Melbourne is starting to bloom with the bright colours of a new season. While you can’t visit in person, here’s a taste of the city’s past spring awakenings to be enjoyed from home.
The floral clock in Queen Victoria Gardens
Gaze upon the iconic floral clock, made up of more than 7,000 flowering plants at Queen Victoria Gardens. Donated to the city in 1966 by a group of Swisse watchmakers, this gorgeous sight is backed by a statuesque monument to King Edward VII. In springtime the lush green grass, fresh flowers and clear blue skies make the clock really pop.
The floral clock in Queen Victoria Gardens
The Conservatory
Hosting five different displays every year, The Conservatory has been part of Melbourne since 1930. Plants used in this secret garden spot are grown in nearby glasshouses that date back to the 1920s. This photo from 2018 showcases a springtime combo of cyclamen, schizanthus and calceolaria. The Conservatory is closed at the moment for major works, so we’ll be gazing at our old pics a while longer.
The Conservatory
The Royal Botanic Gardens Volcano
Built in 1876, Guilfoyles Volcano looks like a decorative garden straight out of the 18th century. The volcano recycles and stores nearby stormwater, bio-filtering it through the wetlands. Built on the highest peak in the landscape, it uses gravity to circulate water to the gardens. Like the succulents and cacti that circle the volcano.
Guilfoyles Volcano at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne Town Hall’s seasonal arrangements
A regular springtime treat is the renewal of Melbourne Town Hall‘s flower boxes. Winter arrangements switch to new blooms, native plants and a cacophony of colour. While we wait until it’s time to snap selfies out the front again, this Ray of Melbourne photo will have to suffice.
Melbourne Town Hall flower boxes
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens are awash with daffodils, jonquils and bluebells at this time of year. This beautiful 2019 photo by Nanette White is a virtual peek at the classic Victorian garden. Now let your mind wander to the wilderness of surrounding ferns, rainforest plantings and the ornamental pond.
Blooms in Fitzroy Gardens (Photo by @NanetteWhite on Instagram)