A favourite pastime of my family's is going to botanic gardens. Even when the weather is bitterly cold, we enjoy a leisurely stroll through trees and shrubs. As gardening enthusiasts, different gardens give wonderful inspiration for what to grow at home. It can be fun learning about new varieties or different ways to grow what we already have. We always leave with hundreds of photos of flowers and landscapes, and even more ideas for what to plant at home.
There are some beautiful gardens in Adelaide that are fairly formal (or at least not just normal parks) that are completely free to visit. When the weather is good, they are all great places to picnic and spend time with family. It can be a great way to spend time in nature and explore something completely new. Here are some gorgeous places to visit on your next free weekend.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide Botanic Garden is what most people in Adelaide tend to think of if you say 'botanic garden'. The Adelaide Botanic Garden is on the east end of the city, and has an amazing variety of plants. There are so many different things to do in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, there is something for everyone. There are towering trees, picture perfect roses, giant lilypads and magnificent greenhouses. I love when the lotus are in flower, it is spectacular.
Easily accessible via bus or tram, there are plenty of entrances from either side of the gardens. Many of the paths are paved, and in general the gardens are fairly flat. There are multiple places to buy food, or you could bring a blanket and your own picnic. The Diggers Club also have a shop near the Museum of Economic Botany, if you are inspired to get gardening (or if you are far too obsessed with buying new seeds, like me).
Waite Arboretum
At the Waite campus of the University of Adelaide, there are not one but two beautiful gardens to explore. A large portion of the land is the Waite Arboretum, which has an amazing collection of trees - both native and introduced. To one side, the arboretum transitions into the Urrbrae house gardens, a more traditional garden surrounding Urrbrae house. Both areas are beautiful in different ways.
Most of the trees in the arboretum are well established, and are all well labeled and watered exclusively using rainwater. There are multiple special collections, including eucalyptus, oak and palm trees. Hidden amongst the trees are some interesting sculptures. Due to the size of the arboretum, it can take a while to walk around. There are no paved paths throughout the trees, so it may not be suitable for someone with limited mobility.
The gardens that surround Urrbrae house are more varied than the aboretum, with shurbs, flowers and interpretive panels. The garden design is not an exact replica of what Peter Waite's garden would have been, but does have hints here and there. There are several areas of the garden such as a sensory area and a rose garden. There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the plants. I love the lawn that is to one side of the house, it would be the perfect place to have a picnic on a sunny spring day.
Wittunga Botanic Garden
Up near the Coromandel Train Station in Blackwood is a secret gem. The Wittunga Botanic Garden is not as well known as the Adelaide Botanic Garden, but it is a wonderful place to visit. The plants in this garden are generally native to Australia or South Africa, so this is the perfect place if you are looking for inspiration to create your own waterwise garden. One part of the garden has a special focus on the flora of Kangaroo Island, which I find very interesting. One side of the garden has some beautiful plants native to WA, such as hakeas and banksias.
The main path is paved but with some hills. It takes you through all of the main gardens and around the central lake, which is brimming with ducks and other birds. I really like the informational signs there, there is lots to learn about plant names and the family who once owned the land.
Carrick Hill
Carrick Hill is a historic home in Springfield (in the Mitcham area). The formal garden surrounding the home was originally created by one of the home's original occupants - Ursula Haywood. While it does cost to enter the house, it is free to roam the gardens, and there is something for everyone. There are plenty of smaller gardens, including a shade house. Further away from the house, the gardens become less formal, but just as interesting.
Even though I'm an adult, I love the children's storybook trail. While last time I visited, it needed some repairs, it still brings me great joy. Each stop on the trail has the theme of a different children's classic book. There is The Secret Garden, Charlotte's Web and even a little hobbit's house!
If you feel a bit peckish, there is a café to the side of the historic house. Inside, there are often interesting exhibitions, but it does cost money to enter. There is even a museum of gardening being established. The gardens are open longer during the day than the house, which is good to keep in mind if you want to visit both.
Adelaide Himeji Garden
This formal garden is just off South Terrace in the parklands, so I think is a bit of a hidden gem. In 1982, the City of Adelaide and the City of Himeji (in Japan) became sister cities. This garden has elements of traditional Japanese garden design, such as a small lake and a sea of raked sand. Because the garden is fenced in, it can feel like you are in a peaceful retreat rather than at the edge of the city. This garden is so different to other gardens in Adelaide, it is worth a wander through.
There are a few bus stops nearby this garden, so depending on where you catch the bus from, it is fairly easy to get to. I haven't been to this garden for many years, so I am not sure how wheelchair accessible it truly is. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot on the busy edge of the city.
Go on an Adelaide garden adventure!
With the sun shining and the weather warming up, it is the perfect time of year to get out and explore Adelaide's wonderful gardens. They are a budget friendly way to spend time with friends and really wonderful places to make special memories.
Where will you be visiting this weekend?
Комментарии