Change is slow coming but I hope for a time when as a Nation we respect and honour Australia's First People with a genuine pride.
I went with my housemate Phil to the Melbourne Botanic Gardens for an Aboriginal Heritage Walk. It was a wonderful way to learn about the people and the culture. The walks are held every day but as part of Reconciliation Week they are free (you're too late, today was the last free day, so you'll have to pay unless you want to wait 'til next year).
We had a terrific guide to educate us and were treated to a traditional smoking ceremony. I was struck most by the talk of listening to your spirit and felt a sense of the purposefulness of the culture as opposed to the busyness of todays society. It was humbling.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Photography Tour - September 2017
It's only 17 weeks until the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Photography Tour gets under way. It's going to be a great 4 day photography adventure, staying at the historic Vacy Hall, visiting the amazing parks and gardens and watching the grand parade. One of the first things we'll be doing is going to see the Heritage Bank Photography Awards Exhibition for some inspiration.
The exhibition just happens to be held next to the fabulous Japanese Gardens and there's plenty to photograph there. And that's just on the first afternoon. If you'd like to join us, click here to find out more.
Cloudehill - The final Diggers Garden
Of the three Diggers Gardens, this one was my least favourite. Not that there's anything wrong with it (it's majestic), it just wasn't my style. It may have been tainted by the service (or lack thereof) at the cafe on the day. It's not often I walk out of a place but one can only take being ignored for so long before giving up.
It was not the best time of day to be taking photos on a bright sunny day. Too much contrast between shady and sunny areas ruled out a few photo options. The camera just doesn't cope with such extreme contrast (unless you're doing HDR). I still managed to grab a few favourite shots before we headed to Sassafras and Miss Marples for a late lunch.
St Erth - Diggers Club Garden
We arrived at The Garden of St Erth just in time for coffee and cake before the cafe closed. It was a chilly day but the garden had a way of warming your soul. This is my favourite of the three diggers gardens. A little less stately than Heronswood and way less formal than Cloudehill. This one matches my personality perfectly.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Going from Lambley Garden and Nursery and heading to St Erths garden, we stopped in ever so briefly at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens for Stew to check out the Begonias. He was smitten. Probably about the happiest I'd seen him so far. He was impressed with Heronswood, pleased with Lamley, but he was like a kid in a lolly shop with the Begonias.
I was more impressed with the combination of reds and purples in the garden beds. I've been
Lambley Garden & Nursery
One of the best things about having visitors from out of town is finding out about places you've never heard of. Like Lambley Garden & Nursery, just out the other side of Ballarat. Big brother Stew being a gardener, he knew all the best spots and what a little gem this place this. The gardens are wonderful. Well worth the drive and a photographers paradise.
