04 October 2013

An early start ...

It was a harsh 4 a.m. alarm setting yesterday morning ahead of a three-hour coach tour, visiting Bowral, in the Southern Highlands for one of their annual tulip displays.  Location: Corbett Gardens

Not looking too promising, Weatherzone had suggested 13 degrees celcius and 50% chance of showers.

First thought after arrival, was to pick up a coffee and enjoy that fabulous burst of caffeine and wrapping cold hands snugly around a hot takeaway container.  At the same time, enjoying the bounty of pretty flowers everywhere. Then it started spitting (rain from the clouds above), but briefly at first. Then some sunshine, and time for photos.

More rain again later, and people seeking shelter inside a couple of halls that had been set up with craft and pickles, chutney and marmalade stalls, devonshire morning-teas, and lunches. It was much warmer in there to wait it out.






Yellow Present Parrot

Angelique

Black Hero




And, wouldn't you know, that I'd see a Red Wattlebird, and Crimson Rosella's close, really close, after I'd put my camera into my backpack because it was showering.  Before that, I'd had it hanging around my neck (ready for action!).  

According to the brochure, 2013 marked the event of the 150th birthday of the townships of both Bowral and Moss Vale.   It took twelve gardeners nine days to plant the bulbs here and throughout the region, towards the end of April.  The bulbs had come from Tasmania and Victoria; 110,000 of them had been ordered from two separate suppliers.

Sharing with Floral Friday Fotos

33 comments:

Ida said...

Gorgeous Tulips. - It's so funny because here we will soon be clearing our beds and I have new Tulip Bulbs arriving to plant for spring. In the meantime I'm enjoying your beautiful shots.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Such an enchanting variety of colour. Love the deep purple tone. And yes. I have been caught thinking the opportunity for photos has passed and just when I tuck it away there's some surprise I wish I had captured. This comment particularly relates to birds.

TexWisGirl said...

wow! beautiful springtime tulips!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

I would love to see a tulip festival one day. The weather has resulted in some glorious photos, no shadows and raindrops too. It must have been a wonderful day.

Christian Perrin said...

I like the effect the rain had on the flowers, with all those beautiful little water droplets covering the petals!

I can't believe those towns are only 150 years old? It really puts into perspective what a 'young' settlement we have here.

Magia da Inês said...

·.¸.•°✿✿彡
Passei para uma visitinha.
Seu blog é maravilhoso!!!!

Bom fim de semana!
Beijinhos.
♡ Brasil ♡♫°° ·.

eileeninmd said...

Wow, beautiful tulips. So many pretty colors, lovely images!

Jan Castle said...

Always the way when you REALLY want your camera! The flowers are gorgeous and I KNOW you enjoyed the scene even with the rain! We have Tulip fields here too that can be toured: 'Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm' in Woodburn, Oregon, USA. Everytime I have tried to take pictures, it has been stormy - LOL!
Paper Hugs,
Jan

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

So nice to see that spring is arriving! Here in Florida we can soon start planting cool-weather vegetables, so in a way it is like our own "second spring."

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

Such brilliant colors. Enjoy your spring.

Montanagirl said...

Beautiful Tulips! All the flowers are gorgeous.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love the views. my favorite is "black hero". gorgeous. ( :

Jeanne said...

These are really great and think that the rain really made these look more vibrant. Love how you have caught the raindrops, and these shots are just crystal clear. Perfect focus. Spring flowers! Sounds like a fun day in spite of the rain!

Andrea said...

Awesome shots! I thought Bowral and Corbett are in maybe England, then at the end you said Tasmania and Victoria, so maybe this is in Australia? Am sorry for not taking the bird shots, i can relate to that very well, haha! I've been waiting many times for the butterflies, and then after changing the lens they suddenly come.

Carole M. said...

...love all the comments, thank you everyone :)! Kalantikan: yes, I'm on east coast of Australia, though this journey to see the tulips took me southwards bound where the climate is cooler

Deanna said...

Your spring is as gorgeous as our Fall. Rain does really add to the beauty!! Lovely photos!!

Birgitta said...

Wonderful photos! Your header is so cute!

Bob Bushell said...

Tulips everywhere, they are superb.

Joop Zand said...

Lovely tulips is many nice colors.....looks a little bit Holland in the springtime.....compliments for this post carole.

Greetings and enjoy your weekend, Joop

Rajesh said...

Beautiful and colorful flowers. Amazing variety.

Irma said...

Beautiful pictures of tulips, Carole.
This makes me think of the Netherlands in the spring.
Greetings Irma

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Carole What a wonderful Kaleidoscope of fabulous colour. The first time I went to Australia adnwent on a Daffodill trip, it pours and pours ALL day and in those days I had a very small digital camera but I managed to whip it in and out from under my coat and keep snapping. I must get those photos out someday adn put them on my blog!

Gumer Paz said...

What soft shades! and until you can feel the velvety texture of the flowers. Carole Fantastic! A kiss :)

diane b said...

Well you made the most of the weather. Overcast days are good for flower shots. Yours are great.
BTW I have tagged you on my blog to join in with Capture the Colour.

Sharon Wagner said...

The rain didn't stop you. Beautiful flowers.

Wally Jones said...

What a stunning display of color!
Thanks for brightening up our day, Carole!

FOREST SNAPPER said...

What a joy to see such colour, as we go into our winter.



peter

Unknown said...

Wonderful tulips! My favorite is Black Hero.

Brian King said...

These are great, Carole! Gorgeous flowers!

theconstantwalker said...

It's wonderful to see all those beautiful tulips at the "wrong" time of year "for me" so lovely to see.

Helma said...

Superb these fields full of tulips. It seems Netherlands lol ......

Red Nomad OZ said...

Well you wouldn't have those gorgeously photogenic water droplets to enhance those fabulous pix without the rain!! Your tour sounds like something I'll have to try one day!

Kerri Farley said...

Oh Wow....these are Gorgeous!