Hanging Rock Visit

First views of the rock

What a very cold wet day to make our first visit to Hanging Rock. We left the sunshine behind when we turned off the Calder Highway and the closer we got to the rock the more the weather deteriorated. But I enjoyed my time at the rock, in spite of the weather and I managed to get some photos that I was happy with.

Hanging Rock was formally known as Mount Diogenes, it is a distinctive geological formation, 718m above sea level. Approximately 70 km north-west of Melbourne and a few kilometres north of Mount Macedon. The Rock is best known as the site depicted in the book PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK WRITTEN by Joan Lindsay.

On the way to the summit



Views from the summit storm front

In My Garden Today

Well it has been some time since I posted anything in my blog, other interest have for some months taken over my time. But with nearing to the end of winter and spring not to far away, it is time to once again make the effort into the get out into the garden and get ready to watch the re-birth of the garden in spring.

Here are some photos taken of what is in flower today in my garden.

Kookaburra

On a recent trip to Emerald Lake, I found this beautiful Kookaburra sitting quietly on a post taking in the scenery. As luck happened I had my camera in hand turned on and ready, not to be one to miss a golden opportunity I slowly lifted the camera and took my shot. The Kookaburra didn't seem to mind my presence and continued to sit quietly and watched me. So I slowly took another step closer and took another shot. One of this friends landed in the tree above us and made is laughing call and both birds flew away. I was not disappointed with the photo s I'd taken when I arrived home. These truly are a most beautiful bird instantly recognisable by their plumage and their voice.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are located in Sherbrooke in the Dandenong Ranges, a short drive from Melbourne.

Alfred Nicholas Gardens are the original gardens of the "historic Burnham Beeches" estate. The gardens are renowned for their extensive water features , including a quaint boathouse. The unusual Blackfish Pond and a picturesque lake which is fed by two striking waterfalls. Sadly, Alfred Nicholas died in 1933 before his garden had been completed and after his death the gardens began to decline. In 1965 The Nicholas Institute donated the gardens to the people of Victoria by way of the Shire of Sherbrooke.

Autumn, Landscapes, Melbourne, Nature, Parks & Gardens

Autumn Leaves

©Copyright nansgarden.blogspot.com

It is had not hard to be impressed by the the wonderful colours of Autumn leaves, we all enjoy the Autumn display. As summer becomes Autumn the days become shorter this is the signal for the trees to begin getting ready for winter. There is not enough light or water for photosynthesis during the winter months. During winter the trees rest and will live off the food they have stored over summer. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves and the bright green colour fades away, leaves begin to change to yellow and orange. The bright rich colours of red and purple are caused in leaves when photosynthesis stops and glucose is trapped in the leaves. The sunlight and the change to the cooler nights of Autumn cause the leaves to turn the glucose into the rich red colours.

©Copyright nansgarden.blogspot.com

©Copyright nansgarden.blogspot.com

Emerald Lake

Autumn is such a beautiful time of the year and it is a great time of the year to visit the Dandenong Ranges and see the beautiful Autumn trees in all their glory, such stunning colours. Today we took a drive up to Emerald Lake, a favorite place to go with the camera in hand and today I was not disappointed. A lovely way to spend mother's day, sunshine, fresh air and beautiful scenery.