Beetles Moths Lichen and Moss

While we were away I squeezed in a little time to do a design for the Spoonflower Beetle contest. Maybe the lichens in my mother-in-law's garden influenced my design a little. I was lucky enough to place in the top ten along with some very pretty beetle designs.

The Crystal Castle

We visited the Crystal Castle while we were away. There are beautiful extensive gardens and an amazing collection of gemstones and crystals with a gift shop and cafe. We took the half hour drive to get there over interesting back roads with amazing views of the mountains in the distance and lush tropical vegetation.

The boys loved exploring and looking at the gigantic crystals. I absolutely loved the gardens especially the bamboo walk.

Holiday to NSW and Queensland

We have been away this month on a holiday with family up in northern NSW. It was great to spend time with my husband's family and to have a break from the winter weather. Here a few photos of their beautiful garden set on three and a half acres in a quiet rural town.

 The view once you emerge from the scrub at the bottom of the property.

 The boys enjoyed exploring the garden.

So many pretty flowers.

 There are many decorative bikes and trikes throughout the garden.

 This little bird was about the only one I could get really close to for a decent photograph. He loved the grevillea.

Many trees and objects in the garden are covered in these delicate lichens.

There was a visitor in the roof above the bedroom, he came out to sun himself some mornings.

Herbs Cats and Birds

I was very happy to be in the top 10 for the Herbs contest at Spoonflower last week. There were so many pretty designs with beautiful illustrations in gorgeous colours.

Mt Gambier

While staying at Naracoorte we drove an hour south to visit the large country town of Mt Gambier. There are many things to see in Mt Gambier, the main attraction is probably the Blue Lake which lies in  the extinct volcanic crater at the top of the mountain. Along side in another crater is the Valley Lake. We also visited the Cave Garden in the centre of town and a ten minute drive to the Umpherston Sinkhole or Sunken Garden.

 Valley Lake

 Blue Lake

 The winding path down to the Cave Garden.

The cavern at the base of the Cave Garden.

Umpherston Sinkhole or Sunken Garden.

Naracoorte Caves

We stayed at Naracoorte in the south east last weekend and visited the Naracoorte Caves. This was a wonderful experience for us and the boys and I wish we had the time to tour all the caves. It was very surprising to find how humid and warm it was underground, my camera lens kept fogging up!