Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - Children's Garden

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a foreboding sky loomed but we braved a walk anyway.  The gardens are huge, but the little Bowerbird was happy to run and explore, we seemed to walk for miles. The garden's old sculptures and architecture present a vision of another time - when queens loomed large, powerful lions perched at their side, Roman columns stood tall supporting them, and beautiful women gazed steadily at onlookers. When Roman myths guided the way we looked at ourselves and the world around us, and money was invested in large, ornate, art and architecture to show the wealth and success of the new colony.

We came to the Botanic Gardens to admire the trees and flowers, and enjoy the inner city serenity. Autumn was looking spectacular, and birds were pipping in high pitched voices around us. Eventually we wound our way to the Children's Garden, we went the long way as I have no sense of direction, but the long detour is always worthwhile. I adore the Children's Garden, with places to hide, climb, twist and turn, explore and wonder. It gets better every time we visit.

 The best cubby ever, I especially like those curly bits on the top.

I was secretly glad to see that citrus can still have problems even when there is a bevy of trained horticulturalists on hand.

Of course most of the gardens are without fault, I love these raised beds and organised plantings. A school group was industriously watering the veggies with little watering cans whilst we were there.

The gardens have amazing children's programs, great for inner city kids to get their hands dirty, I came away with some excellent ideas for our school garden and our garden at home.

This design is meant to evoke the feeling of being under the sea, such clever use of plants.

Strolling, Smiling and the Never-ending 40th

Another visit to the city, enjoying excellent food, and strolling Melbourne's laneways and arcades. An overnight stay, a special treat from my parents.  A whole evening of uninterrupted conversation, ah the simple pleasures!

The less simple pleasures. Unfortunately we didn't try any of these delights, there was a hefty queue and we had already had eaten a buffet breakfast that left us full until 4pm. 


After a little inner city time without children (thankyou Nanna and Pa) where do I want to go? The children's garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens of course. I can't even go a day with out a little vegie patch appreciation! It didn't disappoint, every bit as bright and joyful as the Royal Arcade, and a whole lot more soothing.

Finally, an Argentinean late lunch topped off a perfect overnight stay. San Telmo's do carrots to die for, but everything was divine. 

We got home and I had to prepare the house and food for a family gathering - about 25 of us, to celebrate Mr Bowerbird's never-ending 40th. Not quite where my head was at after lolling about in a spa, but a beautiful day that even gave us sunshine for the kids to run and play (thankyou heavens - smiling right back at you).  Of course no photos, really need to remember to pass that job onto someone else when hosting a party.  Even missed out on capturing the beautiful ice sun catchers we strung everywhere. There is talk of a larger party later in the year, when the weather is warmer and we can gather outside. Nothing like marking the day! Then we get to revisit it all again next year when I turn 40.