New Zealand flora

You have probably heard what a beautiful place New Zealand is. Following are some of the reasons.

This is a typical backyard in Christchurch! The Avon flows in front of it and one of the pastimes in the area is punting on the Avon. Christchurch is known as the most English city in New Zealand

This is the Futuro house. Finnish architect Matti Surronen designed and built 96 of these ovaloid flying-saucer like houses in the 1960's. This one happens to have landed in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.

Sydney Harbour & Opera House

This is the traditional view of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
These bridge photos were taken on March 19, 2007, which was the 75th anniversary of the bridge. Yes, those are people on top of the bridge. They are taking the famous bridge walk. We didn't go because all the spots were reserved for the day. Maybe another time!
Following are some views of the Sydney Opera House. It is one of the most spectacular buildings I have ever seen. They didn't allow photos in the theatres, so if you want to see them, you will have to go to the official website.



As can be seen by this picture, the roof sails are spheroidal, like being cut out of an orange.

One of the first things you notice about the roof when you get up close is that the tiles on the opera house do appear white like they do from a distance. There are actually several different shades of tile on the roof. We also learned that the tiles are coated in such a way that they are self cleaning.
There is a wealth of information about the opera house on the web and I can't even attempt to cover all of that. Suffice it to say that if you ever get a chance, it is well worth the 16 hour flight to get there.

New Zealand's Southern Alps

These pictures were taken in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

Morning mist

As you can see, everything is covered with vegetation

The following picture is what is known as a hanging glacier on the side of the mountain

Taken on the flight to Queensland in the Cessna. Not a good place for a landing!

Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne, Australia

As long as we are on the subject of flowers, here are some pictures I took at the conservatory in Melbourne.


I will have more photos later as soon as I organize the 355 that I took!

I am not sure what these green things are, but they caught my eye.

More signs of spring

Oh, no! The flowers are starting to bloom in my yard and I won't be here to see them. I will be gone until the 1st of April. Oh, well. There may be a few surprises left. The roses and the snowball bush should be in full bloom by the time I get back. Hopefully some of the bulbs will wait for me. Meanwhile, this is what is happening this week around the yard.

Another primrose grouping.

The fiddleheads are starting to unfurl.

The grape buds are bursting out all over.

Lilacs will be in full bloom soon.

And here is the first tulip of the year!

Spring is Bustin" Out All Over

Signs of fall are fading.


















But with spring comes renewal and fresh flowers are beginning to appear.