Sunday Selections #794

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, continuing my celebration of Spring we are going to Floriade.  Floriade is held in Commonwealth Park a short walk from the city centre.  It is a beautiful location at any time of year.  There will be photos of flowers of course, but I am concentrating on the art and quirky fun that is dotted around the site.

Before I start:  Kylie visited Floriade recently.  There is always a dwarf painting competition.  Kylie took an innovative approach and you can see the fun HERE.  Big smiles.

And yes, there will be a myriad of photos in this post too.  And probably next week when I revert to the floral theme.

Some of the art is permanent.  Some of it will disappear with Floriade.  I don't like or understand all of it, but I love that it is there.

 

 

This is Resting Place of the Dragonfly by Mary Kayser.

 

The kangaroo and her joey are permanent fixtures.  Children love them - and they are not the only ones.

Many of the garden beds have designs planted in them.  In years gone by there were ramps so you could see them.  The ramps have gone and have been replaced with a ferris wheel.  So of course we went up.  For which I deserve brownie points.  It was a very windy day.

 

Sian Watson:  Gathered Skylark

Sian Watson:  Static Skylark.

Floriade is a lot more commercial than Tulip Top Gardens.  You can buy anything from food and drink to clothing, expensive sculptures, jewellery, soap, chutneys and more.  There is very little for sale that relates to gardens.

Just the same, we go every year and will continue to do so.  And next week I will show you more of the gardens from this years display.

I hope next week to also have a blog linkage worked out so that those of you who join Sunday Selections can link up and have your posts seen.  If anyone has any hints I would be grateful.

Here's to a bright, beautiful and safe week ahead.

Sunday Selections #793

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 back on common themes.  I am definitely celebrating beauty, and the explosion of Spring.

My city celebrates Spring with a flower festival, Floriade.  It is Government run, and established in a beautiful location not far from the city centre.  However at the same time, just down the road there is another celebration of Spring.  Tulip Top Gardens is a private affair, established and run by one family.  Each year they plant a LOT of bulbs.  By hand.  And the major gardeners are in their seventies.  Which puts me to shame.

They have also planted a lot of blossom trees.  Our Spring has been early.  And windy.  So fearing to miss the blossoms we headed off to Tulip Top Gardens first.  Lots of the blossoms were past their best.  Were we disappointed?  NO.  Settle back with a beverage of your choice and be prepared for an explosion of colour.  And a lot of photos.

I could have put up a lot more photos too.  Tulip Top Gardens has an entry fee but is a lot less commercial than Floriade which doesn't.  Instant tea and coffee is included in that fee and there are other refreshments available.  Leashed dogs are welcome, and access is wheel chair friendly.  Frogs croak from the water ways and classical music plays from the trees.  Do you wonder we love it?

I hope your week is packed with colour and joy too.