. I do hope to see the Dragon Trees completely free though.
DeleteI love the "acorn" parts of the children's play structure! Very well done. And I'm glad to see "The Nest" once more. It is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the poem very much. It helps to put the sculpture in better context.
Have a good week, EC.
jenny_o: Isn't Nest a charmer? As are the other sculptures, and I do love 'My Country'.
DeleteYall really have unusual sculptures. I like them, especially the nest. The last one is so unique but fitting. lol
ReplyDeleteKim Standard: I am a big fan of outdoor sculpture and think the arboretum is a wonderful spot for them. Nest is my favourite.
DeleteThat water spout is not a burst pipe at your place is it? I like all the sculptures but I especially like the detail on the railing and the handwriting of Dorothea Mackellar is clever.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Fortunately not. The water spout is the Captain Cook Memorial fountain. We like the sculptures too. The detail on the railing is very clever, and I loved discovering that Wide Brown Land is based on Dorothea's own handwriting.
DeleteOh those backwards people, love em.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: It is excellent isn't it? And is I believe a comment on our politics...
DeleteI checked the comments to see if the trees are being caged to protect them from frost, which I guess is likely, how interesting! And the 'backwards attitude' sculpture is great, it reminds me of Eric Bogle's song, 'Advance Australia Backwards'. I'm usually one of the last people to comment on your posts so I'm feeling very spry this afternoon
ReplyDeleteKim: I think frost is part of it, but they are caged in summer too (though the silver covering is removed. I MUST remember to ask next time we go. And you are welcome whenever you appear, early or late.
DeleteSo much here to love, the Nest in particular and the children's play pod.
ReplyDeleteThat photo wide expanse of white building(s) with green roof surely isn't just one residence? why would anyone need a home that large?
River: It is the Governor-General's residence and has to cater to staff, formal occasions, security, visiting dignitaries. I suspect that sometimes it is too small. And at others it must feel like peas rattling in a pod.
DeleteWe have two arboretums that we should get to more often, also. After work there just never seems to be quite enough time.
ReplyDeleteThat "Backwards Attitude" encompasses how many people seem to be these days.
Now i have to look up dragon trees and why they have to be caged.
messymimi: I suspect your comment is the inspiration behind Louis Pratt's sculpture. I suspect (but don't know) that the dragon trees are caged to protect them from our winters.
DeleteI enjoy touring your lands. I had to turn my phone upside down to look at the face of the sculpture. Also, the poem was lovely.
ReplyDeleteR
Rick Watson: I have often seen people turning their heads upside down to look at that face. I am pleased that you enjoy the tour and the poem.
Deletewhat a lovely place to visit, the childrens play area the pods look like acorns, where we used to live in California it was brown during the summer, here it is green in summer. love all the sculptures and those leaves too ha, I don't live close enough to a large city to go to an arboretum but I used to go once a week when I lived in San Francisco and to the tea gardens, maybe someday again I will I hope.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: I am pretty sure that POD is based on acorns. We are brown more often than we are green. And sometimes very, very brown. I hope you can get to arboretums and gardens again.
DeleteHello there EC! That Fan Palm looks scary but downright fascinating! Wow! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: The Fan Palm has spectacular teeth doesn't it? Fortunately it doesn't seem to be an attack palm. Hugs received and returned.
DeleteI totally relate to that last picture. Thanks for the wide views and the feel of the land.
ReplyDeleteJono: Lovely to see you. I think a lot of us can relate/resemble the last photo.
DeleteOh, i loved this post, and especially the "nest" you showed me. I hope you have a great day! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Isn't Nest a beauty? I have never seen a live bird on it. And suspect I won't.
DeleteCool nest. Lots of whimsey today.
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: There is always room for whimsy in my world. Lots of room.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThose spikes look like teeth on a prehistoric monster!
I love the nest too - it makes me think of a children's programme called 'The Clangers' where there was a character called the Iron Chicken.
Thank you for sharing your visit.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: The Iron Chicken? I can see I am going to have to ask google about that. I am very happy to share our visit here.
DeleteI grew up in California so I've seen the fan palm's. The other pictures are really great. Thanks for sharing all the great pictures.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you so much.
DeleteWhat an amazing area! I would be going there all the time! That Fan Palm is wicked!! It is vicious! LOL! I would be playing in the children's play area! LOL! Love the Nest! Love the railing! Love that statue!!! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Isn't it a lovely area? We really, really should go more often. It is lovely at any time of the day and any season. Hugs received and returned with thanks.
DeleteAmazing place EC.The governor's house is situated inh a pretty place. The palms look vicious but I enjoyed your sculptors! Thanks for always visiting my blog and commenting. I really appreciate it. Jo
ReplyDeleteJo: The Governor General lives in a beautiful part of my city. Quite a number of kangaroos share the grounds too.
DeleteFabulous array of photos. I'm wondering if you ever see people who wheel about during your excursions? Wishing you a good week.
ReplyDeletee: We do see people in wheelies on our excusions. And, since I am not very mobile, most of the trails I take are perfectly suitable. I hope your week is less challenging than recent ones have been - and enjoyable.
DeleteThank you. I was meaning to ask why Dragon trees are caged?
Deletee: I really don't know why the dragon trees are caged. Protection from frost perhaps, but they are caged in summer too. I really, really have to remember to ask next time we visit.
DeleteWhat a treasure you have so close to home.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: The arboretum was the idea of a previous Chief Minister of the city. He also decorated the city with LOTS of sculpture. I am so very grateful for his vision and don't, as many do, begrudge the cost.
DeleteAwesome sculptures.
ReplyDeleteOlga Godim: Aren't they incredible?
DeleteOh my goodness you gifted us with such delights, and interesting facts, from the Californian Fan Palm to the stately Governor's residence, the children's interesting pod play area, (I know a few kiddos that would love checking that out) and the bent over sculpture, that is just wonderful. Thanks for brightening my just finished work weekend, with some photos as if I was out and about enjoying things, happy fun things!
ReplyDeleteAnd not to forget the caged dragon trees, I'm always interested in learning about them!
DeleteKaren S: I am always happy to share my delight in beauty and in quirky fun. I hope to learn more about why the dragon trees are caged - but suspect our wintry temperatures have something to do with it. It isn't a complete answer though because in the past they have been caged in summer too.
DeleteFantastic post. I like to see other forms of art I am not used to.
DeleteIt is very nicely located... 20 minutes from home! Wonderful.
:)
Caterina: It is lovely isn't it? I am amazed at how many wonders are very close to where we live. And grateful.
DeleteWe have one of these trees in our front yard it's a real trick to trim the lower dying branches and not get your arms sliced to ribbons.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp: Welcome. I can well understand the challenge that pruning the vicious looking fan palm would set.
DeleteThis is really lovely park and it's so a varied place.
ReplyDelete20 minutes for driving to a place like this is not a long trip. But I understand, sometimes place which is near you'll forget it.
Have a nice week.
orvokki: It really isn't far at all. We are lucky, and should make more use of our luck. I hope your week is delightful.
DeleteThank you for introducing us to Dorothea Mackellar's poetry. I have found several of hers to read and I have enjoyed them tremendously. I also enjoyed the sculptures, the beautiful scenery. Great post, great photos! Always splendid to see another part of the world. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteDenise inVA: I am thrilled that you enjoy Dorothea Mackellar's poetry. I don't think she is widely known outside Australia. Isn't it lovely to get a peek into someone else's world?
DeleteYour photos tell such a great story. Love them always. I laughed out loud when I read that you said you hoped they released the Dragon trees in the summer. I was thinking something like that as in I don't think dragons don't liked being contained.
ReplyDeleteT. Powell Coltrin: Thank you. I am certain that dragons don't take well to be caged - and don't blame them.
DeleteWow, these are fantastic...and I especially like the "Backwards Attitude" statue...so unique!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!😊😊
A Hug.
Ygraine: It is an intriguing statue isn't it? And must have been so very difficult to create and balance.
DeleteDear EC, years ago I read a writer--I can't remember her name--who wrote novels--mostly romances I think--that took place in Australia. I was left always with a vision of the outback and not much else.
ReplyDeleteIt's from your blog that I can see another Australia, one spoken about so beautifully in the poem to which you linked us. Thank you. Peace.
Dee: Australia is, like your country, big and very varied. And beautiful. I am so glad that you enjoyed Dorothea's poem.
DeleteLove The Pod and that last sculpture. What a great area!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: It is a very beautiful area and will keep getting better.
DeleteMost enjoyable! What a cool place[s].
ReplyDelete"Californian Fan Palm. Aren't those spikes on the fronds vicious?" YES! I need gloves to handle fallen palm fronds from the neighbor's tree!
Cloudia: I didn't realise that they were yard trees. And they would certainly require gloves. Strong gloves.
DeleteI enjoy your visits to interesting places in your wonderful country. I love your photographs. You take me to places i will never visit, but I feel I am there with you.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Council Beal: What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
DeleteWow! I love all your photos! You had a great time!
ReplyDeleteKelly Steel: Welcome and thank you. We did have a lovely day.
DeleteAll kinds of fun, quirky and breathtaking shots.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that nest amazing?
Hope you're having a great one.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: Nest is amazing. I love it, and we visit it each and every time we go to the arboretum.
DeleteIt is early yet, but I hope the day will be great. And that yours is too.
it seemed to me there was a theme today, wonderfulness!! i picked a favorite, the tree with the knitted pieces on it - which made it look like a face! i am a knitter, so that one really spoke to me!
ReplyDeletei also loved the backward attitude, i have never seen anything like that before!!
i was dx with MS in march of 2003 but have had symptoms my entire adult life. i don't talk about it much on my blog, but i am a great listener, if you ever want to reach out to me. stangs6@hotmail.com
Debbie: Welcome and thank you. I liked the knitted face too (though I am not a knitter).
DeleteI was diagnosed with MS more than twenty years ago now and know exactly what you mean about having had symptoms for a very long time. I hope the beast treats you kindly.
Backward attitude...very impressive. The Nest.........Wow, what detail. The yarn bombing looked like a face...the middle section 2 eyes...the 3rd section perhaps a shirt...lol
ReplyDeleteSandy: Isn't it a lovely place. Something for most people to marvel at. The visitors centre is excellent too.
DeleteImagens super interessantes.
ReplyDeleteA Casa Madeira: Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed them.
DeleteI want to play in those pods!
ReplyDeleteBirdie: You are not alone. They are usually very, very full of laughing, smiling people. Mostly but not exclusively small people.
DeleteNest is my favourite and the play equipment makes me think of the gumnut babies. I wonder if that was intentional.
ReplyDeleteI hope your week is going well
xo
kylie: I like Nest best too - and am pretty certain that the gumnut babies did inspire Pod.
DeleteThe week is challenging but ok. I hope yours is better.
Awesome photos! I like how you displayed them!
ReplyDeleteLove Affair with Food: Thank you. It is a very, very beautiful place.
DeleteThank goodness those spiked fronds aren't carnivorous!
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Stephen Tremp and Cloudia would tell you that the Fan Palm IS a carnivore. Both have bled tending to it.
DeleteI like the backwards attitude sculpture. It’s
ReplyDeleteTerry: It is very different isn't it?
DeleteI love those railings! The details in them is nothing short of amazing. I have some great pictures at my blog this week so I'm kinda participating in the hop ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!!
Elsie
Elsie Amata: I loved your serene beach scenes. The railings are lovely aren't they? The little things are huge in my world.
DeleteThat last sculpture is cool. I like the nest too. And I marvel at the cyclists who take those steep grades as well!!! Glad you had a nice day out and about. :)
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: I am not sure I could walk those inclines without several rests, let alone cycling.
DeleteI love the detail on the rail! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI just noticed your Winner badges on the right. Kudos!
Sandra Cox: Thank you. I am still gob and smacked by the win. And love the railings.
DeleteIt looks like a place I would enjoy, too. That last sculpture is very interesting. I read the poem - and while I know it's about Australia I had to think of California when I read those lines.
ReplyDeleteOh, and how do I love the yarn bombing in the second photo!
Carola Bartz: I am sure you would love it. The yarn bombing here is an annual event - and my last post is full of it.
DeleteThe 'backwards attitude' sculpture is too cool!!
ReplyDeleteSpare Parts and Pics: It is, isn't it?
Deletegreat photos, EC. I love the nest and the backward sculpture. It's certainly a wonderful place to visit - and share with those of us who live a bit further away!
ReplyDeletecatmint: It is a wonderful place isn't it, and will keep on getting better, If the suggestion of eco funerals for the arboretum ever gets off the ground some day I will never leave.
DeleteWe had one of those prickly things (pic 4&5)in our garden. until last year, it had caused more accidents mostly with youngsters visiting than it's beauty was worth, Sadly it lies Rotting under a pile of earth.Our gardener used the most awful language whilst chopping iy down, I wonder why.
ReplyDeleteVert: It is an incredibly vicious looking plant. There is no room for it in my garden. I would skewer myself on it on a regular basis.
DeleteNow, THAT'S what I'd call a Backwards Attitude.
ReplyDeleteBlue Grumpster: It is indeed. And I am blown away be the feat of engineering which allows it to balance.
DeleteThis is so different! I like the look of it!
ReplyDeleteGreat selection of photographs.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you for trawling back through my posts. And the compliment. It would be hard not to take beautiful photos of this stunning place.
DeleteThe Arboretum is a wonderland of delight! Love the backwards man and the pod playground.
ReplyDeleteLynn: It is a lovely area, and we need to remember to visit more often. Thank you so much for trawling back through my posts.
DeleteOh my! That is one prickly plant! Yikes.
ReplyDeleteI love all the different sculptures. So many interesting things to look at and think about. How awesome that the park is only about 20 minutes from your house.
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: It is incredibly vicious looking isn't it? And I learn that it is just as nasty as it looks.
Delete