A wonderful, wonderful day in Olinda...

My darling husband and I spent a wonderful day in the Dandenong Ranges yesterday.  We particularly went to visit the beautiful Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens and the adjoining Rangeview Gardens.  We had heard about the Cloudehill Gardens a number of times and had been meaning to go and see them for some time now.  As we are both on leave at present and the weather has been lovely we thought it a perfect time to spend a day visiting this beautiful part of Melbourne.  I took many photos, (252 to be precise!) Oh how I love digital cameras!  Here is just a sample and I have provided a link to my Picasa album for a few more...

Cloudehill has series of outdoor rooms or compartments, around 20 in total, surrounded by walls of stone and brick or in some cases gorgeous green clipped hedges both high and low.  The flowers at this time time of year are like little jewels in the crown of this beautiful garden.  This is all set amongs the most magnificent old European beech, magnolias, maples and tree rhododendrons.  I fell in love with these gardens and I know I will return many times.

The Rangeview gardens which adjoin Cloudehill have a very different feel, whilst still being surrounded by the glorious old European trees it is described as being a, Magical "WILD" garden and this is certainly how we felt about it.  With earth paths descending down into the valley you feel like you are entering a land of fairy tales where you might just see fairies, elves or hobbits flitting about!  Under the canopy of the gorgeous old rhododendrons, magnolias and beeches you see a twisted writhing mass of branches all competing for a spot of sunlight.  I can imagine that some might find it a little spooky however the expectation of maybe coming across a resident wombat or Australian lyrebirds would surely spur them on...

Take Care

Lanlizzy

Here is a link to my Picasa album if you would like to see more.
Cloudehill Rangeview Gardens

Family are precious...

I'm feeling just a little sad today, one of my nieces, my little star, Miss B (19) flew off to USA yesterday, she was chosen to go and work at Disney World in Orlando Florida.  She was very excited and will be away for six months.  I am happy for her to be doing something that she wants but saddened that I missed the opportunity to farewell her at the airport, to give her a big hug and kisses.  Stay safe my gorgeous girl and enjoy the adventure...

Her sister, my gorgeous girl, Miss P (11) will miss her I'm sure...

I've had another niece and nephew, my gorgeous girl, Miss A(or Princess A, 7) and my beautiful boy, Master C (11) come to stay.  They have come to stay just before Christmas for probably the last four years, maybe more whilst my sister and brother in-law attend a Christmas party. Unsure if this was going to happen this year my nephew asked if they could come to stay any way.  He is such a creature of habit and this is one habit that I was pleased to accommodate!  I so love having them to stay...

Along with this beautiful bunch I have another nephew, my handsome man, Master J (17) brother to Miss B and Miss P.  Unfortunately without a recent photo seen here with his grandmother at his Deb.

I am so fortunate to have these gorgeous people in my life...

Take care

Lanlizzy