Autumn in the Hamilton Gardens ..

A Red Maple leaf turning - the colours of Autumn can be so vibrant even though it is the season of loss .. leaves dropping and giving their nutrients back to the soil.

The morning sun shining through the wonderful coloured bark of Lagerstromia indica or Crepe Myrtle, so many trees have beautiful bark ..

On my walk this morning in the Gardens collecting plant samples for the tutors ( plus extras for my herbarium) I couldn`t resist these views across the small lake, the mist was sitting like a soft blanket over some areas still - I just have to soak this all up to keep me going while I am off work ..

These Gardens are my soul restoring place, I know every nook and cranny and then some ! I believe they are the jewell in Hamilton`s crown, from the city rubbish dump to these magnificant gardens, we have a place of learning as well as contemplation - a must see if you visit my fair city ..

The Pond House is a favourite place to sit, especially on a hot summers day, from there you can see across the lake to the waterfall on the far side. There is always the sound of water and birdsong in the air. Over on the far bank there are Taxodium distichim Swamp Cypress growing, their autumn colour is just amazing. I hope I get to see it this year ..

The Beginnings of Autumn

I took these photos of Japanese anenomes in the Hamilton Gardens during the week, these simple, clear white flowers always herald my favourite season to me ..

Jars of Nectar

Apart from 8 small jars I gave away to work mates, this is what I poured into my eclectic collection of jars from under the sink cupboard last weekend - my first honey harvest !

There are still 2 more supers to extract, hopefully this week sometime. The honey tastes like all the flowers in the garden, very floral and sweet..

Next year I am going to be better prepared and have brought cool little jars, organised a label and maybe take any excess to the local farmers market - it is just too nice not to share ..