Archive for the 'Mt Lofty Ranges' Category

Flowers in a friend’s garden part 2

Flowers in a friend's garden

Flowers in a friend's garden

Yesterday I shared with you some photos of beautiful Australian plants. These photos were taken in a friend’s garden in the Adelaide Hills. Like us, our friends enjoy looking at and growing plants found here in Australia. From this small selection you can see that our plants have very attractive flowers.

To view enlarged images of each photo, click on the photo. I’ll share  more photos in a few days.

Flowers in a friend's garden

Flowers in a friend's garden

Flowers in a friend's garden

Flowers in a friend's garden

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, Adelaide

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

On a visit to the Wittunga Botanic Gardens in the Adelaide Hills last year I managed to get some lovely photos of the various plants which were flowering at the time. This was early spring last year and many of the plants were already in full bloom.

On the downside, I didn’t see many birds. Admittedly it was around midday and one of the hottest days we’d had since the winter. I guess the birds were feeling the sudden burst of heat.

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, Adelaide Hills

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Botanic gardens are excellent places to hone your photography skills.  I particularly enjoy taking photos of the many birds that tend to congregate in such places. But birds have a habit of flying off just as you focus on them!

Plants and flowers are different. They tend to stay in the same place making photography much easier – except when they are swaying in the breeze. When that happens I usually ask my wife to hold the branch still,  trying not to get her hand or arm in the shot.

How about checking out my blog about birds?

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

On my visit to the Wittunga Botanic Gardens late last year I enjoyed strolling around the various paths taking photos of the garden beds, the plants that were flowering and looking for birds to photograph. Sadly I didn’t see many birds; this is usually a good birding spot.

Never mind. I really enjoyed the wonderful spring day with a gentle breeze. Look back over recent days where I shared more photos, and stay tuned for more in the coming days.

Information:

Fore more information about the gardens – location, opening times, facilities – click here.

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, South Australia

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

Strathalbyn is a popular destination with tourists and locals. There are many fine historic buildings to be seen on a gentle stroll around town. Many cafes and specialty shops cater for those who enjoy shopping. Seekers of antiques will find several good outlets catering for their interests.

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

I have different interests. Yes – I enjoy some of the shops too, especially the interesting second hand bookshop where I try to keep the wallet zipped up in my pocket. I really enjoy having a picnic down by the River Angus. This gently flowing river wends its way through the centre of town. I enjoy having a few relaxing hours in this picturesque park because it enables me to relax while also doing some birding. No exertion needed – the birds come to you.

Picnic area, River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia

Picnic area, River Angus, Strathalbyn, South Australia