Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

posted in: Tasmania

I love how they get to put ‘royal’ in front of things here.  It makes it sound very official, like it’s received a special distinction.  I don’t know if the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ever have received any kind of special award, but they sure deserve it.  They are magnificent!  The gardens were founded in 1818, which means they have some awesome mature trees.  This one is the biggest in the park, a Wellingtonia or Big Tree native to California.  Last time it was measured it was 36 metres, but these can grow up to 100 metres tall. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? The conservatory was built in 1939. It is beautiful. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? There is a beautiful fountain inside and a multitude of plants.  The light is amazing. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? The kids were drawn immediately to the fountain, as most kids are.  I promise none of them fell in, though it looks like JitterBug is thinking about it! Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? It was so peaceful inside.  We spent a fair bit of time in here.  At one point I found SkeeterBug quietly enjoying the fountain.  Such a tranquil spot.  I sat down on a bench with a plaque on it that was in memoriam of someone who had loved the gardens and the conservatory.  So lovely. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Outside was a row of sunflowers with heaps of bumble bees buzzing around.  We don’t see these all that often, we usually see honey bees, so we watched them for awhile. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? There’s just such a varied collection of trees and plants here.  Pictures don’t do it justice.  I am not a huge fan of botanical gardens.  We don’t seek them out wherever we go.  I’d read great reviews for this one so we stopped in on our way home from the chocolate factory.  I’m so glad we did! Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes?Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? I saw these and thought they looked familiar, and they were birch trees from North America! Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes?Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? I wanted to see the palm collection, I love palm trees.  I’ve always wanted to live somewhere with palm trees.  And now I do- our town in Victoria has them.  As we headed toward that section we came across this floral clock.  I assumed the clock hands would be stationary, but I was wrong. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? As the kids climbed on the wall around the clock we realised the hands were moving!   Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? This is a Monument to the Blue Gum, according to the sign.  I can’t read the small print, but I think it came from a tree that had been cut down for some reason.  The colour of the wood is gorgeous. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? I did not know that palm trees are not trees.  I’m shattered. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? But I’ll survive.  Sigh.  I love palm trees. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes?Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes? Is this post long enough yet?  Does it have enough pictures yet?  No?  Here’s a couple more. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes?Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens ~ How Many More Minutes?  Once again, I’ll put more pictures in another post!

  1. […] Part one is here. The gardens are right next to the Tasman Bridge.  I was hoping for a glimpse of the bridge to get a good picture but the gardens aren’t really set up for that view.  We did manage to find a spot with a bit of a view, over the fence and between the trees. The gardens are broken into several different main areas, with many paths and a different feel to each area. I wish I could remember what section this is.  From looking at the names on the map and the plants in the picture, I’m guessing it’s the fern house. This is the lily pond.  With lots of lilies in it.  Go figure. The ducks came over to us straightaway, hoping for a handout.  No such luck. As we neared this tree I thought that it really looked like a redwood, and it actually was!  I have relatives in northern California and due to visiting them I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the redwood forests several times.  They are enormous and so beautiful. The gardens were lovely and well worth a visit if you are ever in Hobart.  We didn’t see it all as we had kids who were tired of walking and anxious to get back to the chocolate waiting for them in the car. Another shot of the bridge.  As you leave the gardens the road actually takes you right under the end of the bridge. One more thing about Hobart.  You know those ugly boxes near intersections that hold all the equipment for the traffic lights?  In Hobart they have painted many of them all over town.  I only snapped a picture of one, they were all different colours and patterns.  I thought they looked lovely and it shows such a pride in the city, trying to make it more beautiful.  I’ve since seen these in other towns too. We commented several times that if we were to move to Tasmania, Hobart looked like an awesome town to live in.  It’s definitely worth another visit and goes on our list of must visit again someday! […]

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