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. I mentioned last week that I am a creature of habit. Which is very true. Each year my city celebrates Spring with a flower festival - Floriade, and each year we go to it.
Which is where I am taking you this week. Ordinarily as well as many, many flowers and multitudes of shops there is also a wide range of art. The art was sadly missing this year, but I am going to show you some of the beauty and quirkiness of the area.
It was a beautiful day, and we wandered through Commonwealth Park to the festival. The first shot shows our 'new' Parliament House on the hill. Old Parliament House (which we are supposed to now call the Museum of Democracy) is the low white building in front of its newer replacement - though they are not as close as the photo makes them look. The second photo is our National Library.
This chessboard has been in place for as long as I can remember and I believe on weekends it sees a lot of action.
This fort is a childrens' play area.
The bird sculptures have been here for a very long time - and I take a photo of them (or several photos) each time I go past.
Another old one.
The paddle boats (which cannot be ridden on) are new this year.
The kangaroo and joey are old friends.
I would guess that the dome is illuminated for Nightfest which runs on selected weekends during Floriade.
In years gone by there were viewing platforms to see the patterns in the bulb beds. That is now a thing of the past - it is the Ferris wheel or nothing. So up we went.
Even by my standards this is a photo heavy post so I will stop here. There will be at least one more Floriade post (with flowers and my usual giveaway) and next week we hope to go to Tulip Top Gardens - which I think leaves Floriade for dead.
You went up in the Ferris wheel! Where is that icon of the screaming face...
ReplyDeleteSandi: Height doesn't bother me (luckily). One year we went up on a very windy day - which was scary.
DeleteI love these pictures, all of them. My favorite, I think, is the lobspion. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Lobspion is a perfect description of that strange beast.
DeleteI do love the aerial views of the bulb beds so thank you for going up on the ferris wheel. Paddle boats that can't be used? Are they for the ducks to ride on? :)
ReplyDeleteThe statue looks like a scorpion to me. Beautiful day for the outing. Why is the artwork missing? Were the shops missing too? As always, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us!
River Fairchild: I suspect that cost had a part to play in the absence of art. Which I mourn. There were less flowerbeds too - but no less shops. Indeed I think they multiplied. Exponentially.
DeleteI love the variations in the bulb beds and the sculptures. I hope you are happy today.
ReplyDeletee: I am heading off to have a cuppa with a friend shortly. She now lives elsewhere and we try and catch up each time she comes to town. I hope you and Lukas are having a wonderful weekend.
DeleteA beautiful gallery of photos again. Thank you for sharing. You are brave to get on the ferris wheel to take arial photos.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Julia
Julia: I preferred being able to see the patterns in the garden beds from viewing platforms, but being able to see the design is a big part of Floriade for me. So up we went.
DeleteSuch beautiful photos. Your city has such amazing events. I am in awe and thank you for sharing this joy. The chessboard looks fun. What do people use for chess pieces?
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: I like my city, though it is widely considered to make ditchwater look exciting. From memory the chess club used to bring their own pieces. Large pieces. I hope that still continues.
DeleteThank you. But I think you know that I'm holding out for the TT forsythia :-)
ReplyDeletedinahmow: So are we. If the blaze from a neigbour's is a precedent their forsythia avenue will be spectacular. Again.
DeleteFloriade looks to be quite beautiful. I enjoyed the pictures and narration.
ReplyDeleteAnn Bennett: Lots of the blooms were not out fully, and I mourn the lack of art, but it is always a pleasant excursion. And free.
DeleteI remember Canberra as a beautiful city, and your pictures reinforce that memory. I will be returning to Australia next year, but I doubt very much that I will get to Canberra. You can't do everything!
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: If you do get to Canberra, I hope you will let me know. I think Canberra is a lovely city, and I relish the fact that it is filled with green spaces and wildlife.
DeleteOne never tires of the sculptures...or, at least, not this one!
ReplyDeleteWaking up earlier to the sound of rain on the roof was a welcoming entrance to Sunday...unfortunately, the rain has now ceased. It didn't last for long, but while it lasted it was just wonderful. Every little drop matters.
I hope your week ahead is a good one for you, EC...and I hope dear Jazz is doing well...cuddles to him from me and my two furry best mates.
Lee: We had some very welcome rain yesterday too. Bliss. I would like more, but as you say, every drop counts.
DeleteJazz is doing better at the moment (though I still have my fingers crossed).
I hope you and the furry overlords have a wonderful week.
Beautiful floriade. I opened this post, hoping for a cangaroo ... you got me hooked. Thanks for the fix :) I hope to become rich enouch to travel to Austraila and see some live ones.
ReplyDeleteUglemor: I hope you can visit some day. As I would like to see your country and rather a lot of the rest of the world too. I am so grateful that the blogosphere brings so much closer to me.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your photos of these events and look forward to more (especially Tulip Top). Thank you for taking us along!
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Tulip Top is spectacular, but we are not sorry we went to Floriade, despite a lot of the blooms not being fully out yet.
DeleteLove the kangaroo sculptures and the designs.
ReplyDeleteI envy your spring weather, EC.
Marie Smith: I am enjoying Spring- while dreading summer.
DeleteI love the kangaroo and joey drinking. What an odd thing. Paddle boats that you can't paddle. I suppose the viewing platforms were free but I bet the ferris wheel isn't. What is the wall like structure below old parliament house on the edge of the lake?
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Paddle boats you can't paddle is odd isn't it. In early years Floriade made much better use of that small patch of water. The wall like structure marks Commonwealth Place. There is an upmarket restaurant set into it, and a walkway which takes you through to Reconciliation Place, Old Parliment House and more.
DeletePaddle boats you can't paddle--very weird.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: We thought so too. They were permanently anchored and didn't come to land.
DeleteWow, beautiful post and photos! Loved it!
ReplyDeleteNasreen: Thank you. It is a beautiful place all year round.
DeleteOh I like the "Seated Lady", immediately followed by the kangaroos (of course). And I would say scorpion instead of lobster. Did you enjoy the ride on the ferris wheel? I'm not sure whether this is such a good choice for people who are scared of heights, perhaps keeping a few elevated platforms would have been a good idea.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: I really wish that some of the viewing platforms had been retained. They were free (which the Ferris Wheel is not). They were much more suitable for people with a fear of heights and were accessible to everyone which the Ferris Wheel is not.
DeleteMore beautiful Sunday Selections. Such a neat variety of photographs. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. The next Floriade post will focus much more on the blooms.
DeleteI will look forward to that :)
DeleteDeniseinVA: Tomorrow I hope.
DeleteI always look forward to your Floriade photos - it looks as if it was a beautiful day. The patterns in the bulb gardens are lovely. Hope the Tulip Top visit is as rewarding as this one was.
ReplyDeleteSpring is very much here, thank goodness; I even had my first bunch of asparagus yesterday!
Enjoy your week, EC.
Alexia: I do hope your asparagus was home grown. Bliss.
DeleteA lot of the blooms are not fully out yet, but we enjoyed the day anyway (despite it being a poor cousin to Tulip Top Gardens).
I hope your face has healed and you can walk in the sunshine again.
Thanks for going up on the Ferris Wheel to make Floriade photos. Thanks for being able to get around!
ReplyDeleteThough not in full bloom, the color patterns are interesting. And, I looking forward to Tulip Top. Hopefully, no Ferris wheel. At least, I do not remember one in years past.
Joanne Noragon: You are right. There is no Ferris Wheel at Tulip Top. There is a lookout which I hope to be able to climb to. I really hope that I can.
DeleteA lovely place to visit on a bright sunny day!
ReplyDeleteCaterina: It is. It is very close to the city and a pleasant place all year round.
DeleteA lovely show, although why they would put out paddle boats and not let anyone paddle on them is a puzzler to me. Things that are decorative should be decorative, and things that are useful should be used, even if they are decorative, but that's just me.
ReplyDeleteMy selections are going to be in the usual place.
messymimi: No arguments from me. I think that many people would have liked to paddle on the lake. I look forward to your Sunday Selections.
DeleteHow fun. That chess board is unique.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: There was a similar board in the city where giant chess pieces were used.
DeleteI always forget about Floriade and remember when you make a post again when you've gone. The mom and baby roos are splendid. Would love to have that in my yard.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I would happily make a home for them in our yard too.
DeleteIt's a shame the viewing platforms are gone, I think the Ferris Wheel would be a good enough substitute, but you'd have to be careful maneuvering into positions for photo shots. I love that photo of the ferris wheel. I also love the bird sculptures, are they cranes? I wonder about the lobster/scorpion too, perhaps the artist couldn't decide so left it ambiguous. I like the play fort a lot.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I miss the viewing platforms. They were accessible to families, people with prams, with walkers, and those in wheelchairs. I think those bird sculptures are a stylised crane, and I do like them a lot.
DeleteI'm always impressed by your posts, but I'm doubly impressed by the number of caring comments you get. Well done!
ReplyDeleteBill: I am so very grateful for the warmth and support I have found in the blogosphere, and the comments so often 'make' the post.
DeleteSo sad that these things, such as a viewing platform, are no longer there. Much is often lost and replaced by items of less lasting value. Still, there remains a great deal that must bring back personal memories for many people. Carole.
ReplyDeletelostinimaginaryworlds ~Carole: Floriade is temporary and is rebuilt/replanted each year, which is an immense job. The viewing platform locations changed with the beds they were to oversee, but they were delightful. Just the same, Floriade still has a lot of charm.
DeleteHi EC - love the cranes, 'seated woman', and the 'lobster' (I don't think it's a scorpion!), the sculptures are amazing aren't they - while the views are gorgeous ... wonder what happened to the art. Wonderful planting ... amazing what can be done - looking forward to more anon - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I do love the sculptures, but miss the whimsy which has graced Floriade in other years. I suspect expense had a part to play. The plantings are a joy - and I saw an article which said that they too have issues with the avian vandals (who this afternoon beheaded and shredded three tulips and a dozen grape hyacinths here).
DeleteWretched avian vandals ... they will rule the world - possibly better than is being done now?! Tell them I said stay away from EC's home!! Cheers Hilary
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I suspect that the avian vandals have characteristics in common with some of our world leaders. I think the birds are better looking though.
DeleteWhat a beautiful sight. I love the sculptures, they are brilliant.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: It really is a lovely park, and I also love most of the sculptures.
DeleteI love those animal sculptures and I have a fascination with old ferris wheels, although I can't ride them. My inner ears are wonky (pretty much like the rest of me) and riding on things that go back and forth or around and around makes me sick quick sticks.
ReplyDeleteI'm finally back to sharing photos. More from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Squatty
The Real Cie: I will be over to check out for photos very soon. I get motion sick on a lot of things, but the Ferris Wheel doesn't fortunately bother me. When our mode of transport was a motor bike I worried that I would throw up in my helmet and drown.
Deletelove the reflection in the first photo and the shot up to the top of the dome. I was wondering how you got the shots of the flower beds, no drone eh?
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: No drone, but a trip on the Ferris Wheel.
DeleteAt least you managed to get a ride on the Ferris Wheel.
ReplyDeleteWhy have paddle boats that no one can ride?
Alex J. Cavanaugh: I have no idea why the paddle boats were moored in the middle of the water. Sadly, the local government has also taken away the paddle boats we could hire/ride from a nearby stretch of the lake.
DeleteI always enjoy your photos. I’m guessing you are right about the reason there was not art there.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: Thank you. I do mourn the missing art.
DeleteI'm envying you your spring just starting. We're getting what may be our last taste of summer this weekend, then back to cooler fall temperatures. Yes, why have paddle boats no one can paddle?
ReplyDeletemshatch: I am dreading summer, as I suspect you are dreading winter. The pristine paddle boats are a mystery. Fear of law-suits if someone fell in? Bloody mindedness?
DeleteI love your photos as usual. and always think I am going to emulate your forays to places near you. This week we went to a Turkish festival in our community. I meant to take pictures but with all the goings on and some gorgeous dances, I wound up with one measly photo of a woman making bread. Oh well, the food , music and dance were great fun.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: I am so glad (and a little envious) that you got to the Turkish festival. And love that you were too busy enjoying it to take photos.
DeleteLast time I was on a ferris wheel I freaked. No more. It took me by surprise as they never bothered me before.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't you ride the paddle boats pray tell? Curious.
Some lovely shots of the gardens. Wow!
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: So far, Ferris Wheels are fine. I am completely clueless about the reason for tethering the paddle boats out of the public's reach. An art statement?
DeleteWhat a visit. The statues were so great. Lobster--scorpions bother me.
ReplyDeleteFerris wheel. I've done my time there. No more.
How are my corellas?
Susan Kane: I am not particularly fond of that sculpture either - though it is certainly eye catching.
DeleteYour corellas are fine - I even posted one for you a couple of weeks ago.
laurie: Welcome back, I have missed you. The viewing platforms are sadly a thing of the past now - I do wish they would bring them back.
ReplyDeleteHard that the only way is the Ferris Wheel- but I can imagine it is hard for them to put up the other viewing areas. Still- I think I would like them more than the wheel.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures- so much to take in while you are there! Sculptures, flowers, and beauty everywhere.
Thanks for sharing.
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: The viewing platforms were temporary structures which had to be put up and taken down each season, but they did make Floriade more accessible and enjoyable. I miss them.
DeleteAnd yes, even thought there were not as many flowers as in other years, and many were not out, it was still a beautiful day.
Wow truly beautiful EC!! I love the pictures from the Ferris Wheel! I think I would have been chicken to go on it! LOL! Big Hugs and I hope you are well!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: This is a fairly wimpy Ferris Wheel and only moved slowly. Not scary at all. Truly - and thank you.
DeleteI trust you! I can go on it now! LOL!
DeleteMagic Love Crow: If you were here, perhaps we could ride it together.
Delete"The Museum of Democracy" - let's hope a museum is not the only place we will be able to locate democracy fifty years from now. It's not looking good at times.
ReplyDeleteDespite the lack of art, you found many things of interest to photograph. I love the shot of the Ferris Wheel from underneath. I would have loved to go up in it too. I don't like heights at all, but the Ferris Wheel is somehow exempt from that. I don't understand it, but enjoy it.
Looking forward to flowers next post. Hope Jazz continues to behave, if behave is the right word. How is the nausea this week? You and my daughter share the motion sickness gene. It is a royal pain, isn't it?
jenny_o: Motion sickness is not fun at all. Jazz is (mostly) better (fingers crossed) and sometimes I have a few hours when the nausea is low key. Which is lovely.
DeleteAs I have often said, I am a beauty addict. Even without the art I expected and hoped for there was plenty to see.
How sad that you can't ride on the paddleboats. I have happy childhood memories of those. Are they "art"? Speaking of art, that sculpture looks more scorpion than lobster to me; but maybe it's just the angle of the photo.
ReplyDeleteThe Floriade sounds wonderful. I'm a flower addict! The beds are beautiful from the Ferris wheel, but I'm imagining that the scent must be heavenly when on the ground. :-)
Diane Henders: I suspect that someone does think the paddle boats are 'art'. Sigh. I am glad that you can also see the scorpion.
DeleteFloriade is good, but Tulip Top is usually better. Prepare to be blown away. And yes, the scent in the air is delicious.
Those sculptures looks so cool, great place to visit☺
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: It is. The park is very close to the centre of the city - and a million miles from it.
Deletejust dropping my good wished dear EC
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely area you wandered in and how beautiful you captured everything around!
loved it :)
baili: Thank you very much indeed. There will be more beauty to come over the next few weeks.
DeleteWonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteNew Release Books: Thank you so much.
DeleteYou caught such beautiful architecture, EC. The way the building reflects in the water is striking, and you made that dome look fabulous by contrasting it with the day sky. It didn't need to be illuminated with your eye!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Thank you. I really liked the dome, and would like to see it illuminated but the crowds and the expense put me off. I am glad to have excited your interest too.
DeleteYou've chosen such a neat day with the sun reflecting the parliament house off the lake. The paddle boats look cute and I wonder, did an actual kangaroo pose for that sculpture? lol
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: I suspect many, many kangaroos posed for that sculpture. And may even visit it from time to time.
DeleteOhhhh, you went high on that wheel. That's not easy for me to do. Spoooooky. Happy Spring Equinox!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: I have troubles with claustrophobia (enclosed spaces and basements). Heights don't cause me problems. A very happy Autumn to you (and a healthy one).
DeleteSo pretty! Love the patterned flower beds! I love art in public places - the kangaroo & the joey are my faves from these ones :)
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: I think that generations of children (and adults) have known and loved that roo and its baby.
DeleteFerris wheel or nothing!!! Eek my legs are turning to jelly at the thought of it! I just haven't a good head for heights … but I did appreciate the view as seen from your photograph :)
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures throughout your post. I especially liked the sculptures and the way the building reflects in the water in your second (I think it is) picture is just beautiful.
Great post.
Enjoy this last week of September.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Your reaction is part of the reason I wish they would bring the viewing platforms back. Sadly I think the patterns in the flower beds are invisible to most.
DeleteI really liked the reflection of the library in the lake too. I hope your early autumn is treating you well.
What a lovely place.. you got some nice aerial shots of the flowers and those sculptures look interesting as well.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: Thank you. It is a lovely place.
DeleteI see a shofar in the lobster-scorpion.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautifully scenic tour, EC.
May it be a good, upbeat week for you.
Rawknrobyn: Now that is a third option I hadn't considered - and can totally see. Thank you for expanding my horizons.
DeleteYou do visit some interesting places.
ReplyDeleteNow what fun is a paddle boat you can't go on! :D
Lovely set of photos as always!
LL Cool Joe: A paddle boat you can't paddle is worse than useless.
DeleteAnd thank you.
Hi
ReplyDeleteR's Rue: Hello to you too - I hope your day/week is going well.
DeleteSNAP!
ReplyDeleteI had a Ferris Wheel in my last post, too:)
And why, in all that is holy, do they have awesome looking paddle boats, but noone can ride them. That seems so mean!!
Mark Koopmans: I saw your Ferris Wheel. It does seem mean (and silly) doesn't it?
DeleteLovely patterns and that dome shot is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you. I have seen photos of the dome at night - and it IS stunning.
DeleteLoved the geometric flower beds and the drinking roos! and of course the lobspion :)
ReplyDeleteSadly, there are many parts in the world which are in actual fact becoming museums to democracy - entire countries, not just buildings. Very disturbing and scary.
Nilanjana Bose: Our own government is very selective about which aspects of democracy they encourage/embrace. Which is indeed disturbing and frightening.
DeleteWhat a beautiful and relaxing way to enjoy the day, and the flower patterns is so creative. I wonder why the added a paddle boat that can't be used? (lol) Hugs and hope you are well! RO
ReplyDeleteRO: It was a relaxing day. And smelt delicious too. The paddle boat thing is a mystery, and I do wonder at the reasons behind it. I am ok, and hope you are too. Hugs.
DeleteI just want to say hello and I'm thinking of you and I hope whats left of your week is good!
ReplyDeletekylie: Many thanks. I hope life is treating you kindly. Off to Lifeline shortly which will be busy, stressful - and good.
DeleteA flower festival? Wait. Wait. I want to go too:)
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: You would love it here at the moment. Not one, but two flower festivals, both lasting a month.
DeleteWhat glorious flowers! Some of them look like a colorful firework display. :-D
ReplyDeleteMy model today is Billy. When you visit, you will see that it is a very fitting name!
Big Bills
The Real Cie: I am off to explore you Sunday Selections and am wondering about Billy...
Delete