Wednesday 5 July 2023

Suzanne Gilchrist Goes to Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane



Today, I’d like to share my recent trip to Roma Street Parkland which is situated in the heart of Brisbane. So much better than depicting my current garden. I recently moved interstate to South-East Queensland and my yard is now a small L-shaped barren (although I like to think of it as a blank canvas!) scrap of dirt and grass. I’m currently thinking about how to transform it into my own little piece of paradise. Definitely a work in progress!



 

In the meantime - onto Roma Street Parkland! This magnificent park spreads across 16 hectares and encompasses the unique subtropical Spectacle Garden, a rainforest walk, a lake and an amphitheatre as well as art works and water features. 




     

I particularly loved the rainforest walk and took note of the plantings in the various shady areas of the park (of which there were quite a number).

        



I also discovered someone I was glad was in the tree and not on the path in front of me!



 

Although its wintertime, there were sufficient blooms as well as cunningly planted plants with variegated leaves to provide colour, texture and interest. There is a large lake, along with various streams, ponds and waterfalls. 

       








        

        

Dotted throughout the park are some wonderful stone carvings. I’d love to have one of these in my backyard. 



 

The park also has a children’s playground and hosts various events throughout the year. 

    



I’m looking forward to visiting again in spring to enjoy the early blossoms; and also later in the year (late Nov to Dec) for the annual Enchanged Garden festival. This event is always booked out so I must get in early for my ticket. It’s a light and sound event that showcases the nocturnal aspects of the garden. Last year it was the Easter Water Dragons that were highlighted and appeared as giant holograms. The gardens are a must when you visit Brisbane.

I certainly came away with ideas for my own garden; albeit on a lot smaller scale! Gardening is a great pastime, whether it’s working with pot plants, vegetable gardens or developing a real showpiece. Personally, I gain a sense of peace when surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowering plants, especially when they bring birds and insects into my yard. Thanks so much for being here today and happy gardening. 




About the Author

 


Suzanne Gilchrist can't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Now she dreams up stories where her favourite words are … 'what if' and 'where'?  Writing as both S. E. Gilchrist and Suzanne Gilchrist, she loves combining romance with adventure and suspense across many different genres including science fiction/space opera, apocalyptic, and contemporary small towns. 

 

S. E. takes a keen interest in the environment, anything to do with space, and loves walking her two dogs and spending time with her family and friends. She co-runs the Hunter Romance Writers group and is the organiser behind the multi-author writing ventures: the best-selling Bindarra Creek Romance series, the Deadly Forces series, and the Mindalby Outback Romance series.



 

Suzanne Gilchrist on the web:


Website        Tiktok      Facebook         Bookbub


Twitter             Goodreads       Instagram


  

 


Is he her enemy or her future?

When a handsome stranger arrives in a remote outback town, Maggie Hayes’ almost forgotten dreams are re-awakened. For too long, she’s denied her adventurous spirit and now suddenly her future is filled with wonderful possibilities. At least it will be if only this intriguing man isn’t her beloved town’s enemy.

A past tragedy has led Jace de Haven to live without the complications of family or companionship. Yet when he meets small-town Maggie, her big heart and vibrant community spirit show him what he’s been missing. Can he find it in his soul to forgive and allow old wounds to heal?

But to have the future they crave, Maggie and Jace will need to take a leap of faith - together.

***
Under an Outback Sky is a love story and the fourth book in the Edge of the Outback series. The book is about forgiving the past and finding the courage to forge a new direction in life. If you love reading about small towns, country and rural communities (like Bindarra Creek romances) then you’ll love this series – similar to books by Barbara Hannay, Bella Andre, Melody Grace, Nora Roberts, Maisey Yates, Sarah Williams, Susanne Bellamy, Annie Seaton, Fiona McArthur, Heidi McLaughlin.



 Buy on:


Amazon US                Amazon UK


Amazon Aust


27 comments:

  1. That's a fabulous public garden, especially given that it's winter in your part of the world. I think I might have turned and gone another way upon seeing that snake, though ;)

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    1. Hi Kris, I'm looking forward to visiting again in spring - and hoping that snake is nowhere to be seen! Thanks for dropping by

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  2. That is a beautiful garden! Thanks for sharing the photos of your visit there.

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    1. Great to see you here. Thank you for dropping by

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  3. Beautiful location! The book sounds good

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  4. That's a lovely garden. And yours is a nice blank slate where anything is possible!

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    1. Thanks Lisa. I'm looking forward to starting in my yard. All the best

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  5. that looks like a very fun park to explore and how nice to have that much blooming during your winter time! I bet you did get a lot of ideas for your garden :)

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    1. I did Connie. I took a lot of notes of the shade loving plants. Thankyou for joining us here today.

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  6. What a beautiful presentation in your images. So fresh and floral!
    I wish you to create your "little piece of paradise". Definetely it will be so inspiring!
    All the best to you!

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  7. Some amazing photos! I am so glad it was an inspiring trip! It is so interesting to hear about your winter and to see these blooms too. Scary about what was in the tree too! Thanks so much for being here.

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    1. HI Ellie. I was glad to watch the snake from a safe distance! Thank you for dropping by

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  8. Preciosas las fotos que nos muestras. Seguro que tu jardín pronto se ve lleno de flores. Un beso

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  9. I enjoyed Brisbane's winter garden. We would never dare to plant poinsettias as a landscape plant here in the Northeast United States in the winter - they would die in the first frost in October. Enjoy this public garden and think of your future garden spot and how wonderful it will look when you get done with it. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Alana. I'm looking forward to some peaceful days relaxing in my yard when its finished. All the best

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  10. At first, I wondered what was wrong with the trees. Then I remembered it's colder down your way when it's sweltering in the Northern Hemisphere. Because science!

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  11. My fiancée is good friends with a woman who lives in Queensland. It's interesting when she comments about it being chilly.

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    1. Yes when I think of Qld I think heat and sunshine lol. I've only recently moved up here. Originally I'm from the Hunter Valley where temps in winter will drop to 0 degrees c and occasionally beyond. There have been some cool days but on the whole I've found the winter here to be very pleasant in contrast to where I used to live.

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  12. Wow, love this. I'm adding it to my list of places to visit.

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    1. I dont think you'll be disappointed. Thank you for dropping by

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  13. the park looks so fantastic.... love the flowers

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    1. I was surprised at how large an area it encompasses. Definitely worth visiting. Thank you Tanza for joining me here.

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  14. Yes your garden is now a new door for to create what you want.

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    1. That's a great way of looking at it JS. I've bought a new shovel and have started. Thanks so much for dropping by.

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