Guilfoyle's volcano

Guilfoyle's Volcano - part of Melbourne's Royal Botanical Gardens - is an example of very special and remarkable garden design.


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

Comments

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. there is so much to learn - sometimes I just relax and appreciate it sensorily.

      Delete
  2. What 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funny, 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.

      Delete
  3. That's a wonderful public space, Sue! I loved the photo of the agave surrounded by the "arms" of the cactus.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh gosh that is beautiful. Not least given that we’re under inches of snow in England right now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi RB, I heard you are having an unusual cold snap. Keep warm ...

      Delete
    2. I called you RB, meant RD!

      Delete
  5. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our botanical gardens are quite marvellous. I hope you make it here some time, Beth.

      Delete
  6. Wonderful 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.

    Aren't succulents fun to photograph? They have such lovely lines, which you've captured so well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, HB. Succulents are wonderful to photograph, and the colours and curves of the paths made those scenes even more special.

      Delete
  7. Wow 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. indeed - lol! I wouldn't want them in my garden.

      Delete
  8. I don't mind my unfamiliarity with these plants. I do know I would like to wander around the area. Hey, who knows.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alastair, At least we get to visit all over the world by screen ...

      Delete
  9. what are the 'red ornamental cabbages' with the gold barrel cactus?
    Such a wonderful contrast of red and gold.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Diana, I should have id'd more of the plants. The 'cabbages' are Echeveria 'Baron Bold'.

      Delete
  10. Love 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.
    Happy women's day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, Nadezda, Happy Women's Day to you too.

      Delete
  11. So many interesting plants there! Several I don't think I've seen before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi SB, I don't think any of them are Australian natives, I also hadn't seen them anywhere else.

      Delete
  12. Gorgeous 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.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment