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.

 

Sunday Selections #647

 

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. Last week I said I was going to take you to our festival of Spring, Floriade, this week.  I lied.  Instead we are going to Tulip Top Gardens, which is not far from my city and another festival of Spring.

Unlike Floriade there is an entry charge. Despite that it is a great deal less commercial.  It is in a hidden valley, minutes from the freeway between my city and Sydney and a lifetime away.

One family manages it, and the planting each year is done by hand by a couple in their seventies. Which awes and amazes me.

Settle back for a myriad of photos. It was a froth of blossoms, an explosion of colour, and there was classic music, frog songs and the hum of bees. There are plenty of antique pink blooms to meet Charlotte(MotherOwl's) monthly colour challenge too.

It was truly beautiful and I am glad I went, but I am still seriously stuffed after the walking (and I didn't get to the lookout this year).  We hope to get to Floriade this coming week. And will enjoy that too.

And I hope your week is blooming lovely.