Bloom day in May

Well I really thought there was nothing in the garden but to my great joy I found quite a few things which I shall quickly post as the dog is harassing me to take him for a walk, bah bah. 

A variety of Bromeliad, don't know which one

Streptocarpus, not sure of species

Heliotropium 'Lord Roberts'

Kniphofia something

Rocket

Crimson broad beans (although I have my doubts that they should be in flower right now)

Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost'

My blueberries really shouldn't be flowering

Salvia (this cutting actually found it's way into my pocket one day)

Got this black salvia from the Melbourne flower show a few years back

So that's it for me this month but rest assured if you pop over to  maydreamsgardens you can see what is bloomin all around the world.

42

Well it is my birthday today and in this house hold when you have a birthday you are allowed to be Emperor for the whole day and you can decree anything you want as most good emperor's should.  So I can't complain I didn't have to work or even do the dishes so that can't be bad.

I decided that I should document my day and I have come up with 42 things that have made me smile.  Here they are:

Just before the sun rose

sunrise at Narrawallee

Bliss burger (it's name honest)

my favourite fig at Milton

Does work where it hurts and gets you all warm

I think these are not native to the area

Who are you looking at?

Kangaroos at Pebbly Beach

Mum x

Road from Depot Beach

Between Norwa and Berry

When I grow up I want this house in Berry

Berry

Nan Tein Temple (sadly closed on Mondays)

Wollongong Botanical Gardens 

Banksia robur

Love the mountains in the background of Wollongong Botanical Gardens

Bracychition looks a bit rude

This pumpkin was HUGE and could feed at least 20!

Chia seeds come from a saliva plant (some of it fell into my pocket but didn't survive the journey home)

These fish were staring at me and I don't know why

chilli nuts

closed on Monday (that didn't make me smile)

The radio made me laugh all the way home

You're how old???

Bubbles (the Neighbour cat)

Seeds on the windowsill are ready

Fraxinus 'Raywood'

on the afternoon walk

Rock seat

Homeward bound

Mr R and V

K, s and I

Sydney by night

Just what I need now

Well I look forward to GBBD tomorrow best get to bed

Eryldene House

I know it has been far too long but the rain has stopped and the gardens are quite out of control out there.  And when it comes to my place I hope to leave and return in the dark so I just don't get the chance to see how awful it looks...

Well I shouldn't complain too much as I did pop out on a date with Mr R recently to Eryldene House in Gordon.  It was built back in 1914 for  the late Professor Waterhouse and his wife.  Prof. Waterhouse is responsible for bringing camellias into Australia so as you can imagine there are quite a no of them around the garden.  The house is Georgian in Style and very modest by today's standards but I expect back in the day it was great luxury.  At later stages the Prof. had a garden study added to work from which is an enchanting place to sit and work.

Eryldene House

Waiting for the Camellias to flower

I have to confess I wasn't overly impressed by the Camellias as I think it was too early even for the sasanquas but oh my word look at the Spotted Gums.  Swoon they are so beautiful, I wish we had one.

Look how massive the Eucalyptus is!  Yes it is just one tree

The tennis court has a Chinese tea House built to the side I assume for tea or to watch a game or to chill out and read a good book I expect.  Today they hold Christmas markets, weddings, events and jazz concerts  on what once was the court.

Chinese Tea House beyond the tennis court

I will have to go back again in June when the garden I expect will be in full bloom adding to the verdant garden structure we saw on our visit.  But I did love the ease at which you can travel though the garden with places that allow you to pause and reflex.  The historic buildings are wonderful and there are just a few unique plants that make the journey worthwhile.  There is a small cover charge ($6 per adult) which goes into maintaining the garden and house.

oh just between you and I there is a small cutting of this Bergonia that simply wanted to come home with me

Mr R could hear the doves and just wanted to see they could get out (they could)