'Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for,' the remarkable Maya Angelou suggested in her first book of essays, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now. With this in mind, it was time to escape to one of my favourite places in the company of a kindred spirit.
Not quite a secret garth, Tulip Top Gardens are tucked away in a valley just off the Federal Highway. My friend, Christine, (pictured above) had not yet been and I knew she would love it, so we picked a perfect spring day to make a pilgrimage together.
Magnificent vistas greet us as we make our way down the gravel path from the entry marquee towards the bridge over the watercourse. Weeping Willows and blossom trees surround garden beds filled with tulips, pansies and a collection of other flowers. Ten acres in all. Christine's eyes light up. 'Oh, how lovely,' she exclaims. We veer to the right and, almost immediately, go our separate ways, admiring the colours that appeal most. Cameras in hand, we meander around the park, stopping often to capture this beauty with the camera lens. Dragonflies with their transparent wings hover and dart across the pond. Frogs call. Birds sing. There are fairy wrens, magpies, willie wagtails and more. Bees buzz en masse. We try our best to photograph them, but they are so quick that it is close to impossible. Classical music is piped throughout the gardens. It is enchanting and the scent of the flowers is intoxicating. Later, we sit and nibble on ice cream cornets. There is no real need for conversation. We have been lulled into a placid state, like bees drunk on sweet nectar. This is a joyful place. A healing place. A place that is good for the soul. On the walk back to the car, Christine mentions that she feels so very refreshed. As do I. It has been a blissful day. 'I'm so pleased to live in a place where we have such hidden gems. I love the Australian bush, but there's a delicacy about tulips that appeals to my English heritage,' she concluded, as we made our way home. 
Tulip Top Gardens are located off the Federal Highway, just 15 minutes from the Canberra CBD. Note, there is an admission fee, which includes a sausage sandwich and tea or coffee. Other refreshments are available for purchase. For opening dates and times, and more information, please visit the web site.
Tell me dear readers, do you love to take photographs of flowers? And is there a secret garden like this in your part of the world? ❀ ❀ ❀
24 Comments
10/10/2015 03:37:43 am
Such a special time of year. And your photos are gorgeous!
Lizzy
10/10/2015 04:38:21 am
Paul, thanks so much! Very kind. 10/10/2015 10:35:56 am
When we lived in Florida we had a huge native flowers garden, primarily aimed at attracting butterflies. So I did loads of macro photography back then. Slide film, so no instant feedback. Boy did I learn how to meter! Haven't done any now that I shoot only digital. Really should -- I imagine the instant feedback would be so helpful,and I'd learn a lot. Anyway, fun post -- thanks.
Lizzy
11/10/2015 11:47:32 pm
Wow, John... I'd LOVE to know more about your Florida garden... and what native plants you had!
Lizzy
11/10/2015 11:47:42 pm
So true my friend xx
Gallivanting Gran
10/10/2015 04:04:11 pm
What a lovely place and beautiful pictures.
Lizzy
11/10/2015 11:47:57 pm
Thank you so much, GG. It really is. x
Lizzy
11/10/2015 11:48:09 pm
Oh hello lovely Liz... it really is! x
Lizzy
11/10/2015 11:48:21 pm
Isn't it though, Mandy xx 11/10/2015 06:22:01 pm
oh! how beautiful! next time mum and I go to Canberra for floriade, we will have to go here as well.
Lizzy
11/10/2015 11:48:42 pm
Thanks so much Elizabeth... : ) Yes, do put this on your agenda! xx
Lizzy
6/11/2015 09:22:37 pm
Beck, you must go xx 16/10/2015 12:14:32 am
I only discovered this magical little part of the world last year, it was one of the best days I've had, so relaxing and pretty, love the music playing across the park too. I am not really a flower photo taker, but I sure do like looking at gorgeous pictures of flowers and nature. Great photo, you've really got a good eye lovely one! xox
Lizzy
6/11/2015 09:22:23 pm
Isn't it the best secret garden xx 19/10/2015 01:48:53 am
FAAAAABULOUS! I'm a late convert to Tulips - ever since I saw a row of about 20 different colours and varieties all flowering together. Sensational - and so are these pix!!
Lizzy
6/11/2015 09:22:05 pm
Red, thanks ever so much! 19/10/2015 11:46:44 am
Liz, your Springtime outing was a balm for the soul! I also like how they offer a sausage sandwich with the price of admission :) and classical music in the background. That sounds like a marvelous way to take it all in!
Lizzy
6/11/2015 09:12:46 pm
Oh Kim, thank you so much! 28/10/2015 03:11:53 am
Gardens are such happy places for me, especially when they are in full bloom! :D
Lizzy
6/11/2015 09:12:30 pm
Aren't they lovely, Lorraine x Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Photo Jay Cranon, The Canberra Times
Hello. I'm Liz, a writer, cook and traveller based in Canberra, Australia.
Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes, postcards and morsels from my adventures, conversations with cookery writers and chefs, and news on food and cooking.  Search by topicNB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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