We called into Kallista on the way home and blended in with the bus loads of tourists, who were feeding the wild birds there. So I took the opportunity to take some close up photos of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Long Billed Corella.

 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

 Crimson Rosella

Long Billed Corella

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

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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.