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. This week I am taking you on a mini-outing with me. Regular readers know that I love our arboretum. Each year in winter they hold a 'Warm Trees' exhibition to entice visitors into the arboretum. And each year we go.
This year Warm Trees is in partnership with the Ngunnawal people (the First People from this area) and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. Lots of the knits featured the Aboriginal Flag or its colours. The knits are made by volunteers. At the end of the exhibition they are washed, unravelled and turned into wraps for needy people.
Less talk, more photos.
The top knit represents the Aboriginal flag (though the flag has only one gold circle on it).
It is school holidays here at the moment and I have no doubt that this tee pee is popular.
Many of the paths throughout the arboretum are wheelchair accessible and present no problems for pram pushing parents. The views from this lookout (the photo above) are lovely.
I do love this gravity defying statue (which first appeared at Floriade a few years ago). I was infuriated to note that neither the name of the statue nor the artist are given. I will ring them later to complain. It is called A Backwards Attitude and is by Louis Pratt.
The walkway to the visitors centre featured depictions of the Bogong moth. Bogong moths once invaded Australian cities in their billions. Now
they're so scarce that endangered mountain pygmy-possums reliant on them
for food have been found starving. Birds, animals and our first people ate them in the past and now they have been classified as endangered. Which is awful.
Some of the bonsai trees were rugged up too.We had a cool walk but a delightful one. Whatever your current temperatures (and I know it is very hot in some places) I hope your week is lovely.
Trees are nicely decorated.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is one funky statue...
Alex J. Cavanaugh: I liked that gravity defying statue the first time I saw it and am glad it has a permanent home.
DeleteI love seeing the trees rugged up again! One of my favorite virtual outings with you. Lovely to see the tiny ones on the bonsai too!
ReplyDeleteNot acknowledging the artist of that wonderful statue seems so wrong to me. I'm glad it's been given a new life after Floriade.
How odd that moths were once in the billions and now are endangered. I'm guessing environmental changes account for a rapid change. Such a domino effect we create as we destroy our surroundings.
Hoping you have a greatish week and Jazz only exacts a smallish amount of tribute from you. :)
River Fairchild. It is very wrong that the artist has not been acknowledged. Other statues at the arboretum are, so perhaps I missed it but I really couldn't find it.
DeleteThe bogon moths were in the path of the humungous fire we had a few years ago. The destruction of the 'cute' animals is noted and mourned. However so many things depend on the moths. I really, really hope they come back. Not least because Parliament House was one of the places they invaded each year.
Spike has already demanded (and received) tribute this morning. Hugs to you.
Funny, people are keen putting scarves around the trees, over here, Chepstow, they are here at well, catches trend.
ReplyDeleteI love the bonsai tree, with scarf, ha ha ha.
Bob Bushell: Yarn bombing seems to be a world wide trend. I don't like bonsai which always makes me think of foot binding but I did like that they were included in the decorations.
DeleteYour 'warm trees' event always gives me a smile - thanks for the photos! I particularly like the fact that the knitting goes to a good cause afterward. Stay warm! :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: It would be a lot of work washing, unravelling and reknitting the work but I am very happy that it is a part of the exhibition.
DeleteHow many knitters participate? The display is so lovely.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I have no idea how many people participate but do know that the knitters come from far and wide.
DeleteI love to see your Warm Trees every year. It is also an astounding gravity defying statue! Thank you for taking the time to find out who the artist is. As always, I love to see what's happening in your part of the planet. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. I assume that the statue is firmly fixed to the ground but it always boggles my mind.
DeleteThe trees look lovely and comfortable with their finery. How nice to know the yard will serve another purpose.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: The trees look lovely in their winter woollies and I felt for the trees that didn't get any. I am also very glad that people will benefit as well.
DeleteI'm glad the tree-warmers are put to a good use...given to those in need, who probably are anxiously, impatiently waiting for them now during the present chilly weather.
ReplyDeleteThat gravity-defying statue is incredible. Brilliantly done...there are some very clever folk who generously share the fruits of their talents with the rest of us.
Take good care, EC...keep warm. I hope the coming week greats you well...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: I really like the repurposing of the trees woollies too. I strongly suspect that some at least of the volunteers who knit for the arboretum are already very busy knitting for people in need.
DeleteIsn't that statue amazing? Like authors I am immensely grateful to artists.
I hope you and your furry overlords are staying warm and comfortable.
What a good idea to have Aboriginal themed tree warmers.
ReplyDeleteTee pee, great child hood memories. Who will play the Indian and who will play Pie Face.
Backwards Attitude is terrific.
One of our early years here we were invaded by Bogong Moths. I haven't seen one for years.
Andrew: There were several tee pees which made me smile. We have never seen the bogong moths here, though in other years they have comprehensively visited Parliament House who security failed to keep them out.
DeleteIs it my imagination or are the tree wraps getting better every year? What a lot of work put in by the knitters. It seems daunting to me to think of unravelling and re-knitting the wraps but there must be people ready and willing to do it.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing statue - I wonder how it is balanced. Maybe an underground base that extends toward the man's head? Very interesting.
Everything in nature is connected and I mourn that there are are so many gaping holes appearing in its fabric. And then we get so-called leaders who block climate protections and encourage even greater use of fossil fuels. Fie on them.
Wishing you a good week, dear friend. Sending a quick, furtive pat for Jazz, as long as you don't endanger your life giving it to him.
jenny_o: Jazz is being remarkably benign at the moment so I have given him your pat.
DeleteI think you are right about the tree wraps and love that the word has got out....
And yes, we are all connected and will pay (big time) for those broken connections. Bees are in trouble here too. Which scares me.
Huge hugs oh chosen sister...
I have seen some of the tree warmers a friend in San Fransisco shared on her blog, but now I am glad to see they are in your National Arboretum, too. They are lovely and I love that these are Aboriginal. I really enjoyed seeing all of these and enlarged the photos to get a better look. I like how well they all went together in a relatively small space. In San Fransisco, they were scattered all over the city. I am glad they will be repurposed after the event has concluded.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad about the moths. We are so thoughtless and think only of ourselves as humans when it comes to ecology. Thank you for calling this to our attention.
Once again, I am SO impressed with these photos.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you. I love that some of the tree warmers celebrate our first people and hope they come back year after year.
DeleteIt is tragic about the moths. Australia has a shocking record when it comes to extinctions and some of our iconic birds and animals are at risk. We need to do a LOT better. And quickly.
I do hope that you didn't have to fight quite so hard to leave a comment this week.
We've had lovely, cool days. 80 today and forecast for tomorrow. I took a trip to the post office to mail a package to Australia! That was so satisfactory!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: 80 is as warm as I can cope. I am so glad that you were able to get to the post office - and I am sure that the recipient will be delighted.
DeleteIt must take a few days to knit those warmers around the trees. 😂
ReplyDeleteMike: Quite a few days, quite a few knitters.
DeleteMagpies are in Mrs N's bad books. We have been feeding them but once they pooped on the washing their buffet shut down.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: It is the incontinent cockatoos and pigeons that get our ire. The buffet is still open though.
DeleteBeing a knitter I really love how those trees are rugged up and glad you captured the images as they will be unravelled in a good cause. Love the statues and awful about the moths.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I love the colour and fun of the winter woollies and am also glad that they will be repurposed. There is quite a lot of art at the Arboretum - which delights me.
DeleteAnd yes, it is a criminal shame about the moths and the species that rely on them.
Warm Trees is such a wonderful tradition. Thanks for taking us along, Wishing you a good week too.
ReplyDeletee: It was my pleasure to take you with us. I hope that you and Lukas are thriving.
DeleteA lovely selection interesting the trees but it's good to know what happens to those wraps around them..
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: For some reason blogger is convinced that your comments are spam. It is good that the wraps are repurposed isn't it?
DeleteI'm loving the well dressed trees and happy the bonsais got dressed too. I like that three branched tree under the lookout photo. I also like the scarves being made into wraps for the homeless. I like the butterfly flag(?) display and the bogong moths have me wondering, are they the enormous fat grey/brown things that fluttered around in the predawn light as I walked to work years ago? I always worried in case one flew into my face or hair.
ReplyDeleteRiver: The spam folder had you in its clutches again. I suspect that the moths you encountered on your way to work were Bogong moths. They provide (provided) food for a lot of our native birds and small animals. I hope they can be saved.
DeleteBonsai trees look amazing! The decorations are so lovely. Some of the diagrams look like Australian first nation art too. A beautiful piece as usual.
ReplyDeleteroentare: Thank you so much.
DeleteFirst let me thank you for your nice words about my "favorite subjects". Also, thanks for bringing up the spam filter--- I need to check that more often. NOW--- Another delightful informative post. I love the knit tree decorations. The statue is weird, but evocative! I agree, it should have a complete identification where people can see it. Finally, some amazing bonsai trees!
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you. I love your favourite subjects - which you capture superbly.
DeleteI am intrigued by that statue and glad that I walked back to photograph it - from a range of different angles.
Hi EC - I've never been that keen on these knitted cover-ups ... but do appreciate seeing the aboriginal colours (I can't wear wool ... and can't knit!! So automatic 'horrors' ...)
ReplyDeleteHowever that sculpture is quite extraordinary ... Louis Pratt has had an interesting life ... and I do love the 'reason for' his creative skills and thus this crafted art-work.
Cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Wool is usually too warm for me - and I cannot knit. I admire the artistry of those who do though.
DeleteI love that statue and need to find out more about the talented artist. I know he studied here, and I am glad that one at least of his works has found a permanent home at the National Arboretum.
I would have really enjoyed this walk with you, Sue, in a fabulous location. We both enjoy cool weather so the conditions would have been perfect for us. The tree wrapping idea is quite wonderful with an excellent end use for the knitted items. Too bad I missed visiting the Arboretum when I spent time in Canberra. Hugs from Ontario - David
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: The arboretum is relatively new and hasn't come into its full glory yet. I delight in it - and the thought of what it will become in future years. I am sure that you would love it and wish you could see it.
DeleteThose Bogong moths are beautiful. I hope they make a miraculous comeback. There are way fewer moths of all descriptions here, to see one at the window or the outside lights is very unusual and has been for many years now. It makes me sad. On a brighter note I had to stop for a tiny frog to hop across my driveway on my way home tonight.
ReplyDeleteKim: I hope they make a miraculous come back too. We do still see moths, but less than we did. Thank you for waiting for that froglet.
DeleteWere the moths large? Wrapping up the trees again, brightly. I like the idea. I thought the statue would be "bending over backwards" like to help others, but the tightly crossed arms would not represent that idea of the backwardsness.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Bogong moths were quite large. Good food for many species. I think that statue is overwhelmed (as so many of us are) and not thinking of support for others...
DeleteEvery season seems to be celebrated in grandiose way in your country. I love the warm woolies around the trees and the repurposing of the wool for seniors warm wraps during the winter months.
ReplyDeleteThat gravity statue must be poured solid on the bottom to give strength and thinner on the part that extend backward.
It's weird but beautiful at the same time.
I hope the Bogong moths will make a comeback. In the order things were made, we are all co-dependant on some other creation thing for survival.
Thanks for sharing your most interesting facts and art with us. Always interesting.
Be well and happy.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia: Thank you. I have no idea how the statue is supported - but those supports have to be strong. I live in an area that has four distinct seasons and I am very glad to celebrate them - and share.
DeleteThe trees in mufflers make me smile. An unusual sight but trees here could use them…in a few months.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: You trees would have MUCH more use for winter woollies than ours do. I love the splashes of colour they provide as well.
DeleteWhat an illuminating post! I'd not heard of those moths. The poor critters. I like the yarn bombing. It is much fun.
ReplyDeleteJenn Jilks: I mourn for the bogong moths and for the critters that depend on them. The yarn bombing (on a grand scale) is a heap of fun.
DeleteWhat a pleasant tour! I loved the tree wraps and the amazing sculpture. Truly beautiful and so unusual, all of it.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: In our warmer months there are often concerts at the arboretum. Concerts I am sure that you would enjoy.
DeleteA great series, wonderful sights! I love the symbolism of the backwards statue. Powerful! I hope your letter works. It should be given the recognition it deserves, most definitely.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. It really is a wonderful place and I agree artists SHOULD receive their due credit.
DeleteThanks for the Bogong Moth-link: Interesting and worrying.
ReplyDeleteWell, and 'the Pratt' once again let me smile.
While here the peak of a heat-wave is announced, I hope you will be delighted with 'bubble-temperatures'.
Sean Jeating: Thank you. Worrying indeed. So many things depend on the bogong moths (and all the other things that are in decline).
DeleteI have had an almost bubble day, but our temperatures are a little too warm for that particular joy at the moment. I hope you are able to stay cool, safe and comfortable.
This is always a delightful exhibit and i am very happy you have shared it with us again.
ReplyDeleteThe depletion of insects is alarming and i hope we can take more action more quickly.
My photos are over here.
messymimi: Thank you. I hope (so much) that we take more action to protect our insects too. I thoroughly enjoyed your Sunday Selections.
DeleteThe lacy knits I found especially beautiful! The gravity defying statue's super amazing, hope they put up the name of the artist.
ReplyDeleteIt is terribly hot here, 31C today. I'm being told this is how it will be for the whole of winter. :)
Nilanjana Bose: I do love that statue and will check that it has proper attribution next time we visit.
Delete31C in winter? Shudder. Stay cool, stay safe.
The rugge threes looks nice and cozy. Some of those are so well made, that I think it a shame to unravel them.
ReplyDeleteI love! seasons,, and rigth now I'm savouring our warnm summer's day /(well nort today, as its cool and raning :) ) But the theat will return and well go to the beach, swin and eat icecream cones :)
That statue is impressive. I like it!
Charlotte (MotherOwl): Some of those tree rugs are charming aren't they? I am sure the wraps that are made for people will be equally lovely - and very welcome. Isn't that statue great? Enjoy your summer, as I am enjoying winter.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful event and it is great to know that the lovingly knitted pieces will get a new life helping to keep someone warm.
The statue needs its attribution - good for you in following that up.
Have a colourful week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. You have a colourful, crafty and creative week.
DeleteBuena idea para embellecer el ambiente. Está bien que el parque tenga una buena accesibilidad.
ReplyDeleteVENTANA DE FOTO; Thank you. I think that the environment is already beautiful and am very grateful for the accessibility of the arboretum.
DeleteI look forward to pictures of your walk through warm trees each year.. It is especially nice that their "sweaters" are put to good use after the exhibit. I love seeing Australia through your eyes and lens.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: Thank you. I think that the reuse of the trees woollies is brilliant but also smile to see them through the arboretum.
DeleteI wish I could have been with you to see this wonderful place. I love it! Thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteTeresa @ https://journalingwoman.blogspot.com
Teresa: Thank you. If only time travel was real...
DeleteHow fun. And what a beautiful area.
ReplyDeleteHope your week is filled with good health and wonder, my friend.
Sandra Cox: There was a flyer out saying that 'fun' was one of the reasons for the Warm Trees exhibition. And we all need more fun. Thank you for your all encompassing wishes.
Delete"Warm trees"? Strange concept. The statue is weird.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: Do I detect that the event and the statue left you as cold as our weather?
DeleteDear EC, it just tickles my fancy that you "down-under"--as the nuns used to say when t hey taught us geography in grade school--have such delightful creative exhibitions . . . the t tree scarves being one of them.
ReplyDeleteThe moth becoming endangered can be joined by many insects and animals in the States that are endangered. We keep building and taking away their territory--thus the wild fires in the western states.
As to the heat: here for the past week and predicted for all of this week and beyond we are in the high '90s or low '100s with the heat index (humidity) being 10 or more degrees higher. And it's even worse in Europe.
Take care and thank you so much for comment on my latest posting. As you know, I can't respond to the comment there, but I so appreciate them. Peace from
Dee Ready
Dee Ready: Of course I read your posts. And will continue to do so for as long as you write them.
DeleteWarm Trees is a fun way to bring people outside during our winter - and remind them of the beauty of the arboretum. I hope you can stay cool and safe in your horrrendous (in my eyes) weather.
I mourn for so many insects/animals/birds/plants the world over. Mourn and rage.
The gravity defying statue is so cool.
ReplyDeleteI love the knits. They are so neat looking on the tree's.
I hope you are well.
Mary Kirkland: I really like that sculpture - and love those knits too. I am fine(ish). How about you?
DeleteOh I love all those tree knits.
ReplyDeleteHena Taybeb: Thank you. We do too - and visit them every year.
DeleteA lovely post, I did enjoy seeing all of your photographs.
ReplyDeleteLove the tree knits, the gravity defying statue is amazing, and our youngest Grandson would just love that tee pee :)
I hope you week is going well. Eddie and I are doing our best to stay cool and relaxed in our currently very hot temperatures!
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member~Jan: Sorry I have just rescued you from spam. Thank you. I do hope that you and Eddie find some cool relief - and that your current very hot weather breaks.
DeleteThe Warm Trees are wonderful. I often wonder whether they actually do the last part of the knitting - the seeming together - on the tree. I can't think of any other way. Some people knit wraps around lampposts here, although I haven't seen that in a long time. A bit of surprise on my side noticing that the Aborigianl flag has the same colors as the German flag - there are not many like this. How lovely that the knits will be repurposed afterwards.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: I think that they have to do the very last bit on the tree. It doesn't seem possible any other way since they can't reach to the top of the tree and simply pull them down.
DeleteI hadn't made the connection between the colours of the the Aboriginal and German flags before - thank you.
The Bonsai are so cool. Pratt's work makes me want to do some stretches. :D
ReplyDeleteLove the tree scarves, btw. Don't love that that particular moth is endangered and that the pygmy-possums are hurting as a result.
Bea: If I even attempted that stretch I would fall over - I am not a gravity defier at all.
DeleteI am very sad about the Bogong Moth - pesky as they could be, and like you love the trees winter woollies.
Who ever would have thought that Bogong moths would become endangered? I certainly never did.
ReplyDeleteThe tree scarves are just great. I have no idea why i like them so much. And my usual complaint about wasting materials isn't relevant, which makes me happy
kylie: Shades of the passenger pigeon.
DeleteI really like the rugged up trees too and am glad that the wool is not being wasted.
Guau... nos enseñas muchísimos lugares preciosos, cubiertos de arte. Me parece muy mágico. Siempre me parecieron súper cuquis todas esas bufandas abrazando a los árboles...
ReplyDeleteTe mando un fuerte abrazo y empiezo a seguirte por primera vez,
Noa
Noa: Welcome and thank you. The arboretum is a very, very beautiful place and we love visiting it.
DeleteI enjoyed looking at the scarves. I'm sure the trees felt warm.
ReplyDeleteCaterina: I hope so. I really hope so.
DeleteBeautiful work of art with the scarves, stunning colours and loving this.. ☻
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Thank you.
DeleteMuy original esto de ponerle bufanda a los árboles, pero lo importante es el motivo final, de que convertidas en mantas se donen a los necesitados.
ReplyDeleteEn cuanto a la original estatua, pienso que se han equivocado de sitio, la tenían que haber colocado en un lugar donde hiciera menos viento.
Muy bonitos tus reportajes.
Gracias, y que disfrutes de un bonito fin de semana.
Manuel: Thank you. I like to see the trees wrapped up and I also like to know that the wool is not wasted and goes to a good cause. I like that statue and am smiling at your comment about the wind. Have a great day.
Delete