Poppy, the prettiest flower in Australia |
Hayley found us an amazing flat overlooking Sydney Harbour, which meant all the pleasures of the city were just a ferry ride or stroll away.
Our second day there we
headed downtown for a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens. This 70+ acre
showplace was established in 1816 as the colony’s “veggie patch.” The parcel of
land overlooks Farm Cove and offers a stunning view of the harbor and Sydney
Opera House.
Mr. Lincoln |
Never mind, the abundance of blooms made up for the aphids.
The Jamberoo show is the largest in New South Wales |
'Glorious' (and it was) |
While there I met fellow
judge Mark McGuire who has won just about every prize in rosedom. He and wife
Julie invited us to visit his magnificent downtown rose garden when we returned
to Sydney.
Mark’s garden called “Rose View” was created in 1993 and attracts visitors from Sydney, indeed from across the globe October through April. For his outstanding
contribution to the beauty of the area, he was awarded the North Sydney Achievement of Excellence.
'Brass Band' |
In addition to the display in the main garden, Mark has a number of potted roses that have not had fresh soil or fertilizer for over two decades. They were blooming their heads off.
Oh, and if the sight of all these roses wasn't enough of a treat for the senses, you can also see the harbor from his front garden.
'Evelyn Fison', 'Scarlet Red' and 'Cherry Parfait' |
Another amazing vista in
amazing Australia.