13 September 2013

Giant Spear Lily and more, at Centennial Park

Making it to Centennial Park during the week, involved a hop, to the nearest rail station, skip through almost two hours on the x-press train to Central station/Sydney, and a jump onto the bus to final destination.

The morning had started out with a forecast 20 degrees, much lower than the previous two or three days, so that was going to be good for walking the park grounds. However, getting out at Central station, the skies were grey and a cold wind weaved it's way around everybody alighting the platform. I think a lot of people were unprepared for this, including three carriages of school-kids on an excursion. Fickle Spring.

Thank heavens I had a shower-jacket in my backpack. It was a last minute thought too, one moment I'd unpacked it thinking I won't need this - and then I decided it was light enough to squeeze in, just in case.

Officially opened in 1888, Centennial Park covers 189 hectares and yes, I do have to go back to see more.



This Giant Spear Lily is growing much further south than it's known environment on the far north coast of N.S.W.  The weighty flower heads hang downwards, on top of a flowering stalk which can grow to five metres tall (approx 16.5 ft), according to Australian National Herbarium.  That explains why I stood on top of a brick wall ledge to get the snapshot.

perhaps it's a caretakers cottage, a stately heritage home

Melaleuca (Paperbark)

feature gardens near to the cafeteria; bacon and egg roll, and coffee-stop.



Xanthorroea or Grass Trees, native to Australia, and note blue in the sky and there was sunshine too



Australian native, Banksia

and not to disappoint you (or me), this was the first bird photographed on the day, a Crested Pigeon.  


The interesting history of Centennial Parklands is here

Sharing with Floral Friday Fotos

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Fantastic pics from Centennial Park Carole. I especially like the banksia pic.

Joop Zand said...

Nice photo's from this park, good location too take some pictures.....i like these old trees

Carole i wish you a lovely weekend.

Greetings, Joop

Gumer Paz said...

Hi Carole! I have already updated with what you pubicado, after this month I've been busy. Precious those trees, vegetation and pingeon! and the parrot from the previous post! Beautiful photographs and very well treated. I like a lot! Good weekend! A kiss :)

Irma said...

Hi Carole,
Beautiful pictures of this beautiful park, you can walk here very well.
Greetings Irma

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

"bacon and egg roll" I thought you meant the name of the plant at first.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Carole That was a lovely walk in the park with you. I loved the Paper bark trees and the Crested Pigeon

Evelyn S. said...

Love that row of gnarled beautiful trees....and the "banksia"---fascinating!

TexWisGirl said...

love your awesome trees!

DeniseinVA said...

A wonderful post Carole, definitely worth the effort of getting there, and I enjoyed all the lovely photos. Thank you :)

eileeninmd said...

Carole, I enjoyed a tour of the plants and flowers. The Crested Pigeon is an added bonus, beautiful bird. Great post, have a happy weekend!

Montanagirl said...

I really liked the tour you took us on! That home is so beautiful; I love the tree photos, and the Pigeon photo is terrific!

Jan Castle said...

Thanks for the lovely tour!!!
Hugs,
Jan

Unknown said...

Looks like a wonderful park. Have a happy weekend!

Helma said...

What a huge lily that was!! I can not remember to have them! Ever seen so great The large tree standing and Australian native, Banksia is even also fun to see!

Brian King said...

What a beautiful place! I love those big trees!

Bryan said...

Thanks for the tour. It looks like a lovely place.