Turtle Lake, Hamilton Gardens

Finally, a day of sunshine!  There were a few clouds around but it was sunny and warm.  The strong wind was a nuisance but we could overlook that and appreciate the sunshine.

I went out with son this morning and we bought some concrete pavers for the new garden he is creating.   He has been hard at work the last few days repairing fences and digging out tree stumps, before leveling the soil ready for laying out a new lawn and garden.

It was so enjoyable being out and about, that after we returned home I went out again.  This time by myself, and I visited Hamilton Gardens.  These public gardens are an extensive collection of many different themed gardens and it takes several hours to see all of them.

Turtle Lake, at Hamilton Gardens

Today I visited Turtle Lake and the Chinese Scholars Garden – I will write about the latter in another post.  I am not quite sure how Turtle Lake got its name, but it does have turtles in it.  I have seen them several times before but they are notoriously hard to photograph.  I had to be content with a photo of them cast in bronze sitting on a rock.

Bronze turtles on a rock

In 1998 a boardwalk was built around the Lake and it makes a pleasant place for a quiet stroll, or somewhere to sit and contemplate life for a while.

Garden Seat near Turtle Lake

Half way around the Lake there is an artificial waterfall.  I like to stop here and watch the ducks and golden carp and have a good look for the turtles.

Turtle Lake waterfall

There are some patches of water lilies growing in this lake and I managed to find a couple of flowers blooming.

A water lily

By now it was time for a late lunch, so I headed off to the Hamilton Gardens Café and bought a small quiche and a piece of cheesecake, accompanied by a drink of hot chocolate.

Turtle Lake Pavilion, with Hamilton Gardens Cafe in the background

Before leaving the Gardens I visited the Information Centre and picked up some brochures of interesting things to see and do around the city. 

I also bought a key-ring.  Recently I read about purse-charms, which I hadn’t heard of before, and found a perfect charm in the shape of a souvenir key-ring which I have now attached to my handbag.  

My new Purse Charm

Hope you have a great day,

Margaret.