It was a perfect sunny Autumn Day on 17th April as 27 Members headed out on the Warburton Highway to Yarra Junction, to visit the stunning 14 acre Blue Lotus Water Garden.
This extensive and well-established Garden has two distinct seasons - the Lotus Flower Season, from late December to late March, and the Autumn Flower Season from late March to mid-April. Our Club had visited previously some years ago to admire the stunning lotus flowers and waterlilies during the Lotus season; the lotus flowers were past their best at this time of year, but many of the stunning waterlilies were still in flower.
On arrival, we had coffee from the on-site cafe, with delicious continental cakes and biscuits provided by our club.
We then had plenty of time to wander the extensive gardens, along trails past large lakes and wetlands covered in water lilies and ventured into the climate controlled houses to admire the giant Amazon lilies, capable of supporting 40kgs, and the colourful Australian native waterlilies.
There were hundreds of lovely colourful hanging baskets to admire, with gorgeous displays of tuberous begonias of different colours, hung from the many bridges and avenues through the garden.
After a delicious lunch, provided by the cafe, served under shady pergolas, we had further time to appreciate the gardens, with their fountains, waterfalls, ornamental lakes and interesting sculptures. There is also a Gift Shop and water plant nursery on site.
It was a most enjoyable day for our Members and many thanks to our Trip Convenor, Helen, who, ably assisted by Marilla, does such a wonderful job organizing these excursions for us.
