More fall gardens! We were greeted by enormous gum/eucalyptus at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.
Native rhododendron in bloom. ⁕
The jewel of the visit was the replica of London's 2013 Chelsea Flower Show winner, the Australian Native Garden.
The Chelsea Australian Native Garden was the first ever Australian entry to win the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in 2013. It was designed by a Dandenong Ranges local, Philip Johnson and Wes Fleming. The re-creation of the winning design is 20 times the size of the original. Gaze at the huge Waratah sculpture, waterfall and enjoy the tranquillity of the billabong. 15,000 plants, with over 400 different Australian species.
Found a few unfamiliar plants so thanks to Google Lens for the help. 🔎
Swamp Banksia (Banksia robur), a hardy Australian native shrub commonly found in swamps and sandy, seasonally wet areas.
'Birthday Candles (Banksia spinulosa), a compact dwarf shrub native to Australia featuring dark green foliage and golden-orange cylindrical flowers.
Rhododendron tuba, a species of Vireya rhododendron native to Papua New Guinea.
Pine-leaved Geebung (Persoonia pinifolia), a native Australian shrub known for its needle-like foliage and vibrant yellow flowers.
Australian heath (Epacris longiflora), common in moist sandstone areas around Sydney and occurs in southern Queensland.
Lovely late autumn reflection in the lake. 📸
Once I saw the outline of a cat in these leaves, I could not unseen it. 😽
Autumn blooming azalea and iris was different. 🪻
The pretty drive next to the eucalyptus forest in Dandenong National Park. 🏞️
Che was not fond of cats (or dogs) on TV. 😾
The Cement Creek Redwood Forest ... encompassing a small but stunning section of the Yarra Ranges National Park ... forest comprises an impressive plantation of Coast / Californian Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), which was originally established in the 1930s as part of an experimental forestry project. Today, it stands as a majestic and tranquil refuge, perfect for visitors seeking a peaceful escape amidst nature’s grandeur.
There were almost 1500 trees, some as tall as 55m / 180ft. Serious forest bathing! 🌳
Some tiny mushrooms on the forest floor. 🍄
Always good to hug a tree. 🤗
The scenic Yarra River next to the redwoods. 💦
A very rainy day meant ...
... reading and lounging. 📚
Quick visit to JB Hi-Fi to get a cable led to lots of browsing of their varied inventory. Fancy a new MacBook or AM/FM radio?
New groomer or Segway?
They were true to their name and had vinyl and turntables. 💿
