Banksias of Kings Park

Banksia's are very common in Australia and belong to the Proteaceae Family. From what I understand, there are about 170 different species of Banksia. Of these 170, about 60 of them are found in South Western Australia.

Wherever they are, they put on an impressive display.

These are just a few of the many I found growing in Kings Park in February of this year.

Ju Raku En

Ju Raku En is the largest Japanese Garden in Australia and is jointly owned by USQ and the Toowoomba Regional Council. These gardens are very glorious, peaceful places to visit.

I visited just two days before the official end of Autumn.

Summer Blooms at Kings Park

I was fortunate enough to visit Perth in February of this year. Of course, every visit to Perth is not complete without a visit to one of my most favourite places in the world, Kings Park... or in my case, maybe several visits :-)

These are just a few flowers that were blooming at the time:

Jacksonia sternbergiana aka Stinkwood.

This flowers towards the end of summer and is a native to Western Australia.

This grows as a shrub, typically 1m - 1.5m high. It likes sandy soils and is common along rivers, creeks, and swamps.

Occurs naturally in the bushland of Kings Park.






Hemiandra linearis aka Snakebush

This is supposedly uncommon in Kings Park but I found it growing near the edge of the escarpment. It is quite impressive.







Here we find it growing amoungst the grass trees.








Swainsona formosa aka Sturt's Desert Pea

This is the floral emblem of South Australia and is a very impressive flower. I have wanted to see one of these since forever. I do have seeds but have never grown it. I do not think that it will grow well in my area.

I finally saw it for the first time in February and could hardly believe my eyes. I was so excited to see it and I am so in love with it.









Solanum lasiophyllum aka Flannel bush

When I visited Kings Park in the Spring of 2007, this was blooming, however I did not know of its name. This frustrated me. I was very happy to see it blooming again in February and was very pleased to learn it's name :-)







Beaufortia orbifolia aka Ravensthorpe Bottlebrush

This occurs naturally in SW Western Australia. It grows as a shrub, typically 2-3 metres high. It is a very impressive type of bottlebrush. They love the dry climates.

Wildlife Warrior Show at Australia Zoo

10 April 2009 - My friend, Melissa and I visited Australia Zoo. While we were there we watched the Wildlife Warrior Show in the Crocoseum. It was both awesome and terrifying. A fantastic show. We loved it.

Climbing the Story Bridge

Next on our list of things to do was to climb the Brisbane Story Bridge. Melissa and I climbed it on the 9th of April 2009. It was a nice night and just beautiful with all the lights.

This is us.






Two bridges down, just one more to go. Auckland... here we come!