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 #556

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 has been a tad difficult on lots of fronts (not least because Jazz is running out of lives).  We are now in lockdown lite so I demanded a roo fix. And of course the weather didn't co-operate.  On the first day we could we headed down to the lake.  Our spring rains has meant it is much greener than usual.  I am so very glad we went.

This fallen, but still thriving tree provided the perfect spot to plant a photographer's bum - so the next two photos are taken from that vantage spot.

A close-up of the golden weeds which are spangling the grass.

Beauty, solace and heart balm - which I hope that all of you have close to hand as well.