Today seemed a good day to do it - There was simply no good reason not to. Sure, it was a little cold and sure, there was some threat of rain showers but when one feels the need one just needs to take matters into one's own hands and get it done - In the outdoors.
It was a mostly drab sort of day and I'll admit my mood seemed to match, a condition I'm afflicted with sometimes. After a little sleep in, scrambled eggs on toast and a shower I decided to get myself into the outdoors to see if I could find a little colour to brighten the day and, as always, I took a few photos, all with my Samsung S20 phone.
Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens
It was more about the walk to be honest, fresh air and forward motion which was intended to still my mind a little; I spent about three hours wandering around finding paths less travelled although I ran into a few people despite my intention not to. I suppose I can't expect to have the entire outdoors to myself all the time however had hoped the cooler weather would keep people huddled inside and the great outdoors largely to myself. I muttered or nodded a few hello's now and then but otherwise it was three hours of silence...Other than the sounds of nature.
Located above the Piccadilly Valley only eighteen kilometres from the Adelaide CBD the botanic gardens is packed with cool-climate flora over an area of 97-acres on the slopes of Mount Lofty. It comprises gullies each with their own unique theme and, no matter the season, it always has something to offer.
Spring is the most popular time when amazing displays of camellia's, magnolia's and rhododendrons blossom although Autumn has its own appeal with the reds, yellows and bronze tones of leaves turning. It's in Autumn when many of the trees become naked as leaves fall to the ground, but they don't seem to be at all shy.
Many walking trails cling to the side of the mount with some being quite challenging. I was looking for solitude today so was on the less-travelled ones and found them to be quite slippery. There's plenty of easy trails though and loads of areas for people to picnic with friends and family. For those willing to work a bit harder there's also a few very secluded and beautiful spots for a romantic moment or two with a loved one.
There's something quite special about wandering about in this botanical garden as it's surrounded by typical native Australian bushland which is what the area would have looked like prior to the gardens being established. One is reminded of this when the kookaburras break into their iconic song...It feels very Australian and is always very comforting to hear - It makes me feel home.
With names like heritage rose garden, magnolia gully, woodland garden, fern gully, rhododendron Gully, South American gully, spring gully, dwarf conifer lawn and South East Asian Gully it's clear the botanic gardens is extensive and diverse; A place most gardeners would be able to find something they are interested in. I'm all about the walking though, the peace and quiet...And along the way if the flora provides the scent of freshness, nature and lovely perfumes...Well, I'll take it. Thanks nature.
This shot above is probably one of my favourites as I managed to capture some leaves falling off the tree helping it to become naked for the winter. I didn't realise it at the time but when I saw it on my computer I felt pretty happy with it. I also like to contrast of the red, green and blues in the shot.
Images like this await around every corner and the groundskeepers do a very good job ensuring everything is names so those looking for inspiration can take a note pad and document the species they would like to grow for themselves.
On one of the less-used paths, more of a leaf-strewn gully really, I found these little things popping up. It's reasonably rare to see these here so I felt pretty happy to come across them. They always remind me of Smurf houses, you know, that cartoon from the 1980's. And speaking of fungi I came across some as below, clinging to a fallen log. From the death of one thing comes life for another.
There really was plenty of colour to be found and as I wandered about some of it seeped into my mood along with the fresh air and simple action of putting one foot in front of the other. It was a nice few hours, valuable to my being I'd say.
I think there's something to be said for solitary walks in nature when the sounds of society, other people, are absent. It allows one to think, to connect with oneself and to find a centre point. That's what it's like for me anyway and the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens are a nice place to do it as no matter how busy it is one can always find some peace and quiet away from others like I did today.
I was moving most of the time today with the exception of about fifteen minutes when I sat and simply enjoyed the view. I was thinking about the change of seasons, about how even when nature shifts from one state of being to another there's beauty to be found.
It's almost like nature feels the need to offer one last burst of brilliance, a grand finale, prior to moving into the colder months and a new reality. It could be seen as a sad time I guess, a time of decline, although I see it differently...It's a pause, a time to regroup prior to launching into Spring after the winter has come and gone...It's a hopeful time to me and that's how I felt today as I wandered about revelling in natures shift between realities.
The turning of the leaves, the colour itself and eventual cascade of reds, golds and bronze as they fall to the ground, is a beautiful time of year to me. The wind will blow and rain will fall throughout the winter; Temperatures will dip and the sun will shine just a little less brightly but with the decline comes hope.
It's like nature is shedding its cloak and in its nakedness finds the inspiration to renew itself once again. In this magic moment, the last burst of colour, the promise of beautiful moments to come is promised.
I took a little colour from the day today, combined it with thoughts of hope for the future and wove those vibrant threads into the tapestry that is my life and the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens was the perfect place to do so.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Discord: galenkp#9209
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Amazing colourful pictures, nice.
Thank you.
I never wanna hear you complain about your pics anymore. Beautiful and thanks for easing my mind a little. It was just like walking with you and distracted me from my thoughts. Very soothing.
Lol, It's doubtful I'll ever see my pictures as good, but I appreciate the sentiment. Maybe I'll stop complaining. Someday. 😁
I'm glad my walk and images distracted you though, it's nice to know someone can share and enjoy my images from around the other side of the world. I hope you're ok Anna. You know?
I am ok. The car issue is just stressing me out a little bit. But I need to stop complaining, doesn't make it better lol. Maybe luck is on my side and I find something affordable. I'll let you know ;).
Your pics are nice, always. You know that ;). I enjoy taking a look at them.
I get it, the car thing is doing your head in. Stay the course though, you'll get it done. If you spazz out I'll have to come up there and Krav Maga your fucken ass! Lol.
Thanks for liking my pictures.Makes me happy that you do. Someone has to! 😁
Great shots. I went for a walk today too. Saw a fire extinguisher thrown in the creek.
You win.
Hmm, yeah I'd say I got the better end of the bargain here.
I love the photos of nature, I invite you to visit my blog
https://peakd.com/hive-148441/@valeria02/mi-conexion-con-la-naturaleza#comments
Thanks for the comment and invite.
You got me as I thought you would get naked like the trees and pop in for a swim :)
Yes nothing beats a solitary walk in nature, as it clears the mind and it's beauty stroke one's senses.
I am also out very often and you really have some lovely photos here.
Amazing whe one opens the photos on a PC and you dicover something delightful like your falling leaves shot.
Here is an unexpected surprise that I had om my PC yesterday, as I was aiming at the Sugarbird (long tail) bird at the top, but look what was going on below him.
Placing the ohoto in my second post that I am doing now. Distance of the shot was about 40 yards.
A great post Galen.
Bird fight huh? I like how the one on the right is looking at the camera as if to say, so what, we're fighting, move it on Zac.
Hahaha, thank you for the visit and yeah, they might have been sorting an issue out. Saw me as a spy.
Stunning fall colors! Southern Hemisphere man! I forget that you live in down under sometimes!! Amazing!
Hey mate, thanks for the comment!
Yeah, I was really pleased to see some colour in what was otherwise a pretty drab sort of day. I manages to capture a little blue sky but it's a false perception of what the day was really like.
Yep, down under mate...When are you coming down for a visit?
Oh yeah. I guess that would be fun. I have never been there...
Have you read In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson? It’s a fun book. It would be fun to learn how an Aussie feels about that book. It’s a book about traveling Down Under.
Yeah I have ready that Bryson book...A good read! It's pretty accurate really and Aussies own it you know? Our quirky oddness!
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I too love walking in a quiet garden or landscape where you can only hear are the sounds of nature and if a garden makes you feel at home it is something special.
By the way, I love your photography 😊
There's something healing about wandering about in nature and for me the fewer other people around the better. I wasn't able to escape to the wilderness yesterday but this was the next best thing.
Thank you for your comment and kind words.
Your welcome. And yes you are right, there's something healing about wandering in nature.
You find some pretty epic hikes to go on 😆
That leaf falling one is a really nice catch, gotta love it when you find the little extras like that when reviewing on a bigger screen.
Feel better after? 🙃
I threatened those leaves - I said, you better fall at just the right moment or there'll be trouble. No one wants an angry G-dog and so they complied.
Yes I felt a little better, the combination of exercise, oxygen and a little peace and quiet. :)
The colors are gorgeous! I love the contrast between the green and the vibrant reds and orange.
I understand you when you say that you prefer these places just for yourself and the very simple aparition of a person kinda ruins the moment lol. I feel the same way when I take my long walks as it is a sort of a liberation/meditation process which requires silence. And some people can't be quiet, not even in a forest.
One of my pet hates is noisy people in the wilderness. I don't get it. Lol.
Ahhh same here. It bugs me always. Why be in a silent place for silence and yet be noisy? It makes no sense
Amazing photos. What a beautiful place!
It sure is an amazing place...In spring time it's pretty wondrous, but I like it all year round.
OMG😲😲
For real, those this place really exit?😲
Or is this Alice in the wonderland😳, because I have never seen such magnificent, beautiful and peaceful place like this. I so much wish to be there. Like build my little cabin there and breath mother nature air and feel its beauty.
Saying beautiful is an understatement, its....😲😲I'm speechless right now🥺.
Please I would love to save this pictures 🙏
It exists for sure, I went there...Unless I was dreaming....But I'm pretty sure I was not.
Like always these photos remain mine and must not be used anywhere without my permission, I assume you understand.
Oh yes, I do.
Nice man some awesome stuff here! I love the colors and contrasts that happen at the change of seasons. There’s definitely things that are sad like the colder temps but at the same time it’s beautiful to have transitions and shedding of the year for a different aspect of beauty. I enjoy each of the seasons equally because they offer different things. Fall offers this type of stuff and it’s great. Love the gully’s and hills of the area!
It's a cool spot and to be honest every time of year is attractive in it's own way, except with it's really hot...It's not fun when it's 45C°+ but then nowhere is fun when it's that hot.
You got a very beautiful photos! I just can't stop looking at them.😍
Thank you for saying so, I am glad you like them. Your comment is appreciated.
!PIZZA
Pizza is always welcome.