Roses, roses, and the hot dry climate.

It's our last day here and while Chris was doing his last minute details, I cleaned out the caravan by washing the rugs and mopping.

But soon after, we were off to see the valley and play tourist.  First stop was the Polkolbin shops where the smell of cheese meets you at the door.  So we picked up some blue cheese, crackers, and a paste made of grapes and blueberries. (well, it SOUNDED delicious!) and because there was a gelati calling out my name, we HAD to stop for that too.  So Chris got Creme Brulee, and I had Lime. 

We finished off our ice creams and then decided to have a look around.  That's when we found the Hunter Valley Gardens.  It was a huge parcel of ground that's been designed with mini gardens and many paths around to each one.  There were lakes and waterfalls and many spots to just 'sit it out' and admire.

NOTE:

I wasn't able to put all the pictures in due to upload restrictions, but there are more photos on 'My Space' if you want to see them.

 

And while I was savouring the smell of the rose garden, Chris, who's NOT fond of roses, was encouraging me to have a look at some other gardens.

 

 

These pergolas were scattered throughout the gardens each one bearing their own unique look.

 

 

 

The intricate use of flora was excellent.  And with so many gardeners there too, it would have made it easier to maintain.

 

 

 

There was even a garden for the kids to enjoy.  Made up of storybook characters and a Gingerbread house.

 

 

 

By the time we made it around to most of the gardens, we were both very hot and bothered.  We stopped in to the restaurant for lunch which gave us a chance to cool down and relax.

 

Had this been a beautiful spring day, it would have been better.  But even with the hot, dry, and arid conditions, the gardens were still a beautiful sight.  This is a place I would like to see again, but next time,.. in the spring.. or the fall.