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 #792

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 am addicted to beauty.  Even on the darkest days and nights I look for it and find it.  My last post certainly started in the dark and was certainly sad.  It was also chilly, hovering around 1C/33 F when we started.  Just the same there was a lot of beauty in it - not least the courage and the solidarity of the walkers.

 

 

Blessed blogger has put my photos out of order again, but beauty is beauty where ever it is.

 After the walk I had another one, to the nearest bus stop and then two buses and a further walk to reach home.

It was not yet 7.30 when I got home.  They were long walks and physically and emotionally tiring walks.  I was grateful for the beauty and hope that the other walkers saw and felt it - as I hope you do in your week to come.