Wednesday 5 October
The Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens are on the opposite side of Brisbane to where I live, so the decision was made to leave later and miss the morning commute traffic. Unfortunately, the new norm seems to have made that impossible in recent times, and this day was no exception. I was the designated driver, with the first stop at Mt Gravatt to collect Joc and Leanne. A google maps check at 8am was discouraging. The 25 min journey had almost doubled in time. Alternative routes were also clogged. I quickly got myself organised and thankfully arrived at 9.30 am as arranged.
The gardens were founded in 1970 and opened in 1976, covering 56 hectares. They have been gradually extended. On arrival, we drove to the Australian Native section of the gardens. Its spring beauty had us immediately feeling calm.
The birthday girl.
Can you spot our picnic centre?
It seemed the perfect spot until the local birds became unhappy when we didn't want them to join the party! Much shooing ensued until they finally got the message.
Flowering native shrubs, Greviileas and Callistemon, surrounded our view.
Much later, we set off on our stroll around the gardens.
There is so much to enjoy, and on this day we hardly scratched the surface.
Sculptures
Hidden glades, palms and rainforest.
The bougainvillea was in full splendour!
Just so much to take delight in.
Nearing our starting point, we were stunned by the spectacular show of the Kangaroo Paws. They aren't particularly easy to grow in a tropical region.
Time for a light lunch. All the tables in the shelter were taken, but I had come prepared for that eventuality.
We soon found a shady spot and happily wiled away another hour, before we again had to hit the rat race.
Two of our feathered friends rejoined us. One brought his own lunch. Very wise of him.
I would love to read your comment.
What an amazing birthday party! The gardens are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteThe Kangaroo Paws are beautiful plants. I had never heard of them and was surprised to see they are known in Finland too, used as house plants and cut flowers.
The tables were taken... Did you carry your own with you? :)
Have a happy weekend, Helen!
Thanks Sara, it was a perfect day. My folding picnic table is very useful. How lovely to find Kangaroo Paw in Finland. I assume in floral arrangements. They last well.
DeleteOh, you are a rowdy bunch! What a good time. I want a piece of cake and a glass of wine!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could share the same with you, Bill. Pop over any time!
DeleteYou designed a very special way for your friend to begin her new journey around the sun!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of the gardens made the day!
DeleteHappy birthday to your friend! And what a glorious way to celebrate, in nature with good friends! Perfect! Oh the blooms…
ReplyDeleteYes, Marie, "Oh the blooms!' They were exceptional.
DeleteWhat beautiful gardens! I love all the colorful flowers. A great place to celebrate a birthday with friends.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers were at their best in many years, thanks to the never ending rain we have had this year. More to follow. Fingers crossed not to the extent of what the southern states are experiencing.
DeleteWe had a home just up the hill from those gardens. They were slowly developing when we were there. It is amazing to see how wonderful they are today.
ReplyDeleteThey opened in 1976 and I agree with you, their on-going creation has been exceptional. We were disappointed that the Japanese Garden was closed for renovation.
DeleteHappy birthday to your friend! Wonderful place for celebration!
ReplyDeleteThank you Margi, it was a perfect day.
ReplyDelete