Monday, July 20, 2009

Geelong Botanical Gardens

I recently visited these excellent Botanical gardens again and was happy to see they have finished the new entrance area in an Australian Native style featuring a Billabong.

They have a wide variety of well labelled native plants and it was great to see some old favourites and identify some new ones.

As well as the new Natives part there are a wide variety of well established plants from all corners of the world.


Above....cute garden cottage

Geelong Botanical Gardens Part 2

Below.....They have made an interesting border of succulents...great idea as they are drought tolerant and will hold back the sloping soil around the path. Must try this somewhere???
Below.....Old time favourite Box Hedging never fails to please.

Below.....The formal fountain of yesteryear....no longer contains water as Geelong is on Stage 4 water restrictions....mind you the gardens didn't look at all stressed but then it is mid winter.
Below......Arrangement of raised beds in corrigated iron...I thought they looked out of place in the gardens and the design and placement of them was not good at all.


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Ikea Visit

I had the opportunity to visit Ikea (Melbourne) again last week.


Above. I love the green and Gold pouring bowls....couldn't help but buy one of each. I think I have a bowl addiction.

I like to let at least a year go by between visits and then I enjoy wandering around seeing what's new, colours, kitchens, gadgets etc.



Above.Cute little lamps
It is such an enormous store and I believe it can get very crowded on the weekend. I have however always managed to time my visits when it's quiet and can fully enjoy the experience.


Ikea have a good range of well priced, good quality materials.
I like to make new cushion covers every 2nd year and also change them seasonally summer/winter.

A word........remember to validate your parking ticket at the checkout and then again at the pay/parking machine before getting in your car and finally putting ticket in boom gate machine as you drive out.

Where are we?

Callignee is situated in the foothills of the Strezlecki 's in Gippsland, Victoria.