I asked the gardeners there what the theme was but they said there wasn't any. Laurel Bank Park always has a theme and the gardeners put in the plants accordingly...often to spell out the the theme etc. A visit there is on the agenda next week before the Carnival actually starts.
Of course the gardens aren't quite finished as yet and I am sure all the empty spaces will be filled in by the start of the festival. There is plenty of parsley in some of the beds which the guinea pigs would like not that we have any lack of it here as it grows like a weed.
Lots of calendulas in the above photo which would be good for infusing in oil for soap but we didn't think the gardeners would approve of us picking any :-)
This photo is a bit blurry as it was really windy and the flowers were blowing around. There were lots and lots of red tulips in the gardens this year.
Beautiful pansies on the garden path....
.... plus lots more in other garden beds.
If you live in the region it is well worth a visit at this time of the year. Once the Carnival starts it will be very busy especially on the first weekend. If you just want to see the gardens in the parks then it is a good idea to see them before the 15th although some of the other events like the Clivea Show, Bromeliad Show, Quilts, Stitches and Textiles Trail etc. start on the 15th or 16th and of course the private gardens aren't open to the public until then either and they certainly are worth looking at.
You can find a full list of what is on in the EVENTS section on the Carnival of Flowers website. There is something there to please everyone including the children as there are several train trips on during the week including the Silver Bullet Express Tour and the Full Day Steam Train Tour from Brisbane.
Last year we drove down to Spring Bluff to watch the arrival of the train which leaves from Toowoomba twice a day. If you are interested check out Diesel-Hauled Train Rides to Spring Bluff.
The 'Acting Station Master' is in his eighties and he does a song and dance when the train arrives and is quite a character. Spring Bluff is a very pretty railway station and the gardens there are just gorgeous. The station was decommissioned in 1992 and is now a heritage listed site.
So our city is going to be a hive of activity very soon and, as school holidays start next Friday, it is the perfect opportunity for those who live nearby to take a drive up the range and pay a visit. You will really enjoy yourselves.
The bed with the tulips is my favourite. Though they are all lovely. Thank you Chel for giving us a peek - I would love to see it in person, it would be so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteSherri if you ever visit Toowoomba during September Laurel Bank park has got heaps of red tulios growing.
DeleteFabulous photos Nanna Chel! The gardeners got their timing right - the gardens are just stunning.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing Laurel Bank park next week, Barb,
DeleteAmazing vibrant colours, Nanna Chel. Just so beautiful. I hope to be able to visit these school holidays.
ReplyDeleteBelinda that would be great. There is so much to see it is hard to choose where to go first.
DeleteThanks for sharing those photos. How relaxing walking in amongst those colours, scents from the flowers and the sun shining. If I could sense that from your photos I could only imagine how great the feeling must be there in amongst it all.
ReplyDeleteKylie
Yes it is a lovely experience being in our beautiful parks at this time of the year, Kylie. The weather has been warm and sunny and the gardens look stunning.
DeleteBeautiful flowers Chel. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe gardeners always outdo themselves! We're fortunate to have the Carnival every year. It's like the welcoming of spring festival. I think David is planning to be in the Carnival parade this year, with the Doctor Who Club. They're only doing a walk, with a group of people in Dr Who grab - rather than riding on a float.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens in Queens Park are looking stunning, as usual! I remember that station master from a visit a few years ago now...lovely to know he's still there during the Carnival...he was such a dapper gentleman.
ReplyDeletealways beautiful
ReplyDeletethanx for sharing
How lovely all those flowers are, Chel. I would spend ages looking at all those blooms and be very content. That station master looks quite the dapper chap! Meg:)
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