Guilfoyle's volcano
It was originally built in 1873, a reservoir to supply water for the Gardens. In the 1930s the Gardens were connected to the mains water supply and the site fell into disrepair.
In 2010 a reconstructed contemporary version of the original 'Volcano' was opened, designed by landscape architect Andrew Laidlaw.
Conscious of the challenges of climate change, Laidlaw incorporated Guilfoyle's Volcano into the Garden's water management system. It showcases cacti, succulents and other water efficient plants.
 |
| Golden Barrel Cactus - Echinocactus grusonii |
A stroll through a botanic garden is always a pleasurable experience. Over the years I have come to know some of the plants, and understand the relationship between many of the different organisms, but even when I was completely ignorant it was still an exercise in sensory delight to meander along the paths.
ReplyDeletethere is so much to learn - sometimes I just relax and appreciate it sensorily.
DeleteWhat a special treat! These water efficient plants are gorgeous. We grow most of them as houseplants here as it's too cold and wet for them outside.
ReplyDeleteFunny, isn't it, how in one place garden plants are house plants, and a terrible weed in one place is fine when it's home.
DeleteThat's a wonderful public space, Sue! I loved the photo of the agave surrounded by the "arms" of the cactus.
ReplyDeleteI love that one too, Kris.
DeleteOh gosh that is beautiful. Not least given that we’re under inches of snow in England right now!
ReplyDeleteHi RB, I heard you are having an unusual cold snap. Keep warm ...
DeleteI called you RB, meant RD!
DeleteI love it! I want to see it! If I ever make it to Australia, I will add this to my "must visit" list. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteOur botanical gardens are quite marvellous. I hope you make it here some time, Beth.
DeleteWonderful place--a delight to see blooming 'Blue Glow' when mine are doing the same thing--thousands of miles away. Interesting that the site was originally a reservoir. Here in SoCal at the Huntington, their Japanese Garden (which has appeared as "Japan" in several Hollywood movies), was also originally the reservoir for the property.
ReplyDeleteAren't succulents fun to photograph? They have such lovely lines, which you've captured so well.
thanks, HB. Succulents are wonderful to photograph, and the colours and curves of the paths made those scenes even more special.
DeleteWow that is truly amazing! However, I wonder how hard it is to maintain all those prickly plants. Hopefully they don't require much hands-on care!
ReplyDeleteindeed - lol! I wouldn't want them in my garden.
DeleteI don't mind my unfamiliarity with these plants. I do know I would like to wander around the area. Hey, who knows.
ReplyDeleteHi Alastair, At least we get to visit all over the world by screen ...
Deletewhat are the 'red ornamental cabbages' with the gold barrel cactus?
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful contrast of red and gold.
Hi Diana, I should have id'd more of the plants. The 'cabbages' are Echeveria 'Baron Bold'.
DeleteLove these slopes with cacti and agave, catmint. I think the Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens is an gardeners art and design. The territory is variable, many different plants.
ReplyDeleteHappy women's day!
thanks, Nadezda, Happy Women's Day to you too.
DeleteSo many interesting plants there! Several I don't think I've seen before.
ReplyDeleteHi SB, I don't think any of them are Australian natives, I also hadn't seen them anywhere else.
DeleteGorgeous photography. I especially like the image of the stairway flanked by agave with the leading lines drawing the eye to the people sitting. Well done.
ReplyDeletethanks, slc
Delete