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.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life. Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme. We have had some grey days. Some windy days. Some chilly days. Sadly the predicted rain hasn't really happened. A few splats and no more (incontinent pigeon rain).
On a grey, chilly and windy day last week we headed (I may have mentioned that I am a creature of habit) to our National Arboretum for their annual Warm Trees display.
The stated objective for this bit of fun is to get people to go to the Arboretum in the chillier months. It was school holidays while we were there, and there were plenty of people (albeit mostly in the warmth of the visitors centre).
Settle back with a cuppa of your choice and enjoy the fun with us.
Starting off in the Himalayan Cedar Forest.
The theme for this year is tulips and bicycles. Which we spotted early.
This tree was rugged up in the sort of knitting I could do.
As always the views were a joy.
I really liked the sunshades - even if there wasn't any sun to shade from.
While people decorated a lot of trees, no-one had the courage to rug up the cactus.
The giant bicycle on the hillside - which didn't look knitted to me.
Of course I had to stop off at Richard Moffat's Nest - and admire the railing on the nearby look out too.
If you have lasted this long through the myriad of photos, many thanks. Minimalism comes hard to me.
Dear EC
ReplyDeleteA riot of colour on the trees and hillside and some wonderful views. I enjoyed sharing your visit.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. It really is a delightful place and we enjoy all our visits.
DeleteI love the sun umbrellas and etched railing, I always like the contrast of metal and greenery.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: I am a fan of that contrast too. And of the little things.
DeleteI love the "bandage" of bikecycles! And the Mofffat "Nest" as always.And the railing. Thank you
ReplyDeletedinahmow: Nest is an amazing piece isn't it? And perfectly situated high in the arboretum.
DeleteA beautiful, if cold, tour. Maybe we should meet up for a warm cup of cocoa after.
ReplyDeleteMy post will be up in a few hours, our crepe myrtles were blooming.
messymimi: It was cool, but a great outing just the same. I do love crepe myrtles and look forward to your post. Ours are not only without flowers at the moment, but also leafless.
DeleteI hope you've got yourself rugged up, EC. No doubt Jazz has found a cosy spot for himself. Keep warm. Cuddles to Jazz...have a great week. :)
ReplyDeleteLee: Jazz is warm and comfortable (of course). I hope you and your furry overlords have a wonderful week.
DeleteThat is an incredible view all right. I certainly wouldn't have minded the cold.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: That view is spectacular, whatever the season or time of the day.
DeleteI would love to have Richard Moffat's Nest in my own yard (assuming I'll ever have a yard again)!
ReplyDeleteI felt sad for the one tree with only strings of yarn instead of a proper coat. Kind of like the last kid picked for a team, you know?
Love your excursions! I've seen more of Australia vicariously than most people ever will, because of you. Thank you for that.
River Fairchild: I was always one of the last picked for teams sports (which I understood because I am totally uncoordinated).
DeleteI only show you a tiny corner of our big land, though there are a couple of slightly bigger excursions in the offing.
What a fabulous post.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.
Those views are magnificent.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and have a good week ahead.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Many thanks. The arboretum is beautiful and getting more so each year. In a hundred years or so (when I am long gone) I expect it to be magnificent (and still improving).
DeleteI am not quite sure where this practice of knitting for trees first originated, but we saw it for the first time a few years ago in Britain, and it seems to have caught on around the world.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoingne: I am not sure where yarnbombing for trees originated, but do smile to see it. Warm Trees has been running for quite a few years here, and I don't think it was original even at the first year.
DeleteThese photos are fantastic, and heartwarming, as well as tree-warming. I am a great fan of Nest, and hope to see it in person one day in the (not too far distant) future. The tulips are excellent too, especially the three sticking up out of the bark with their ears pricked!
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me what all of the little white shapes are in picture number 11? I'm guessing hopefully that they're protectors for young trees...
Have a good week!
Alexia: Good eye. They are indeed protectors for young trees. I hope they are more successful than the cages for the Dragon Trees, which were hit by a late and hard frost last year and all died.
DeleteYou are contemplating a trip to Oz? I hope if you do you will contact me.
You have made me want to see Canberra, EC, and it would be lovely to meet you, and see for myself some of the places you visit.
DeleteI don't think it will be this year now; we are bringing our son, his wife and their little girl over for a month at Christmas this year, so that is taking up our travel money! Maia will be 2 when they come - she was only 6 months when I went to Spain last year.
Maybe I'll pencil Oz in for next year... :)
Alexia: I look forward to that. And hope you have a wonderful time with your family over Christmas.
DeletePerhaps next year I could send you the only sock I may complete this year, and you can find a suitable tree!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I am sure they would love an international gift.
DeleteI love those warm trees, but they'd be cold trees if it rained and their coats got wet then froze. That would not be good. Very beautiful tree wraps this year and your cloudy skies look like what we've been experiencing only its supposed to be summer. Today though, this afternoon, the sun broke through and it is lovely.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: They will be very cold trees today. We had a little drizzle, followed by snow on the peaks and cold, cold winds today. I suspect they are not only cold but lonely trees.
DeleteI am v glad that you finally got some sun.
Oh my goodness! Those teeny tiny knitted chickens at the base of the Bonsai are so cute. I love the tree warmer scarves, they're always so colourful. I'm glad you've featured Nest again, I've saved the photo this time and will put it on my wall here where I can see it everyday.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am glad that my love of Nest is shared. It really is spectacular.
DeleteLovely collection.
ReplyDeleteOften see crochet and or knitted wraps around trees - not sure why that is done.
Margaret-whiteangel: Other than for the Warm Trees each year I don't see it. I suspect it is done for fun - and fun never goes astray.
DeleteLots of fun, indeed. You made me smile.
ReplyDeleteBill: I am glad. We smiled too, despite a lazy wind which definitely went through rather than round us.
DeleteI like the chickens the best and the nest of course.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: I don't know how many times we have seen Nest now, and I still love it, and am still blown away.
DeleteWow...what a collection!!
ReplyDeleteI could easily spend all day just sitting and gazing at these, and I especially like Richard Moffat's Next...such striking grandeur!
Oh thank you so, so much for these.😊😊
Do so hope you are having a great day.
Much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Sorry, that was meant to be "Nest"...my tablet keeps going off on a tangent of it's own!! Lol xxx
DeleteYgraine: I suffer from dyslexic fingers myself and knew what you meant. We ALWAYS stop off to see Nest if we are at the Arboretum. I think it is a truly delightful (and clever) piece.
DeleteI hope that you are enjoying your weekend. I hope it so much.
Thanks for entertaining us with your interesting post today. I love seeing all the things you shared, especially the trees wrapped in warm knitting and the scrap metal eagle by his nest. It brings a smile on my face. It looks like you had a good time at this outing.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Julia
Julia: We had a lovely time. It was cold, it was windy and we still had a lovely time and were very glad we went.
DeleteYour brown winter looks so different from ours. I think I could manage it though.
ReplyDeleteAussies are so creative. What a fun way to draw people to a beautiful place in winter!
Marie Smith: Sadly the brown is at least as much a reflection of the continuing drought as it is of the winter chill. We get most of our rain in winter here, and it has been sadly absent.
DeleteI do think that Warm Trees is a clever inducement to visit the Arboretum, and we are always glad to make the short trip.
I had a wonderful time looking at the rugged up trees. Thanks for the great pictures, and I'm glad you sometimes are not such a minimalist. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. I am very rarely a minimalist and I worry sometimes that my excess turns people away.
DeleteHi EC - delighted to see your hugged with wool trees ... loved the threesomes tulips in the middle, as too the railing - I'd love to see that. Gorgeous views and sun shades - fascinating ... I too wouldn't touch that cactus! Fun and happy images of your part of the world = thank you! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I love your phrase 'hugged with wool trees'. It so accurately reflects what I feel each year when we visit this installation. Thank you.
DeleteYou go to such interesting places. It is like pulling teeth to get My Retired Man to visit museums that I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Himself and I have very different tastes in most things, but fortunately like the same outings. I am the stick in the mud though - I much prefer day trips to more extensive jaunts.
DeleteLoved those landscapes
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: I am glad. We do too.
DeleteMy kind of post. I am a mad knitter, currently designing a blanket for a wedding. I love when knitting is displayed in museums and art galleries and trees. I view my knitting as pieces of art.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
PS Must do a post on it.
Wisewebwoman: Your knitting IS art, and I was very glad to see that you did indeed do a post on it.
DeleteI am glad that minamilism comes hard to you- or we would have missed out on this tour. Such beautiful knitting around the trees. Mine would be the "loose" knitting that we saw on one tree. The sunshades were so pretty and so were the views. What a lovely trip! Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS ~Jess: My knitting would also fall into the 'loose' category, but I lovely seeing the artistry of more talented people, and indeed, as always, the whole Arboretum.
DeleteI'm so glad you share so many photos. I feel like I get to go on a short trip looking at your beautiful photos. Such fun. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you, I am very glad to hear that you enjoy my excesses.
DeleteI do get a kick out of seeing the tree warmers, especially since it is blazing hot here right now. Just knowing that somewhere folks are enjoying brisk days makes this a little more bearable. My task for myself is to start emulating you and going to some of the more interesting things around me. I am in a rut and the only way out is to do something different.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: You in a rut? Your busy life frequently puts me to shame.
DeleteI love your pictures. Decorating the trees is a fun idea.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: We think it is fun too, and go every year. And every year we smile broadly.
DeleteThe sun shades are really fun. I've never seen anyone decorate a tree like that before.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I was a bit ashamed I had never noticed the sun shades before. I am sure they have been there on other visits, but I was focussed elsewhere.
DeleteThe trees need sweaters to keep them warm. The sweaters are also attractive. Those trees can look in the mirror and take pride in their appearance.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I thought so too. Though I admired all of the trees, including the naked and unadorned ones.
DeleteNudity can be beautiful.
DeleteJanie Junebug: Some nudity is beautiful. And some is definitely not. Trees fall into the former category.
DeleteGlad you're not a minimalist. I could view your pictures, with awe, for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Thank you so much. I am so grateful to the blogosphere for expanding my world. And I loved the poem you posted today. It will stay with me.
DeleteI, too, am glad you are not a minimalist. The beauty and fun you bring to your posts is very welcome.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame people for not trying to put yarn anything near those cacti!! Spiky :)
jenny_o: I am a beauty addict. I am so glad to find it everywhere. I felt a bit sorry for the cactus. Even spikey people (perhaps particularly spikey people) need hugs...
DeleteStunning trees keeping warm, and the scenery is eye to eye, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I am glad you enjoyed them. We do, each and every visit.
DeleteLove the idea of warming the trees what knitted blankets.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: It is fun, isn't it?
Delete...and you handled it well!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely landscape.
Susan Kane: It is a lovely place isn't it?
DeleteHow I wish I could see your photos. They are just big blanks on this phone. I will post again when U have a working computer. Best always.
ReplyDeletee: I do hope that you have a working computer soon. Hugs to you and Lukas.
DeleteI like to see trees that are decorated and warm. : )
ReplyDeleteI don't like steep hills... driving up or down the hills. At all. Fortunately this is a flat city. And so is the southwestern and eastern part of the province of Ontario.
: )
Caterina: That is a very, very steep hill and I am always super impressed at the cyclists who struggle up it - I assume it is part of a training regime.
Delete"Incontinent pigeon rain"! Ha! I'm still laughing! Now, the next time we get a stingy little sprinkle of rain I'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteThe Warm Trees event looks like great fun. I glanced at the photos before I read the text, and at first I thought your area had been yarn-bombed. The idea of yarn-bombing has always made me chuckle; so it's nice to see it's becoming mainstream. :-)
Diane Henders: Sadly we get much more incontinent pigeon rain than the 'real' stuff.
DeleteWarm Trees is an inspired marketing tool. It is clever, it is fun, and it makes the visitors smile. I am pretty certain that it achieves its goal in encouraging people to come to the arboretum in winter too.
The color jackets really shows someone loved those trees.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: A lot of us love the trees, and some of those tree lovers are clever enough to knit for them.
DeleteWhat a fun post this is! Love all the tree jackets and spectacular views.
ReplyDeleteGini saw those incredible sun shades and is now trying to work out patterns to make us some of our own!
We hope your new week is off to a fabulous start!
Hey! Thank you for dropping by our wet woods adventure and leaving such nice comments.
Wally Jones: Those sun shades are lovely aren't they? Next time we are there when the sun is shining I hope to remember to take photos of the shadows they cast.
DeleteDear EC, I think I've said this before, if not, I want to say it now--from viewing your blog photos and reading your posting all these years, I've concluded that Australians have more of a sense of fun than we here in the United States. I tend to think we take a lot of things too seriously. And some things--like racism and homophobia--to lightly. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: I think the same is true here. Some things (important things) we shuffle under the mat. Profitability is viewed as more important than I consider it's true place to be.
DeleteFortunately my silly side and my love of quirkiness finds plenty of avenues to explore.
The warm trees are more unique and interesting than others I've seen. Very colorful LOVE the metal bird sculpture.
ReplyDeleteSandy: Isn't Nest brilliant. We love it, and stop by to admire it (and take photos) each and every time we visit the arboretum.
DeleteNow I want to come down and put a blankie on the cactus!
ReplyDeletekylie: I felt sorry for the poor cactus too - and all the other neglected trees.
DeleteWhat a great way to bring in people. Fun and colorful. Pretty skies and scenery too.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I also think it is a great way to bring people to the arboretum. We all need more colour and fun.
DeleteOf course no one tried to rug up the cactus! Just imagine trying to do it!
ReplyDeleteRomance Reader: Having repotted cactii before now it isn't easy - but can be done. Mind you, I was spiked many times in the process.
DeleteLooks like a great event, have a lovely day!:)
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: Thank you. It is an event we look forward to each year. I hope your day is lovely too.
DeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
R's Rue: We think so too.
DeleteHa ha. I'm glad your not a minimalist with your pictures. They are always so entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI love how patrons have decorated the trees with fibers. So very cool. Your clouds pictures are moody. I like that. In Missouri, USA, we are now looking at hot humid days of 100+ temps. I need to protect my garden somehow.
Teresa
T. Powell Coltrin: How I wish those moody clouds had produced some wet stuff. I loathe summer, and humidity makes it worse. In the summer here my garden crispifies, and only the strong (which often means weeds) survives. Good luck with yours.
DeleteWhat a wondrous place.
ReplyDeleteThat is a steep grade!
Have a magical one:)
Hugs
Sandra: The thought of tackling that hill on a bicycle fills me with awe. Younger and fitter me would not have attempted it.
DeleteOh I love those tree sweaters! Especially the ones with floral prints. Plant art for plants!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: I love it too. And smile each and every year.
DeleteThe village down the road from us did something like this, instead of trees they ‘dressed' bollards and lamp posts. Maybe they got the idea from you in Oz?
ReplyDeleteFriko: Yarn-bombing seems to be widely spread, but I am sure our Arboretum would gladly take credit.
DeleteAwesome photos. Interesting works of art.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Thank you. We look forward to Warm Trees every year.
DeleteAmazing photos and awesome artwork.
ReplyDeleteRomance Book Haven: Many thanks.
DeleteVery creative tree warmers. I especially like the white and yellow tulips.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a day filled with wonder.
Sandra Cox: I am blown away each year by the skill involved. I hope your day is delightful.
DeleteYou find the most amazing places for us to see. The colors of the tree warmers are so bright and wonderful. Once again I'm i awe of the scenery pics which should be on postcards. Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: I really, really like the Warm Trees Exhibit - we wait for it each year. Later today we hope to go back to the Gallery for more wonders.
DeleteLove, love, Love this post! Seeing all those knitted scarves around the trees, make me happy! Poor cactus! LOL! Love the views and those sunshades are so beautiful! Be careful on that steep hill! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Aren't those sunshades lovely - practical and beautiful. You would love the arboretum, and I wish you could see it for yourself.
Delete